The Telstra Wholesale 3G network will close on October 28, 2024. MaxoTel uses the Telstra Wholesale network for our mobile SIM services.

How to Check if you're Impacted

If your phone shows 4G, LTE or 5G beside the network strength bar, along with a VoLTE symbol, you are not affected and can continue to use your phone as normal.

If your phone shows 4G, LTE or 5G beside the network strength bar, but does not display a VoLTE symbol this change may impact you.

If your phone shows 3G or H beside the network strength bar, this change impacts you.

If you're unsure, you can text "3" to 3498. There is no charge for this message.

For users connected to the 3G network, Telstra will soon begin playing a reminder message when you make an outbound call. This message can't be disabled, and will only stop once you're connected to 4G/5G with VoLTE enabled.

What to do if Your Mobile is Affected

1. If your phone is already connected to 4G or 5G, ensure you have enabled VoLTE. Please check your device's user guide for steps to enable this feature.
2. Your handset may already support 4G/5G. To ensure it's enabled on your device, please:
   1. Android: Open your phone's settings app, then navigate to Network/Connections > SIM/Mobile Networks > Network Type/Mode and select 5G/4G/3G or Auto. Note that the setting's location may vary by manufacture. Please check your device's user guide if you're not able to locate it.
   2. iPhone: Open the settings app, then go to Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Options > Voice & Data and select 5G Auto/LTE
3. If you don't see the option to select 4G/5G, ensure you have installed the latest available software updates for your device. After the updates are installed you may need to repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. If neither of the above are available, you may need to replace your phone with one that supports 4G/5G. As MaxoTel is powered by Telstra Wholesale, ensure any new handsets are compatible with Telstra and not locked to another provider (eg. Optus or Vodafone)

Why is this Change Occurring?

3G was launched in 2006 when calls and text were the most common use. Since then the way we use mobiles has change significantly, in particular with mobile data.

To make way for the future, Telstra is closing its 3G mobile network (850Mhz band) on 31st August 2024. Once the 3G network has closed, Telstra will repurpose the spectrum to expand the 5G network.

As this change is completed, your network experience should improve, and in most cases, you'll notice a substantial improvement in speeds when you move from 3G only coverage to 4G coverage. 4G service accesses greater bandwidths and is more efficient than 3G, leading to higher end user speeds.