Is Telstra’s 3G Shutdown Causing Issues with Your Calls? Here’s What You Need to Know

Telstra has begun shutting down its 3G network across Australia, a transition that might leave some customers facing unexpected problems with their calls. If your phone relies on the 3G network for voice calls, you could be among those affected. This is especially true for certain older 4G and early 5G models that don’t support Voice over LTE (VoLTE), which enables calls over the newer 4G and 5G networks. If you’re experiencing call issues or have lost voice services entirely, here’s what you need to know—and how to fix it.

What Does the 3G Shutdown Mean for Your Device?

The Telstra 3G network has been a mainstay for years, providing reliable voice services for many users. Now, with Telstra redirecting resources to strengthen 4G and 5G capabilities, 3G is being phased out across Australia. For most customers with recent phones, this shift will be seamless. However, some older 4G and early 5G devices that lack VoLTE may run into problems, as these devices would typically use 3G to handle voice calls. Without VoLTE, these phones can’t switch to 4G or 5G for voice calls, leading to dropped calls, connection issues, or even the inability to make calls at all.

How to Tell if Your Device is Affected

Not sure if your device has VoLTE? Here are some quick steps to check if your device could be affected:

1. Check Device Settings: Look in your phone’s network settings for an option like “VoLTE” or “4G calling.” If you don’t see it, your device may be missing this capability.
2. Consult Your Carrier: If you’re uncertain, contact Telstra or your carrier directly to verify whether your phone is VoLTE-compatible.
3. Test Your Call Functionality: Try making a voice call; if it doesn’t connect, drops repeatedly, or only works in limited areas, your device may be relying on the now-disabled 3G network.

• For more about the shutdown and Telstra’s transition to 4G and 5G, see Telstra’s official update here.

Steps You Can Take to Restore Call Services

If your device is affected, here are steps you can take to make sure you’re able to make calls, including emergency calls, without issue:

1. Update Your Device Software: Some manufacturers release software updates to enable VoLTE on compatible phones. Check your device for any software updates and install them to prepare for this change.
2. Consider Upgrading Your Phone: If your current phone doesn’t support VoLTE and cannot be updated, consider upgrading to a model that will support calls over 4G and 5G networks.
3. Explore Carrier Support Options: Contact Telstra to discuss other solutions, such as device trade-ins or upgrade programs, especially if your current device cannot connect to VoLTE.

• You can read more about how 4G and 5G devices may be impacted by the 3G shutdown here.

How Mobile Computer Geeks Can Help

If you’re experiencing call issues and suspect your device may be affected by the 3G shutdown, Mobile Computer Geeks is here to assist. We provide practical support to get you back online, including:

• Compatibility Checks: We’ll help determine if your device supports VoLTE and can function on 4G or 5G networks.
• Software Update Assistance: Our experts can walk you through or perform any necessary updates to enable VoLTE on supported phones.
• Upgrade Recommendations: If an upgrade is needed, we can guide you toward reliable models that are fully compatible with Australia’s 4G and 5G networks, ensuring your calls remain connected.

Don’t let the 3G shutdown disrupt your calls. Contact Mobile Computer Geeks today to restore your connectivity and get back to seamless communication.

For further reading on Telstra’s 3G shutdown, visit Telstra’s announcement or find more information on impacted devices from WhistleOut.