We’ve switched off our 3G Network

At Lebara we work hard to bring you faster internet and new features on our mobile network. We switched off our legacy 3G mobile network to focus on our 4G network that now covers more than 24 million Australians and our state-of-the-art 5G network that is stronger than ever.

Starting September 2024, 3G network users may not be able to make an emergency call to Triple Zero (000). You may opt for an upgrade to a 4G and 5G compatible device or check if your current device will be affected by this change. Find a list of compatible devices on our VoLTE support page.

Try our new SMS device checker tool

Some devices may not be able to make emergency calls to Triple Zero (000) once all 3G networks in Australia close (expected to be October 2024). Depending on the device, you may need to upgrade your device to a compatible 4G or 5G approved device or update your device software.

To find out if your device is impacted by the 3G shutdown, use our SMS device checker tool. Just text the number 3 to 3498.

For more information about this industry-wide change, The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) has launched www.3Gclosure.com.au to provide Australians with the key facts and information they need to prepare for the upcoming 3G network closures.

Important: Emergency calls to Triple Zero (000)

3G networks across Australia will be closed from 28 October 2024. If your mobile phone doesn’t support making emergency calls on 4G networks, you won’t be able to make emergency calls to 000 once all 3G networks have closed.

If you have received notice from us that your phone is impacted, it is urgent that you act now to upgrade. Under new regulations, we must block all voice, SMS and data services to incompatible devices by 1 November 2024. This applies across all mobile providers in Australia.

Additional information

What about emergency calls?

Some devices are not compatible with Australian mobile networks and while they may be able to make standard calls on a 4G/5G networks, they may not be able to make emergency calls once all 3G networks are closed. If you have such a device or have received a notification from us identifying that your device is unable to make emergency 000 calls, for safety reasons, you must urgently change to a compatible device, otherwise you will not be able to make emergency 000 calls. See approved devices here.

Need more info? SMS 3 to 3498, call us on 1555 or visit your local Vodafone store. Use our store locator to find your nearest store.

Note: Unless your call is for a legitimate emergency, DO NOT call Triple Zero (000) to test your device.

What do I need to do to prepare for the 3G network closure?

The vast majority of our customers do not have to do anything at all and will continue accessing our 4G and 5G networks as they do today.

Customers that have 3G-only handsets, tablets and connected devices will need to upgrade.

Some 4G handsets may also need settings changed to be able to continue to make and receive voice calls using our 4G network.

To find out if your device will be affected by this change, SMS the number 3 to 3498.

What devices are affected by the 3G closure?

All 3G-only devices (including phones, tablets and mobile broadband devices) and in rare cases, some older 4G phones, will be affected.

Some older 4G phones that do not have a feature called ‘VoLTE’ (Voice over Long Term Evolution) will not be able to make and receive voice calls.

Please contact your device manufacturer if you are unsure of your device’s specific capabilities.

How to check if my phone will be affected?

To know if your device will be affected by this change, try our SMS device checker tool by sending SMS 3 to 3498.

If you’ve identified that you have a 3G-only phone, then you will no longer be able to make calls (including emergency 000 calls). We recommend you upgrade your phone to a 4G or 5G compatible approved device to continue having mobile service.

If you’re ready to upgrade, call us today on 1555 to talk through your options.

Does the 3G network closure only affect phones?

No. Other devices like tablets, mobile broadband modems, smart watches, some home security systems, and other connected devices might also be using 3G services. Please contact your device manufacturer or Lebara if you are unsure of your device’s specific capabilities.

What is VoLTE and how do I switch it on?

Voice over LTE (VoLTE) is a feature that allows you to make voice calls using our 4G network. You might need to turn the VoLTE setting on. You can check your device and settings on our VoLTE support page.

Android devices

If you have a Samsung device, Voice over LTE should automatically be enabled. If you’ve previously disabled VoLTE and want to reenable it, or would like to check if it’s enabled on your Android device, please go to your Settings > Mobile Networks

Apple devices

If you have an Apple device iPhone 6 or later, Voice over LTE should be automatically enabled. To check this or manually enable, please go to Settings > Mobile > Mobile Data options > Voice and Data

What should I do with my old 3G device?

The best way to recycle your old device is with Mobile Muster, the Australian mobile industry’s official recycling scheme. Alternatively, please consider eWaste recycling facilities which may be offered by your local council.