Telstra’s new SMS service tells you if you need to upgrade your device before the 3G closure

Telstra has launched a free SMS service to help Australians find out if they need to upgrade their device ahead of the 3G network shutdown.

The Telstra 3G network will close on June 30, 2024, and customers need to check their current devices to ensure their service won’t be impacted.

Telstra’s free text message service will let you know if you need to act, and it spells out step by step what needs to be done.

Telstra has already reached out to customers who they think will be impacted by the shutdown, but this new SMS tool allows people to act if they haven’t heard from Telstra or are still unsure.

Customers need to text 3 to 3498 and Telstra will text back letting you know if you need to do anything.

If your phone is fine, you will receive a reply that says:

“Thank you for using our 3G checker. Your device will be compatible with our network once we close the 3G network on 30 June, 2024 so you don’t have to do anything.”

If your device is not compatible, then you’ll receive another message with specific instructions and the status of your device.

Customers can also head into their nearest Telstra store and show the staff the SMS they received, or they can call on 13 22 00.

Telstra is aware there are some older 4G devices still require 3G to call 000.

If a customer is using this device and haven’t checked its compatibility it will be unable to ring 000 after the 3G closure.
The smartphone needs to have 4G VoLTE which is short for voice over Long Term Evolution (LTE is another name for 4g) which means it can make voice calls on 4G.