What is the voice announcement I'm hearing about the 3G shutdown?

You may hear this Recorded Voice Announcement (RVA) when making outgoing calls:

"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."

Why am I hearing this?

  • Your device has been identified as potentially impacted by the 3G shutdown
  • The announcement serves as a reminder to upgrade your device
  • It will continue until network data shows a compatible device in use

Important: You cannot opt out of these announcements while using an affected device.

Impact after 3G shutdown
After 28 October 2024, affected devices may have lost the ability to:

  • Make regular calls
  • Send/receive texts
  • Access mobile data
  • Make emergency calls to 000

Testing your device
DO NOT:

  • Call 000 to test compatibility
  • Ignore the announcements
  • Assume your device will continue working

DO:

  • Use the SMS Device Checker tool
  • Text '3G' to 3498 for guidance
  • Check if you need software updates or hardware upgrade

After updating your device
Network data updates:

  • May take up to 24 hours to reflect changes
  • RVA messages will continue during this period
  • Use SMS tool to confirm update status

Checking network data updates:

  1. Text '3G' to 3498
  2. Review the returned device information
  3. If showing new device: Data is current
  4. If showing old device: Wait for update
  5. Check regularly until new device appears

Still receiving RVA after device change?
If you:

  • Have a new device
  • Still hear the RVA
  • SMS tool shows new device

Then:
Your new device may also be incompatible. Follow the SMS tool's advice for ensuring ongoing compatibility.