You may hear a short Recorded Voice Announcement (RVA) when making outgoing calls if your device is identified as being impacted by the upcoming 3G network shutdown on 28 October 2024.

The RVA message will state:

"When the 3G network closes it's likely this phone won't be able to make calls, including emergency calls. Contact your service provider for details."

This RVA is being played to remind you to take action and upgrade to a 4G/5G and VoLTE-capable device before the 3G shutdown date. You cannot opt-out of receiving this announcement and it will continue for as long as network data indicated an incompatible device is in use on the service.

After the 3G network is decommissioned, your current device may lose the ability to make any calls, including emergency calls to 000, if it is not compatible with 4G VoLTE or 5G voice services.

To continue using voice services seamlessly, you will need to either update your device's software and settings to enable 4G emergency calling capability or replace your device with a new compatible model.

Please note that you must not call 000 to test your device, as it does not confirm compatibility and will interfere with critical emergency services operations.

Instead, we recommend using our SMS Device Checker tool by texting '3G' to 3498 to receive guidance on whether your device needs a software update or a hardware upgrade for the 3G shutdown.

Note: After updating your device, it may take up to 24 hours for network data to reflect your new device information. During this interim period, you will continue to hear the RVA message.

To check if the network data has been updated:

1. Text '3G' to 3498.
2. The SMS tool will return the latest network data about your device.
3. When the tool returns your new device information, the advice is up-to-date.
4. If it returns your old device information, you can ignore the RVA message as it is still waiting on new network information.
5. You can check as often as needed until the SMS tool reflects your new device information.

If you have replaced your device, you continue to receive the RVA message and and the SMS Tool shows your new device information, then your new device may also not be compatible with the network after the 3G shutdown. In this case advice received from the SMS Tool will direct you on what you need to do for ongoing compatibility.