Changes to the 3G mobile network

3G technology was first launched 20 years ago at a time when we were still listening to music on CDs, the biggest social network was MySpace, and the Blackberry was the number 1 smartphone. So like with all great technologies, sometimes you need to say goodbye. 

From 28th October 2024, our network partner Optus will be repurposing 3G technology to boost the capacity, speed and reliability of the 4G network, as well as the growth of 5G technology. This standard practice is called “re-farming”, where a specific mobile radio frequency band is reused from one technology to another.

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Do the changes affect calls to Triple Zero (000)?

From the 28th of October 2024, 3G services will no longer be available on our network. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you through this change.

1. We'll be reaching out to customers who we believe may have a device impacted by these changes.
2. You can also check whether your mobile phone is impacted at any time by texting the number ‘3’ to ‘3498’*.
3. If you receive an email or message, we recommend checking your device manual, or the manufacturer’s website or contacting their support team, to confirm if the device is reliant on 3G. We’ve provided more details below.
4. If your device relies on 3G, you’ll need to upgrade your device to a 4G or 5G capable device to continue to stay connected. We’ve provided options below on how to do this.

*If you have recently upgraded your handset this text service response may not accurately represent your devices 3G Impact status.

From the 28th of October 2024, if your device is reliant on 3G for emergency calls, you won't be able to make an emergency call to Triple Zero (000).

To ensure you still have access, we strongly recommend you upgrade your device as soon as possible if you have received an SMS, email, or letter from us. 

To remain connected and have good network coverage, you’ll need to make sure that before the 28th of October 2024:

1. Your device supports 4G VoLTE (if your device is used for voice calls), and
2. Your device is compatible with 4G 700 MHz (B28) spectrum.

If your device is not 4G or 5G capable, to continue to access the network, you will need to get a new device. This may mean buying a new or refurbished phone or possibly getting a used device from a friend or family member. It’s important to check the device manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm that the device is compatible. 
 

If you’re using a device that relies on 3G 900MHz spectrum only, you won’t be able to connect to the 3G network from the 28th of October 2024.

We suggest that you check your device manual, or the manufacturer’s website or contacting their support team, to confirm if your device will be affected.

If you’ve confirmed your device won’t be affected, then great news, you should be able to use your device as usual after the 3G network is repurposed.

Just double-check that 4G VoLTE is enabled in your settings (please check your device manual, with your manufacturer if you’re unsure how to do this, see support article located here.

3G is the third generation of wireless mobile telecommunications technology. “G” stands for Generation and the higher the number, the newer and more efficient the technology.

Each generation of technology uses radio frequency spectrum bands. Mobile phones and devices use these spectrum bands to communicate with the mobile network.
 

Dodo partners with Optus to deliver our mobile services, Optus owns and operates the mobile network (including 3/4/5G) that your mobile service operates on.

All Dodo mobile customers are powered by the Optus network.

The Optus 3G network runs on 900MHz spectrum band.

From the 28th of October 2024, Optus will be repurposing the 3G network.

This allows a better experience for 4G services, as well as support the growth of 5G technology.
 

Re-farming is when a specific mobile radio frequency band is repurposed from one technology to another.

As technology evolves, people are using 3G less and less.

That’s why Optus have made the decision to repurpose 3G so they can improve 4G network and boost 5G rollout.

No not immediately, Dodo is looking to adopt 5G technology in the near future as the coverage becomes wider and more accessible.

In the meantime, 4G coverage will be the primary technology for our Dodo mobile customers. 

From the 28th of October 2024, the Optus 3G network will be shutting down.

To know if your device will be affected, we recommend checking your device manual, or the manufacturer’s website or contacting their support team. 
In technical terms, please confirm if your device:

1. relies on 3G 900MHz spectrum for voice and/or data service,
2. supports 4G VoLTE (including VoLTE Emergency calling) – this important if you’re using your device to make and receive voice calls, and
3. is compatible with 4G 700 MHz (B28) spectrum. The L700MHz is low band 4G spectrum used by Optus and some other providers for optimal 4G coverage. 
    

If your device doesn’t work with the Optus 4G network or relies on 3G network for emergency calls, then you won't be able to make an emergency call to 000 on the Optus mobile network.

It’s important that you check your device manual, or the manufacturer’s website or contacting their support team to confirm if you’ll be impacted.

If 3G coverage is available from another operator, then emergency calls may be able to be made, however we can’t guarantee this.

No, you won’t lose your mobile number, as long as you upgrade to a 4G or 5G compatible device (with Dodo or another provider) and keep your number.

Unfortunately, mobile broadband services are different as can’t be can’t be transferred to a mobile phone plan.

Yes, some mobile broadband customers will be impacted it’s important that you check with the device manufacturer to confirm if you’ll be impacted.

Compatible 4G Apple iPhones:

1. Go to your phone’s Settings and select ‘Mobile’, then ‘Mobile Data Options’,
2. Select ‘Enable 4G’, then select ‘Voice & Data’, and
3. If your phone is compatible, you should have the option to turn on VoLTE available.

Other VoLTE compatible devices:

The first step is to make sure your device’s operating system is up to date.

Once you’ve updated it, VoLTE should be automatically enabled (sometimes this can take up to 4 hours).

Then, please refer to your device manual on enabling VoLTE since instructions differ between various device models.
 

An IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identifier) is the unique code that is programmed into every phone or mobile device.

When you contact your device manufacturer, they will most probably require this code.

To find your phone’s IMEI follow the following steps:

1. Open your phone app,
2. Dial *#06# into the dial pad,
3. Press enter or call, and
4. Your device automatically responds with its IMEI.

You can use the IMEI to check your device specifications with the manufacturer.
 

Most likely not, but there is a potential when upgrading your handset device.

Many 3G 900MHz dependent devices use a mini/micro SIM and the majority of 4G devices require a nano SIM.

To order a replacement sim, you can call our service team on 13 36 36 for support. 
 

The repurposing of the Optus 3G network will be happening nationally.

If you're currently using a personal medical device or security device that relies on the 3G 900MHz band, then it will stop working from October 2024.

We recommend you check with the device manufacturer and upgrade your affected device (with Optus or another provider) as soon as possible.

Most major Australian telcos are repurposing their 3G technologies to make way for more advanced 4G and 5G technologies.

If you want to keep your current device and considering moving to another mobile network, we recommend that you first check that they still support 3G.

If you don’t want to upgrade your device and it’s dependent on 3G 900MHz, from the 28th of October 2024 you may no longer be able to make calls, send or receive texts, or browse the internet on your Dodo mobile service.