The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) launched a new web-based tool to help Australians determine if their mobile device will be fully supported on Australian mobile networks after 3G networks close, including the ability to make emergency calls to Triple Zero.
The tool is called Check my Device.
The announcement comes as Telstra’s 3G network is set to shut down on 31 August. The telco announced it will give 12,000 free mobile phones to assist its most disadvantaged customers to help them transition to 4G network.
Check my Device can be found on the website, www.3Gclosure.com.au, is available to all Australians, on any mobile network and can be translated into 11 different languages including Arabic, Greek, Hindi, and Mandarin.
The tool uses a mobile phone’s IMEI number, a unique 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity number, which identifies the make and model of the mobile device, to determine if it will be supported on all three Australian mobile networks once 3G closes.
The site provides clear steps on how to source the IMEI number of the mobile device by simply entering *#06# into the phone’s keypad. After entering their IMEI number, users receive an immediate response.
If OK, no further action is needed—the mobile phone will be fully supported after the 3G networks close.
If users receive a Check prompt, they should contact their service provider as their handset may not be able to make emergency calls to Triple Zero after 3G networks close and may need to be upgraded or replaced.
Telstra and Optus network users can also text “3” to “3498” to check if their device is supported after 3G closes.
AMTA also recommends users to “Check My Device” before making a device purchase.
“Ask the seller for the IMEI number of the device you are considering purchasing. Some grey-import devices do not support emergency calls once 3G closes. We also recommend that consumers check to ensure that the device isn’t blocked before purchasing,” the AMTA advised.
AMTA CEO Louise Hyland said it is important Australians act now and not delay.
“It’s crucial to act now if you know you have an older mobile device that connects to a 3G network, and you have not already upgraded,” she said.
“Devices that use the 3G network for voice services will not be able to make any calls, including emergency calls to Triple Zero, once Australia’s 3G networks are fully inactive. There are also certain 4G devices that will not be able to make emergency calls to Triple Zero after all 3G networks close.”
“The Check my Device tool is an easy way to check whether your mobile device will be fully supported after the switchover from 3G is complete. If needed, get in touch with your service provider to find an upgrade solution that suits your circumstances,” Hyland added.
Australia’s 3G networks have been shutting down in stages.
TPG Telecom-owned Vodafone network first closed its 3G network in January 2024.
Telstra will follow suit as mentioned on 31 August 2024.
Optus will shut down its 3G in September 2024.
“It is important to note that while 3G networks are still in operation, those affected mobile devices will continue to connect to any available 3G network while in coverage, to make emergency calls to Triple Zero. However, once the 3G networks are fully closed at the end of the year, these phones will not be able to make emergency calls. It is crucial to act now if you know you have an older mobile device and you haven’t already upgraded,” Hyland stressed.
Mobile phone users should not call Triple Zero to check their device.
As 4G and 5G network services become widespread, 3G network usage has declined significantly, and carriers around the world are closing down their older networks.
“4G and 5G networks in Australia are more efficient at delivering faster speed and capacity, which means better service and an enhanced mobile internet experience for users. Mobile network operators are expanding coverage to match or exceed 3G coverage.”
“We recognise however that this transition may pose difficulties for some users, particularly in regional and remote communities. We urge Australians to act now to ensure they are taking the necessary steps to stay connected,” continued Hyland.
AMTA encourages individuals with affected or old devices to properly dispose of them through MobileMuster, the official recycling scheme of the Australian mobile industry, promoting responsible product stewardship and sustainability.
To use the Check my Device tool, go to www.amta.org.au/3g-closure/check-my-device/