AMTA launches 'Check my Device' tool ahead of 3G shutdown

The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) has launched a new web-based tool, named Check my Device, to help Australians determine if their mobile device will be fully supported on Australian mobile networks after 3G networks close — including the ability to make emergency calls to Triple Zero.

As 4G and 5G network services become widespread, 3G network usage has declined significantly, and carriers around the world are closing down their older networks. Industry estimates provided to the federal government earlier this year suggested the number of impacted Australian devices was around 740,000; this figure has since dropped to around 205,000.

Check my Device is available to Australians on any mobile network and can be translated in 11 different languages, including Arabic, Greek, Hindi and Mandarin. The tool uses a mobile phone’s unique 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, which identifies the make and model of the mobile device, to determine if it will be supported on all three Australian mobile networks once 3G closes. The site provides clear steps on how to source the IMEI number of the mobile device by simply entering *#06# into the phone’s keypad. After entering their IMEI number, users receive an immediate response.

If the response is ‘OK’, no further action is needed — the mobile phone will be fully supported after the 3G networks close. If users receive a ‘CHECK’ prompt, they should contact their service provider as their handset may not be able to make emergency calls to Triple Zero after 3G networks close and may need to be upgraded or replaced. Telstra and Optus network users can also text ‘3’ to ‘3498’ to check if their device is supported after 3G closes.

Australia’s 3G networks have been shutting down in stages, with the TPG Telecom-owned Vodafone network being the first mobile network operator to close its 3G network in January 2024. Telstra will complete its 3G network closure on 31 August 2024, and finally Optus will commence its 3G closure from 1 September 2024. Affected devices will continue to connect to any available 3G network in the country to make emergency calls until all such networks are switched off, meaning any calls to Triple Zero placed between now and September will not provide an accurate gauge of ongoing support.

“Devices that use the 3G network for voice services will not be able to make any calls, including emergency calls to Triple Zero, once Australia’s 3G networks are fully inactive,” said AMTA CEO Louise Hyland. There is also a subset of 4G-enabled handsets — including older devices and devices purchased overseas — that will continue to operate normally for voice, SMS and data after the switchover, but currently default to 3G for Triple Zero calls because of manufacturer configuration. It is therefore crucial to act now if you think your device may be affected, Hyland said.

To use the Check my Device tool, go to www.amta.org.au/3g-closure/check-my-device/.

Image credit: iStock.com/Charday Penn