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BOOST MOBILE

3G is closing

Act now to stay connected

Boost Mobile uses the full coverage of the Telstra mobile network. On 28 October 2024, Telstra is closing the oldest mobile technology, 3G, and repurposing it to expand the faster 5G network.

IMPORTANT: Emergency calling

If your device doesn’t support VoLTE emergency calling, you will not be able to make an emergency call to 000 on the Telstra Mobile Network. You won’t be able to make voice calls or connect on our network if your device doesn’t have Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology, even with 4G data.

Devices / Phones. Refurb, Second-hand or from overseas 

If you’re using a device that was set up for another country (i.e. you bought it overseas, it was imported, or it’s second-hand and you’re not sure where it’s from), it may have patchy coverage when 3G closes.

  • That’s because Telstra’s main 4G frequency is band 28 (B28)/700MHz. But in many countries, this frequency isn’t used for 4G, so phones aren’t configured to use it.
  • You can find out if your phone is in this category by texting ‘3G’ to 3498. If it is, you’ll need to upgrade to avoid losing coverage in places where B28 is the only available frequency (usually outside major cities/regional hubs).

If you purchased a Boost Refurbished Phone see below:

Some 3G and some 4G refurbished devices will no longer be supported by the 3G network closure. If you have checked your phone and it is impacted, please see options below:

  • Refurbished Phone purchased from Boost.com.au: If your Boost Mobile refurb is impacted, simply send us your order number and we will get back to you with some options. Contact Alegre on help@refurbished.boost.com.au between 9-5pm (7 days). 
  • Refurbished Phone purchased from Coles: If your Boost Mobile refurb is impacted, simply visit a Coles Store or call 1800 061 562 with your receipt or proof of purchase and Coles will present you with some options.

Boost refurbished phones are supported and supplied by Alegre.

Check your device

In areas that currently only have a 3G signal, the Telstra mobile network will be extended to provide 4G coverage before the closure of the 3G network.
If we contacted you about this, it means your device might be impacted. Without taking action, you may not be able to connect to a network after 28 October 2024.

Checking your device

Voice calls on 4G need a VoLTE-capable device on 700 MHz (Band 28). For Telstra customers: To find out if your mobile phone is impacted SMS 3 to 3498.

Check device software

Check that you’re using the latest software on your phone. Data charges apply to software updates installed using data, so we recommend downloading software updates over Wi-Fi.

  • To update your Android phone, got to the Settings menu, then tap on System Updates. If an update is available you'll see a notification and you can tap on it and download it.
  • To update IOS (Apple) devices, go to Settings app, tap on General, then Software update.

Check your settings

The steps to check and update your device settings may vary based on which version of Android or iOS you have on your device.For instructions on setting your network to automatic:

Android devices:

  • Go to Settings
  • Select Network and internet
  • Go to Mobile Network
  • For the Preferred network type, select Automatic. If automatic isn’t an option, select 4G.

Apple iPhone:

  • No active eSIM: Go to Settings > Mobile > Mobile Data Options > Voice & Data. Choose 4G, VoLTE On
  • Active eSIM: Go to Settings > Mobile > Select SIM > Voice & Data. Choose 4G, VoLTE On.

Apple devices:

  • Go to Settings
  • Select Mobile
  • Go to Mobile Data Options
  • Go to Voice and Data and select Automatic. If automatic isn’t an option, select 4G.

Many new devices have VoLTE enabled by default and don’t have a setting to disable it, but in some cases you’ll need to manually
enable it using these steps:

  • Samsung: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks. Toggle VoLTE calls
  • Huawei: Settings > Wireless & Networks > Mobile Network. Toggle VoLTE calls
  • OPPO: Settings > Dual SIM (or SIM card and mobile data on single SIM models) > Cellular Network. Choose SIM 1 or SIM 2 (just SIM on
    single SIM phones). Toggle VoLTE Calls
  • Nokia: Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Advanced. Toggle Enhanced 4G LTE Mode
  • Motorola: Settings > Mobile network > Mobile data. Toggle VoLTE calls.

Need a new phone?

If your device only shows ‘3G’, or it's not VoLTE-capable, you need to replace it to stay connected.

Explore Devices >

If you received an email or SMS from us or if you think your device is impacted, then select your device type from the list below and follow the steps.

How to set your network to automatic:

Check for VoLTE

Voice calls on 4G need a VoLTE capable device on 700 MHz (Band 28). Check the user manual or manufacturer's website.

Check your 4G or 5G settings

Check your device network is set to ‘automatic’

Check VoLTE settings

Check VoLTE is enabled by following these steps.

Apple devices

  1. Go to Settings. Select Mobile
  2. Go to Mobile Data Options
  3. Go to Voice and Data and select Automatic. If automatic isn’t an option, select 4G.

Android devices

  1. Go to Settings. Select Network and internet
  2. Go to Mobile Network
  3. For the Preferred network type, select Automatic. If automatic isn’t an option, select 4G.

Many new devices have VoLTE enabled by default and don’t have a setting to disable it, but in some cases you’ll need to manually enable it using these steps:

1. Apple iPhone:
No active eSIM: Go to Settings Mobile > Mobile Data Options > Voice & Data. Choose 4G, VoLTE On
Active eSIM: Go to Settings > Mobile >
Select SIM > Voice & Data. Choose 4G, VoLTE On.
2.Samsung: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks. Toggle VoLTE calls

3.Huawei: Settings > Wireless & Networks > Mobile Network. Toggle VoLTE calls

4.OPPO: Settings > Dual SIM (or SIM card and mobile
data
 on single SIM models) > Cellular Network. Choose SIM 1 or SIM 2 (just SIM on single SIM phones). Toggle VoLTE Calls

5.Nokia: Settings > Network &
Internet
 > Mobile Network > Advanced. Toggle Enhanced 4G LTE Mode

6.Motorola: Settings > Mobile network > Mobile data. Toggle VoLTE calls.


Need a new phone?

If your device only shows ‘3G’, or it's not VoLTE-capable, you need to replace it to stay connected.

Check out our range of Boost refurbs plus trade in your old phone with the Boost Trade-in App for cashback.

3G Internet of Things (IoT) devices will no longer connect to the Telstra mobile network from 28 October 2024.

These systems include security equipment like CCTV, EFTPOS terminals, scanners and industrial routers.

We urge you to replace those devices now, well in advance of the closure date. Our recommendation is to choose models that have been certified on the Telstra Network. Learn more about Telstra IoT/M2M Certified Embedded Modules and Integrated Devices (PDF, 394KB)

Please encourage your device manufacturer or IoT service provider to have their portfolio Telstra Network-certified by contacting Telstra at telstrawirelessm2mhardware@team.telstra.com.

Once the 3G network closes, any device that is only able to connect to a 3G network will no longer be able to send a signal, initiate a data session, voice call or send an SMS.

This means if somebody needs medical help and presses an alert button that relies on 3G, the alert will not be sent. This could delay emergency response.

If your device supports 4G, in most cases it will continue to work. However, if it can make or receive voice calls, you'll also need to check with the supplier you purchased it from whether it supports Voice over LTE (VoLTE). Some older devices do not support voice over the 4G network.

If you do have a 3G-only device, or one that doesn't support VoLTE, changing the SIM doesn't affect the device’s ability to access the 4G network.

We recommend contacting your device manufacturer or supplier to confirm:

  1. 4G frequency band 28 (700 MHz) is built into the device. Without this, the device may not connect to our 4G network
  2. Your device supports Voice over LTE (VoLTE).

Frequently asked questions

It's about providing a better experience for Boost Mobile and Telstra customers.

When 3G launched in 2006, we used our mobile devices for calls, texting and accessing basic information online. Since then, technology and the way we use our phones has significantly changed and, as a result, traffic on Telstra’s 3G network has declined significantly.

Closing the 3G network allows Telstra to repurpose spectrum expand the faster 5G network and open the door to more digital opportunities.

No, 3G-only mobile devices will not work on Telstra’s 4G network. Contact us for help with any concerns about changing devices or technology types.

No, as the Telstra mobile network will no longer have 3G mobile coverage from 28 October 2024.

Mobile devices have special roaming capabilities when calling Triple Zero (000). In instances where another carrier has 3G coverage, you may still be able to make a 000 call. However, it’s important to note that other carriers are also closing their 3G network in 2024.

It’s crucial for everyone to ensure they have a 4G/5G VoLTE capable and compatible device before 28 October 2024. We also have more information about enabling VoLTE (Voice over LTE) on your mobile phone.

Some 4G devices, particularly devices originally sourced from overseas markets, are not compatible with all of Telstra’s 4G frequencies. It’s important to make sure you select a device that is compatible with Telstra’s 4G/5G network.

If you use your device to make and receive voice calls, from 28 October 2024 it must support VoLTE, and have VoLTE enabled in the settings.

Find out more about VoLTE, including what it is, what devices are compatible, and how to check or enable VoLTE on your phone.

Voice over LTE (VoLTE) lets you make phone calls over the Telstra 4G (LTE) network.

Your mobile device will use 4G to make and receive these calls in areas where 4G (LTE) is available. When the 3G network closes on 28 October 2024, VoLTE will be required to make or receive phone calls on the Telstra mobile network. It’s important to note that:

  • 3G phones do not have VoLTE; and
  • not all 4G phones have VoLTE and/or are compatible with the Telstra network.

If you have a 3G mobile device, you must upgrade to a 4G/5G mobile device that is VoLTE capable and compatible prior to 28 October 2024.

If you already have a 4G mobile device, we strongly recommend that you check that your device is VoLTE capable and compatible. Find out how to check and enable VoLTE.

Your network experience should improve, and in most cases you’ll notice a substantial improvement in speeds when you move from 3G-only coverage to 4G coverage.

The Telstra 4G service includes greater bandwidth and is more efficient than 3G, leading to higher end-user speeds.

The speed you experience is determined by a range of factors including how close you are to a tower, how much traffic the site is carrying, if there’s any obstructions impeding the network (i.e. buildings, hills, vegetation etc.) and what sort of device you’re using.

In areas that currently only have a 3G signal, the Telstra mobile network will be extended to provide 4G coverage before the closure of the 3G network.

Telstra have been rapidly rolling out and adjusting the 4G and 5G networks over the past few years to ensure there is equivalent coverage available ahead of the 3G closure. This involves upgrading all existing 3G sites with 4G technology, adding new 4G sites, and optimising others to create equivalent 4G coverage in areas that 3G coverage exists today.      

To access the 4G network, you need to be using compatible devices.

Recycle your old device

There are several options available to help you recycle old mobiles, chargers, and accessories.

  • Use the mobile muster website to find your nearest collection point
  • Mail your old device to mobile muster for recycling. Satchels are available from your local Australia Post office or JB Hi-Fi store.

Boost Mobile is brought to you working in partnership with Telstra. If you’re finding it difficult to pay for your mobile services, Telstra can help see you through difficult times. For more information see Telstra’s Payment Assistance Policy at telstra.com/payment-assistance or using the Boost Mobile app, via the Payments tab.

For you to continue using your device as normal, you need to ensure your software is up to date. To check that you're using the latest software, please follow the below instructions. Data charges apply to software updates installed using data, so we recommend downloading software updates over Wi-Fi.

Apple iPhone: Settings > General > About Device > Software Update

Samsung: Settings > Software Update > Download and install

Huawei: Settings > System > Software Update > Check for Updates

Motorola: Settings > System updates > Check for updates

Nokia: Settings > System > Advanced > System Update

OPPO: Settings > Software Updates