If English is not your first language, and you’d like to talk to us about this change, you can call our free interpreter service on 1300 294 479. Simply follow the menu prompts in your preferred language to speak to an interpreter.

Optus (and other Australian telecommunication providers) are legally required to block access to devices that are not able to make emergency calls to Triple Zero (000) using VoLTE.  Check if your phone is compatible by entering the first 8 digits of your phone’s IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number in our Device Checker tool. Find your phone’s IMEI number by dialling *#06#.

If your device is not compatible, you will need a new compatible device to stay connected.

Any device that connected to a 3G mobile network (including devices not sold by Optus or devices that may have been purchased overseas).

However, the most common devices impacted were:

• Mobile phones
• Personal medical transmitters
• Smartwatches or wristwatches
• Tablets
• WiFi dongles (mobile broadband)
• Modems
• Embedded network modules (small system board that might also be used in medical and other devices)
• Smart meters
• Security and surveillance systems
• Point Of Sale devices and barcode scanners
• Vehicle navigation and transport tracking systems
• iOT devices
• ATM machines
  

You can check the first 8 digits of your phone’s IMEI number in our Device Checker tool, or you can refer to your user manual or manufacturer’s website.

You’ll need to ensure that your device is compatible with:

• 4G network 700 MHz (LTE Band 28 or also known as B28 spectrum)
• 4G VoLTE (which enables voice calls to be made over a 4G network)
   

If your device does not support one or more of the above, it will no longer work or will have significantly reduced coverage.

You may need a new SIM card when you upgrade your device.

Many 3G dependent devices use a mini/micro SIM and the majority of 4G devices require a nano SIM.

If you need a replacement SIM for your impacted device, you can swap your SIM card at no cost from any Optus store or get in touch with our team on 1300 219 070 for support.

If you’re an Optus Prepaid customer, please call us on 1300 720 225.

No, you won’t lose your mobile number, as long as you upgrade to a 4G and/or 5G compatible device (with Optus or another provider) and retain your number.

Unfortunately, mobile broadband services are different. You can upgrade your mobile broadband service to another mobile broadband service and keep your number, however, it can’t be transferred to a mobile phone plan.

In your phone settings, you may not see a toggle to slide VoLTE on. So, it’s best to refer to your user manual as instructions may be different for various device models and types.

You can also follow the guide below or click here for more info:

First step is to update your network settings and your device’s operating software system to the latest version. Please refer to your user manual as instructions may be different for various device models and types.

Once the operating system is updated, your device should reboot and VoLTE should be automatically enabled.

Sometimes it can take up to 4 hours to update, so we recommend using Wi-Fi to reduce your data usage.

        Compatible 4G Apple iPhones

1. Go to your phone’s Settings
2. Select Mobile
3. Select Mobile Data Options
4. Select Voice & Data
5. Enable 4G (and on some devices enable VoLTE). On iPhone 12 models or later please select enable 5G

        For other VoLTE compatible devices

        Click here or refer to your user manual on how to check that VoLTE is enabled as instructions may be different for various device models and types.

For technical assistance, please refer to your user manual, contact your device manufacturer or call us on 1300 219 070.

We offer a range of devices to suit many needs and budgets. Call our Experts on 1300 219 070 to discuss your options.

If you’ve noticed a difference in coverage since our 3G network closed, there may be a few reasons why your experience may have changed:

• Device Compatibility: You may not be using a compatible 4G device.  You can check your phone’s IMEI number in our Device Checker tool, or you can refer to your user manual or manufacturer’s website to check if your device is compatible with the Optus network.
• Device Settings: Ensure 4G VoLTE is enabled in your device settings, your operating software is up-to-date, and network settings are reset.
• SIM Card Configuration: There might be an issue with your SIM card. A network repair or SIM replacement may solve this.  Contact Optus on 1300 218 070 to check the compatibility of your SIM card.

To see our historical 3G map, click here.

If you require any assistance or for technical help, please get in touch with our team on 1300 219 070.

Yes, this change will affect your service if your device relies on the Optus 3G network.

We recommend you contact your Mobile Service Provider directly to discuss your options.

We’ve included a list of all the providers that use the Optus 3G network below. You can search for their contact information by using the Mobile Service Provider Lookup, which is available on the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) website.

List of Mobile Providers that use the Optus 3G network:

• Accord Mobile
• AGL Mobile
• Amaysim
• Aussie Broadband
• Australia Post
• Bendigo Telco
• Catch Connect
• Circles.Life
• Coles Mobile
• Commander (Vocus)
• Connect ANZ
• Dodo
• E.Tel
• Field Solutions Group
• Flip Mobile
• iPrimus
• Kore
• Macquarie Telecom
• Moose Mobile
• Southern Phone
• SpinTel
• Vaya
• Vonex
• Yomojo
  

We’ve partnered with MobileMuster, a not for profit scheme that is government accredited, and certified carbon neutral. MobileMuster is a fast, free and convenient way to recycle out-of-date devices into reusable material.

If you have a 3G impacted device and you would like to recycle it, if it’s accepted as part of the MobileMuster scheme, simply drop off your old device at an Optus store near you.

What’s accepted by MobileMuster?

• All brands of mobile phones, their chargers and accessories
• Modems
• Home landline phones
• TV streaming devices
• Smart speakers and smart digital hubs (only Apple, Amazon, Google products)
• Smartwatches, smart pens, tracking tags and VR headsets (only Apple, Amazon, Fitbit, Google products)

What’s not accepted?

• Loose mobile phone batteries

Recycling your mobile phone

Any data left on your phone will be destroyed through the recycling process. However, as a precaution, we recommend that you remove any information and perform a factory reset before recycling your mobile. Here are some tips for preparing your iPhone or Android phone.