• Obsolete phones still for sale online, with seven consumer complaints received
• Newer 4G refurbished phone imports could be impacted by 3G shutdown
• Advice for consumers on how to check phones will still work

With the national shutdown of Australia’s 3G network just days away, consumers are warned to check their existing phones and to be wary of buying incompatible mobile phones that will no longer be able to make calls, send texts, or access emergency services like Triple 0.

From Monday 28 October 2024, Telstra and Optus will permanently shut down their 3G networks, joining Telecom/Vodafone, which already closed its 3G network in January 2024.

After the shutdown, older 4G-enabled phones, 3G-only models and certain imported ‘grey-market’ devices, which are refurbished phones originally intended for overseas use, will become obsolete and unable to function.

Consumer Protection has already received complaints from seven consumers who spent a total of $4,646 purchasing imported refurbished devices from online Australian retailers as recently as two months ago that will become unusable after the 3G network closure.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake anticipated more complaints could follow once consumers discover their devices no longer work.

“We’ve discovered that some online retailers in Australia are today still selling outdated phones that soon won’t function on Australia’s newer 4G and 5G networks,” Ms Blake said.

“These obsolete phones will leave buyers unable to communicate, including during critical situations when calling Triple 0 is essential, because they are not designed to support all the Australian mobile frequency bands.

“We are putting retailers on notice that by continuing to sell incompatible phones they may be breaching the Australian Consumer Law, which requires products to be of acceptable quality and fit for purpose.

“While refurbished phones may be a budget-friendly option, we strongly urge consumers to be cautious before buying one and ensure the retailer they’re purchasing from is supplying Australian models.

“If you have an old phone that won’t work after the 3G network is phased out, please don’t sell it or pass it on to someone who might think it’s still useable.”

The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) recommends going to reputable retailers and asking if the device can support:

• All Australian mobile frequency bands, especially the 700 MHz band
• 4G and 5G voice calling (VoLTE).
• 4G and 5G (VoLTE) emergency calling.

The AMTA also recommends asking the seller for the phone's IMEI number and putting it into its Check My Device to determine if the device will be affected by the 3G shutdown.

Consumers can check whether their existing mobile phones will be impacted by texting ‘3’ to the number ‘3498’. For all other devices, such as smartwatches, tablets, in-home personal emergency alarms, EFTPOS terminals and fire and security alarms, consumers should contact their service provider.

Consumers who believe they have been misled by the recent purchase of a device are urged to lodge a complaint on the Consumer Protection website. Enquiries can be made by emailing consumer@demirs.wa.gov.au or calling 1300 30 40 54.

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Media Contact: cpmedia@demirs.wa.gov.au