TPG Telecom – which owns the Vodafone network – has announced it will switch off its 3G network in December 2023 as customers move to the faster 4G and 5G mobile services.
This will affect customers using the Vodafone and TPG network along with mobile virtual network operators that also use the Vodafone network – iiNet, Internode, Lebara, Kogan and felix.
TPG Telecom’s decision to switch off its 3G network follows the successful re-deployment of the 2100Mhz spectrum it uses for 3G in metropolitan areas over to its 4G network.
The 900Mhz spectrum used to supply 3G in regional areas will not close until June 2024.
Only 1 per cent of TPG Telecom’s total mobile data traffic is carried on the 3G network with 4G accounting for 86 per cent of total mobile traffic. 5G makes up 13.5 per cent.
Once the 3G network is shut down it will automatically carry over to 4G or Wi-Fi Calling for more recent smartphones that have that feature.
“We have announced the December 2023 switch-off date in the best interests of giving our consumer and business customers the appropriate time and support they require to prepare for the move to superior mobile technologies like 4G and 5G,” said TPG Telecom Chief Technology Officer Giovanni Chiarelli.
“The retirement of older network technologies like 3G is part of an important industry-wide move to provide customers with better speed and greater functionality with today’s modern smartphones and devices.
“The 3G switch off will only impact a small number of our customers who have 3G-only devices, and our priority is to ensure they have a 4G or 5G device prior to December 2023.”
Meanwhile TPG telecom is continuing its rollout an upgrade of its 4G and 5G networks across the country.
By the end of 2022, TPG Telecom’s 5G rollout will exceed 2000 sites with steady growth planned for the coming years.
Any Vodafone customers who still have 3G devices are advised to visit their local Vodafone store or call 1555 to discuss upgrading their device.