What's changing?
3G technology was first launched 20 years ago when we were still listening to music on CDs, MySpace was the biggest social network, and Blackberry was the number one smartphone. So, like with all great technologies, sometimes you need to say goodbye.
From September 2024, our network partner Optus will repurpose 3G technology to boost the capacity, speed, and reliability of the 4G network and 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.
Will I be affected?
From September 2024, 3G services will no longer be available on our network. But don’t worry. We’re here to help you through this change.
- We'll be reaching out to customers who we believe may have a device impacted by these changes
- 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 whether the device relies on 3G. We’ve provided more details below
- If your device relies on 3G, you must upgrade to a 4G or 5G capable device to stay connected. We’ve provided options below on how to do this.
What do I need to do before September 2024?
To remain connected and have good network coverage, you’ll need to make sure that from September 2024:
- Your device supports 4G VoLTE (if your device is used for voice calls)
- Your device is compatible with the 4G 700 MHz (B28) spectrum.
If your device is not 4G or 5G capable, you will need to get a new device to continue accessing the network. This may mean buying a new or refurbished phone or possibly getting a used device from a friend or family member. It’s important to check the device manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm the device is compatible.
How will I know if I'm impacted?
To determine if your device will be affected, we recommend checking its manual, the manufacturer's website, or contacting the manufacturer's support team.
In technical terms, please confirm if your device:
- Relies on 3G 900MHz spectrum for voice and/or data service
- Supports 4G VoLTE (including VoLTE Emergency calling) – this is important if you’re using your device to make and receive voice calls
- Is compatible with 4G 700 MHz (B28) spectrum. The L700MHz is a low-band 4G spectrum used by Optus and some other providers for optimal 4G coverage.
Recent device models bought from other retailers or overseas may not be compatible with the 4G 700MHz spectrum band and may also be impacted.
This is a list of common devices that may be affected:
| Apple iPhone 4 (A1332) | Samsung SM-J320ZN | ALCATEL One Touch X600D |
| Apple iPhone S (A1530) | Samsung GT-I9505 | ALCATEL One Touch X220D |
| Apple iPhone SE (A2275) | Samsung SM-J105Y | ALCATEL One Touch X230D |
| Apple iPhone 5 (A1429) | Samsung SM-G920I | ALCATEL 2038X |
| Apple iPhone 5S (A1453) / (A1533) | Samsung Galaxy J8 2018 | ALCATEL one touch X500T |
| Apple iPhone 5C (A1529) | Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge SM-G935F | ASPERA Digicel Max |
| Apple iPhone 4S (A1387) | Samsung Galaxy A8 SM-A530F | HUAWEI Y5 2019 |
| Apple iPhone XR (A1984) | Samsung Galaxy A5 SM-A520F | Nokia 3310 3G SS |
| Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max (A2161) | Samsung Galaxy J2 | Quectel EC25-AU |
| Apple iPhone 11 (A2111) | Samsung Galaxy S7 SM-G930F | Redmi Note 8 Pro |
| Apple iPhone XS (A1920) | Samsung SM-G900I | FlipPhone Plus |
Note: Given the large number of device brands and models, we’re unable to provide a comprehensive list of all devices that may be affected. If your device is not on the list, we recommend checking its manual, visiting the manufacturer’s website, or contacting the manufacturer's support team.
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's the relationship between Commander & Optus?
Commander partners with Optus to deliver mobile services. Optus owns and operates the mobile network (including 3/4/5G) that your mobile service operates on. The Optus network powers all Commander mobile customers.
What's changing with the 3G network?
The Optus 3G network runs on a 900MHz spectrum band.
From September 2024, Optus will repurpose the 3G network. This will improve the experience of 4G services and support the growth of 5G technology.
What is re-farming?
Re-farming is when a specific mobile radio frequency band is repurposed from one technology to another.
Why do I have to move from the 3G network?
As technology evolves, people are using 3G less and less. That’s why Optus has decided to repurpose 3G to improve the 4G network and boost the 5G rollout.
Does this mean that I will now have 5G coverage?
No, not immediately. Commander 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 Commander mobile customers.
When will this change take effect?
From September 2024, the Optus 3G network will be shutting down.
How do I check to see if my device will be impacted?
To determine if your device will be affected, we recommend checking your device manual, the manufacturer’s website or try contacting their support team.
In technical terms, please confirm if your device:
- relies on 3G 900MHz spectrum for voice and/or data service
- supports 4G VoLTE (including VoLTE Emergency calling) – this is important if you’re using your device to make and receive voice calls
- is compatible with 4G 700MHz (B28) spectrum. The L700MHz is a low-band 4G spectrum used by Optus and some other providers for optimal 4G coverage.
Will I be left without access to 000?
If your device doesn’t work with the Optus 4G network or relies on the 3G network for emergency calls, then you won't be able to make an emergency call to 000 on the Optus mobile network.
It’s important to check your device manual, the manufacturer’s website or contact their support team to confirm if you’ll be impacted.
If 3G coverage is available from another operator, then emergency calls may be possible. However, we can’t guarantee this.
Will I lose my number?
No, you won’t lose your mobile number as long as you upgrade to a 4G or 5G compatible device (with iPrimus or another provider) and keep your number.
Unfortunately, mobile broadband services are different as they can’t be transferred to a mobile phone plan.
Is there an impact on 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 affected.
My device is compatible with VoLTE/4G voice calling. How do I enable it in my device settings?
Compatible 4G Apple iPhones:
- Go to your phone’s Settings and select ‘Mobile’, then ‘Mobile Data Options’
- Select ‘Enable 4G’, then select ‘Voice & Data’
- If your phone is compatible, you should have the option to turn on VoLTE available.
Other VoLTE-compatible devices:
The first step is to make sure your device’s operating system is up to date. Once you’ve updated it, VoLTE should be automatically enabled (sometimes, this can take up to 4 hours).
Then, please refer to your device manual on enabling VoLTE since instructions differ between various device models.
How do I find my device's IMEI code?
An IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identifier) is a unique code programmed into every phone or mobile device. Your device manufacturer will most probably require this code when you contact them.
To find your phone’s IMEI, follow the following steps:
- Open your phone app
- Dial *#06# into the dial pad
- Press enter or call
- Your device automatically responds with its IMEI.
You can use the IMEI to check your device specifications with the manufacturer.
Will I need a new SIM card?
Most likely not, but there is a potential when upgrading your handset device.
Many 3G 900MHz dependent devices use a mini/micro SIM, and most 4G devices require a nano SIM.
To order a replacement SIM, you can call our service team on 132 777 for support.
What areas/locations are affected?
The repurposing of the Optus 3G network will be happening nationally.
What if I have a medical device or security device?
If you currently use a personal medical device or security device that relies on the 3G 900MHz band, it will stop working from September 2024. We recommend you check with the device manufacturer and upgrade your affected device (with Optus or another provider) as soon as possible.
What happens if I don't want to upgrade my device or stay with Commander?
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 are considering moving to another mobile network, we recommend first checking to see if they still support 3G.
If you don’t want to upgrade your device and it’s dependent on 3G 900MHz, from September 2024, you may no longer be able to make calls, send or receive texts, or browse the internet on your Commander mobile service.