Changes to the 3G mobile network

Due to new regulatory requirements, any non-compliant (000) impacted (customers) handsets attempting to activate a mobile service will be blocked from using the service at point of activation, this is due to our network provider Optus identifying that the handset is unsafe and unable to call emergency services, including Triple Zero (000).

Please check if you need to upgrade your handset in advance:

Text 3 to 3498 to determine if your handset is compatible or click here if you have no active service.
Low-cost compatible handsets can be purchased here.

What is 3G?

3G is the third generation of wireless mobile telecommunications technology. “G” stands for Generation and the higher the number, the newer and more efficient the technology.

Each generation of technology uses radio frequency spectrum bands. Mobile phones and devices use these spectrum bands to communicate with the mobile network.

What is the relationship between Dodo and Optus?

Dodo partners with Optus to deliver our mobile services, Optus owns and operates the mobile network (including 3/4/5G) that your mobile service operates on. All Dodo mobile customers are powered by the Optus network.

What's changing with the 3G network?

The Optus 3G network runs on 900MHz spectrum band.

From the 28th of October 2024, Optus will be repurposing the 3G network. This allows a better experience for 4G services, as well as support the growth of 5G technology.

Which areas/locations are affected?

The repurposing of the Optus 3G network will be happening nationally.

What is re-farming?

Re-farming is when a specific mobile radio frequency band is repurposed from one technology to another.

Why change when 3G works well for me?

As technology evolves, people are using 3G less and less. That’s why Optus have made the decision to repurpose 3G so they can improve the 4G network and boost 5G rollout.

Does this change mean that I will now have 5G coverage?

No not immediately, Dodo is looking to adopt 5G technology in the near future as the coverage becomes wider and more accessible. In the meantime, 4G coverage will be the primary technology for our Dodo mobile customers.

Is there an impact to mobile broadband customers?

Yes, some mobile broadband customers will be impacted, so it’s important that you check with the device manufacturer to confirm if you’ll be impacted.

3G technology was first launched 20 years ago at a time when we were still listening to music on CDs, the biggest social network was MySpace, and the Blackberry was the number 1 smartphone. So like with all great technologies, sometimes you need to say goodbye.

From 28th October 2024, our network partner Optus will be repurposing 3G technology to boost the capacity, speed and reliability of the 4G network, as well as the growth of 5G technology. This standard practice is called “re-farming”, where a specific mobile radio frequency band is reused from one technology to another.

Related

Do the changes affect calls to Triple Zero (000)?

From the 28th of October 2024, 3G services will no longer be available on our network. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you through this change.

1. We'll be reaching out to customers who we believe may have a device impacted by these changes.
2. You can also check whether your mobile phone is impacted at any time by texting the number ‘3’ to ‘3498’*.
3. If you receive an email or message, we recommend checking your device manual, or the manufacturer’s website or contacting their support team, to confirm if the device is reliant on 3G. We’ve provided more details below.
4. If your device relies on 3G, you’ll need to upgrade your device to a 4G or 5G capable device to continue to stay connected. We’ve provided options below on how to do this.

*If you have recently upgraded your handset this text service response may not accurately represent your devices 3G Impact status.

From the 28th of October 2024, if your device is reliant on 3G for emergency calls, you won't be able to make an emergency call to Triple Zero (000). 

To ensure you still have access, we strongly recommend you upgrade your device as soon as possible if you have received an SMS, email, or letter from us. 

If 3G coverage is available from another operator, then emergency calls may be able to be made, however we can’t guarantee this.

From 28th October 2024, 3G services will no longer be available on our network, which may impact some existing and new customers with older mobile devices. 

1. We'll be reaching out to customers who we believe may have a device impacted by these changes.
2. You can also check whether your mobile phone is impacted at any time by texting the number ‘3’ to ‘3498’.
3. If you receive an email or message, we recommend checking your device manual, or the manufacturer’s website or contacting their support team, to confirm if the device is reliant on 3G. We’ve provided more details below.
4. If your device relies on 3G, you’ll need to upgrade your device to a 4G or 5G capable device to continue to stay connected. We’ve provided options below on how to do this.
5. If you do not make safe your handset from this date Optus will commence blocking all non compliant handsets from the 28th October.
6. A low-cost compatible handsets can be purchased here.

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

Unfortunately, mobile broadband services are different as can’t be can’t be transferred to a mobile phone plan.

Most likely not, but there is a potential when upgrading your handset device.

Many 3G 900MHz dependent devices use a mini/micro SIM and the majority of 4G devices require a nano SIM.

To order a replacement sim, you can call our service team on 13 36 36 for support. 
 

If you're currently using a personal medical device or security device that relies on the 3G 900MHz band, then it will stop working from October 2024.

We recommend you check with the device manufacturer and upgrade your affected device (with Optus or another provider) as soon as possible.

Most major Australian telcos are repurposing their 3G technologies to make way for more advanced 4G and 5G technologies.

If you want to keep your current device and considering moving to another mobile network, we recommend that you first check that they still support 3G.

If you don’t want to upgrade your device and it’s dependent on 3G 900MHz, from the 28th of October 2024 you may no longer be able to make calls, send or receive texts, or browse the internet on your Dodo mobile service.