Preparing for the 3G closure
Telstra is now closing its 3G network from 28 October. We’ve contacted affected Belong customers via email and text, and we’ll keep checking in in the lead-up to the closure.
Hold up: what's 3G?
3G is a type of technology that lets us make calls, send texts and connect to mobile internet. The ‘3’ stands for ‘third’ and the ‘G’ stands for ‘generation’ – that is, it’s the third generation of mobile technology.
Each generation is like a language. 3G phones know how to speak to the 3G network, but since then, we’ve created the 4G and 5G networks too. 3G phones were made before these new languages existed, so they don’t have the tech to speak them.
That means when 3G closes, 3G phones won’t have a mobile network to speak to. It will also affect some 4G phones that use 3G for certain things.
What happens ahead of the closure
We check devices
We’ll look for devices that won’t work at all after the closure, and ones that won’t be able to make calls – including to 000.
You check your emails
If we think your device will be affected, we’ll let you know what you need to do.
Get your device ready
You might need to change a setting, update software, or upgrade to a newer device.
Keep your SIM
If you get a new device, your SIM, plan and number stay the same – just transfer your SIM across when you’re ready.
Device checker
You can also send us a text to find out if your phone is affected. Here’s how:
Use the phone you want to check
Send SMS to 3498 with the message '3G'
We’ll send a reply to let you know if your phone is affected
If you can’t send a message from your device, look for an email or text from us instead – we’re reaching out to all affected customers directly. You can also contact us and we'll look your device up at our end.
Heads up: because we limit how often we check handset data, this tool is best to use with a phone you’ve been using for at least two weeks.
Is your device from overseas or second hand?
If you’re using a device that was set up for another country (i.e. you bought it overseas, it was imported, or it’s second-hand and you’re not sure where it’s from), it may have patchy coverage when 3G closes.
That’s because Telstra’s main 4G frequency is band 28 (B28)/700MHz. But in many countries, this frequency isn’t used for 4G, so phones aren’t configured to use it.
You can find out if your phone is in this category by texting ‘3G’ to 3498. If it is, you’ll need to upgrade to avoid losing coverage in places where B28 is the only available frequency (usually outside major cities/regional hubs).