Important information about emergency calls to Triple Zero (000)
To keep you safe phones must support Triple Zero (000) calling over 4G (using VoLTE) in the event of an emergency. This is a legal requirement for all phones sold in Australia. Older 3G handsets, as well as some newer 4G/5G handsets (including those purchased overseas or from a retailer selling imported phones), do not meet these standards.
From 28 October 2024, if you have a device that is not able to make Triple Zero (000) calls, Vodafone is legally required to stop these mobile phones from accessing the Vodafone mobile network (felix is a brand of TPG Telecom which uses the Vodafone network). This means you will not be able to make or receive calls/texts or use data on the Vodafone mobile network from this date.
We are here to help you change to a compatible device to stay connected. Chat with us to discuss your options.
The 3G mobile network for Vodafone has now been shut down (felix is a brand of TPG Telecom which uses the Vodafone network).
Try our new SMS device checker tool
Some devices may not be able to make emergency calls to Triple Zero (000) once all 3G networks in Australia close (expected to be October 2024). Depending on the device, you may need to upgrade your device to a compatible 4G or 5G approved device or update your device software.
To find out if your device is impacted by the 3G shutdown, use our SMS device checker tool. Just text the number 3 to 3498.
For more information about this industry-wide change, The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) has launched www.3Gclosure.com.au to provide Australians with the key facts and information they need to prepare for 3G network closures.
Frequently asked questions
What about emergency calls?
Change of device required
Some devices are not compatible with Australian mobile networks and while they may be able to make standard calls on a 4G/5G network, they are not able to make emergency 000 calls on our network as our 3G network has now shut down. If you have such a device or have received a notification from us identifying that your device is unable to make emergency 000 calls, for safety reasons, you must urgently change to a compatible device otherwise you will not be able to make emergency 000 calls. Our WiFi Calling + VoLTE page has a list of compatible devices.
Software update required
We have also identified some handsets that need to be updated to the latest software to keep making emergency 000 calls on a 4G/5G network. If you have received a notification from us identifying that your device needs a software update to make emergency 000 calls, for safety reasons, you must urgently update to the latest software.
Note: Unless your call is for a legitimate emergency, DO NOT call Triple Zero (000) to test your device.
When did the 3G network close down?
Vodafone (felix uses the Vodafone 4G/5G network) switched off its 3G network in January 2024.
What do I need to do?
The vast majority of our customers do not have to do anything at all and will continue accessing our 5G/4G network as they do today. A very small number of our customers have 3G-only phones, and they will need to upgrade those devices before December 2023.
Some 4G handsets may also need a settings change to be able to continue to make and receive voice calls using our 4G network. Head to our WiFi Calling + VoLTE page to find out more.
What if I can’t afford a new device/phone right now?
Chat with us to discuss your options.
Why did the 3G network close?
Mobile carriers around the world are closing down their 3G networks as more advanced 4G and 5G network services become widespread. Our 4G and 5G networks are more efficient at delivering greater speed and capacity, which means better service and experience for customers.
Similar shutdowns have happened before. All Australian mobile networks switched off their 2G networks a few years ago when they upgraded to 4G.
Vodafone’s licence to access 3G spectrum (the invisible electromagnetic frequencies that transmit mobile data) expired in mid-2024. Although most customers rarely needed to access 3G, we wanted to make sure customers had the appropriate notice and to offer support to those who needed assistance.
What devices are affected by the 3G closure?
All 3G-only devices (including phones, tablets and mobile broadband devices) and in rare cases, some older 4G phones, will be affected.
Some older 4G phones that do not have a feature called 'VoLTE' (Voice over Long Term Evolution) will not be able to make and receive voice calls.
Please contact your device manufacturer or check for VoLTE capable devices if you are unsure of your device’s specific capabilities.
I have a 3G phone, how does this affect me?
If you have a 3G only phone then you will no longer be able to make calls, send texts or access the internet on your phone (compatible phones will still be able to make emergency 000 calls on other 3G networks when in coverage prior to their closure). WiFi internet access is still possible.
We recommend you upgrade your phone to a 4G or 5G compatible device to continue having mobile service.
If you have a device that is identified as not being able to make emergency 000 calls or you have received notification from us informing you that your device is not able to make emergency 000 calls, please refer to the “What about emergency calls?” section below.
Why is my phone still working on 3G?
Some customers may still have access to 3G in regional areas (not metropolitan areas) as we have a roaming agreement with other carriers that will come to an end in June. The roaming service is limited, and customers are still required to upgrade their device to a 4G or 5G compatible device.
Will 4G/5G network coverage differ to 3G coverage?
Our 4G coverage is similar in size and reach to our 3G coverage and our 5G coverage is growing every day. For more information take a look at our coverage checker.
What is VoLTE and how do I switch it on?
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) is a feature that allows you to make voice calls using our 4G network. You might need to turn the VoLTE setting on. You can check your device and settings on our VoLTE support page.
Android devices :
If you have a Samsung device, Voice over LTE should automatically be enabled. If you’ve previously disabled VoLTE and want to re-enable it or would like to check if it’s enabled on your Android device, please go to your Settings > Mobile Networks.
Apple devices :
If you have an Apple device iPhone 6 or later, Voice over LTE should be automatically enabled. To check this or manually enable, please go to Settings > Mobile > Mobile Data options > Voice and Data.
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