2G Network Closure Update

[Optus]

 

We are making changes to our mobile network and will be closing down older technology from April 2017. The 2G mobile network closure will take place over the following dates:

• WA & NT – 3 April 2017
• SA, QLD, VIC, NSW, TAS & ACT - 1 August 2017

After the shutdown dates, you will not be able to use 2G devices on the Optus mobile network. You will not be able to make or receive call or texts, or access the internet.

3G Single Band devices also use the 2G network in certain areas of the network, so if you have a 3G Single Band device and are outside the coverage of our 3G 2100 MHz network, you will also lose mobile service in these areas when the 2G mobile network closes. For more information on 3G Single Band devices, please see our FAQ below.

 

The Optus mobile network is always evolving, changing and growing. To make way for newer technologies such as our 4G Plus Network, we eventually need to close down older network technologies like 2G. That means we’re able to focus and invest in technology that offers better services for our customers now and into the future. We’re seeing the same thing happen around the world too.

 

Our 2G network was our first ever mobile network, and lets customer make calls and send texts, with some basic internet connectivity too. But 2G is now an out of date or legacy network technology.

We first launched 2G in 1993 and since then we’ve evolved our network to include newer and faster technologies such as 3G and 4G all of which let you browse the web, download files, stream video and lots more.

 

 

If you have a 2G device, you’ll only ever notice one of these symbols: 2G, Edge, E or GPRS in the top right hand corner of your phone’s screen (next to the signal strength bars) when it’s switched on.

2G phones are usually older phones that are typically best for talking and texting only. Also, older models only feature basic text screens – and that means you may not even see a 2G icon on your phone.

If you see any of these icons: 3G, H+, 4G or LTE on your phone’s screen, then it means your phone is compatible with our newer network technologies. 3G single band phones will show “3G” when in our 3G 2100 MHz coverage areas, but fall back to 2G outside of these coverage areas.  The latter coverage areas will be lost once 2G is closed down.

 

 

From 1 April, 2017, your 2G device will no longer work on the Optus mobile network. 3G Single Band devices will also no longer work in 2G areas.

 

3G Single Band is the 3G 2100MHz technology that connects your device to the Optus mobile network. Today, when 3G Single Band devices are used outside of Optus 3G 2100MHz network coverage areas, their service switches to 2G.

From 1^st April 2017, 3G Single Band devices will lose coverage when moving into areas once covered by 2G. If you’re currently using a 3G Single Band device, you may need to change to a 3G dual band (3G2100/3G900MHz) or 4G device - for connection to the Optus mobile network. We recommend checking device and coverage at www.optus.com.au/coverage.

 

The manufacturer’s manual that came with your device may provide this information.

3G single band devices use 2G when outside the coverage of our 3G 2100 MHz mobile network. This is often when the 3G single band device is used away from cities and major towns, when on regional roads and highways, or in difficult coverage areas such as basements or underground car parks.  If you notice that your phone shows “3G” when you are outdoors in cities and towns, but almost always shows that it is using 2G, EDGE or GPRS in most other situations, then it is likely that you have a 3G single band phone - but make sure you check on our coverage maps or the manufacturer’s manual.

 

 

If you’re currently using a 2G or 3G Single Band (2100MHz) device, you may need to upgrade to a 3G dual band (3G3100/900MHz) or 4G device. We recommend checking device and coverage at www.optus.com.au/coverage. To get a new 3G Dual Band or 4G device to use on the Optus mobile network from 1 April 2017, you can upgrade via one of the links below.

• Post-Paid Handset Upgrade
• Prepaid Handset Upgrade

 

ARE ALL 2G DEVICES AFFECTED?

Yes, any device that is 2G only will be affected by this change. This will also include business devices that use 2G machine to machine (M2M) technology (such as some EFTPOS / credit card machines).

WHAT IS A 2G HANDSET?

The list below advises some of the most frequently used 2G handsets, please check to see if you are using one of these devices.

• Samsung GT – C3520
• Samsung GT – E1205T
• Alcatel 2001X
• Nokia 2220s
• Nokia 101
• Nokia 1010
• Nokia 2630
• Nokia 1208
• Nokia 1112
• Nokia 6300
• Nokia 3315
• Nokia 2220s

WHAT FREQUENCIES DOES THE OPTUS 2G MOBILE NETWORK USE?

The Optus 2G mobile network uses 900 MHz spectrum.

WHAT WILL I SEE ON MY SCREEN?

If you have not upgraded your 2G or 3G Single Band device prior to Optus closing its 2G mobile network, you will see one of two things on the screen when you are in an area which previously had Optus 2G coverage:

• “SOS only”, “Emergency Only” or similar message or symbol. This will happen if you are in an area where another mobile network operator has 2G coverage. In this situation, you can make an emergency phone call (police, fire, or ambulance) by dialling “000” or “112”.  Your phone will be unable to make any other type of phone call, receive any phone call, or send or receive any SMS or data.  Note that Telstra is closing its 2G mobile network down on 1 December 2016; or
• “No service”, an antenna icon with a crossed-line through it, or other similar symbol.  This means that your phone has no connectivity to any mobile network and cannot make or receive any phone calls (including emergency calls) or send or receive any SMS or data.

WHAT IF I HAVE A 2G SIM?

While 2G SIMs will continue to work in some 3G devices, older SIMs will not fit into new 4G devices. Optus recommends upgrading your 2G SIM card. SIM replacement is free of charge at Optus stores.

WILL I LOSED MY EXISTING VOICEMAIL SETTINGS AND SAVED MESSAGES IF I UPGRADE MY DEVICE WITH A NEW SIM? 

No, once you upgrade and activate your new SIM replacement, your existing voicemail settings and any saved voicemail messages will be retained.

WHAT IS A 3G SINGLE BAND (2100MHz) DEVICE?

The list below includes some of the most frequently used 3G Single Band (2100MHz) devices. Please check to see if you are using one of these devices.  

3G 2100 Single Band Handsets

• Samsung Galaxy S2 (GT-19100).

Please note that while most are 3G Dual Band U900 capable, there may be some that are not. Please check your Samsung S2 device. 

• Samsung SM-G130H
• Apple iPhone 3GS
• Apple iPad 2 (A1396)
• Nokia Lumia 520 (RM-915)
• Nokia C2-01.5
• Apple iPhone 3G
• Samsung Trend Plus (GT-S7580L)
• Samsung GT-S5310B
• ZTE F286 (This is 900/2100)

WILL I LOSE MOBILE COVERAGE WHEN USING A 2G SIM IN A 3G SINGLE BAND DEVICE?

 3G single band devices use the Optus mobile 3G 2100/ 2G 900 network. Customers with a 2G SIM in a 3G single band device may continue to use the Optus 3G 2100 MHz network, however it is possible their Optus mobile network coverage could be reduced (depending on where they use their device) and their user experience could be degraded.  This is because, from April 1, 2017 the 3G single band device will no longer access a mobile service in current 2G 900MHz locations.  We recommend advising customers to check their 3G device and coverage at www.optus.com.au/coverage.

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS ONCE THE 2G NETWORK IS CLOSED?

If you have a 2G device, to continue using the Optus mobile network you’ll need to upgrade to a 3G Dual Band (UMTS 900/2100) or 4G device.  If you have a 2G SIM, you may also need to upgrade that SIM card.

Owners of single band 3G devices may continue to use the Optus 3G 2100 MHz network, however your Optus mobile network coverage will be reduced (depending on where you use the device) and your user experience may be degraded.

If you’re currently using a 3G Single Band device, you may need to upgrade to a 3G dual band (3G3100/900MHz) or 4G device. We recommend checking device and coverage at www.optus.com.au/coverage

Stay tuned for further details on the 2G mobile network closure closer to 1 April 2017.

HOW WILL THE 2G MOBILE NETWORK SHUT DOWN IMPACT THE OPTUS MOBILE NETWORK EXPERIENCE?

The 2G mobile network shutdown will mean that  2G devices will no longer work on the Optus mobile network. Customers with 2G devices will need to upgrade to 3G Dual Band or 4G devices. Customers using 3G 2100 MHz single band phones may notice a loss in network coverage because their phone cannot connect to our 3G 900MHz mobile network. Customers with 3G single band devices may (depending on where they use their device) need to consider upgrading to a new device

WHAT BENEFITS WILL I GET AFTER UPGRADING?

Of course, you’ll still be able to make and receive calls. But it’s data where you’ll enjoy a much better experience.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH MY OLD 2G DEVICE ONCE I HAVE UPGRADED?

You can recycle your old 2G mobile and their accessories through the MobileMuster program and drop them off at any Optus retail store www.optus.com.au/shop/stores. The recycling service is free, allowing customers to recycle their old mobiles in a safe and secure way.    MobileMuster is a not for profit mobile phone recycling program, voluntarily funded by industry, including Optus who have been part of the program since 1998. For more information about mobile phone recycling visit mobilemuster.com.au

CAN I MAKE CALLS ON THE 4G (LTE) NETWORK?

 Optus has launched VoLTE (Voice over LTE) on selected devices. VoLTE lets you make calls on our 4G Plus network. It’s currently available on selected mobile phones on postpaid plans. Visit this website for more information about VoLTE.

Of course, if all you want is a simple phone to just make and receive phone calls, then we can also help you with that.

ARE PREPAID CUSTOMERS ENTITLED TO A REFUND?

Refunds will be assessed on a case by case basis and will depend on individual circumstances.

WHAT ABOUT MACHINE TO MACHINE DEVICES?

Machine to Machine (M2M) devices, such as vending machines or GPS trackers for example, will also be affected by the 2G Network closure unless they are compatible with the 3G/4G mobile network.

If you have a M2M device, we can offer a range of solutions and migration options based on your business requirements. If you’re currently using an Optus-supplied M2M device, please speak with your Optus Account Manager to discuss the solution that’s right for you. Alternatively, if you’re using non-Optus supplied equipment, you should first contact your supplier/manufacturer.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE INSURANCE POLICY ATTACHED TO MY SERVICE?

After the shutdown date, any services using a 2G device will no longer work and, any insurance policies attached to the 2G device will be cancelled.

If any of the impacted services on your account are 3G single-band devices, those services will not lose their phone number or any insurance policies attached to the device associated with that service.

NEED HELP

Have a question? Ask the crowd below 

[Jigheads]

I have just got a new Samsung Galaxy s7 from optus on a $65 plan the only reception i receive at present is 2G how will this effect me as im in a 4G zone and sometimes cant even make calls only emergency only is this issue going to get better or should just go to new supplier?

[Toomey]

Hey @Jigheads, as you have a 4G phone, your service should be unaffected by this change. Of course if you believe the reception is unusable then you can discuss an early contract release with our retentions team on 1300555241. 

[Jigheads]

I only just got the phone a month ago all i want is reception like it states on web page surely they can fix that in this area.

[Toomey]

your reception will improve with upgrades, you can check if any upgrades are planned here.

[Caluwant]

Is there plans to make coverage in the blue mountains better, i live in Warrimoo, 2774 and its terrible. Everyone says use wifi talk, but thats no good when i want to use my optus plans data. 

[Anonymous]

Hey Caluwant, it shows that there is overall reception in that area. Do you find the issues are mostly occurring at your home address or just when in-building? You can see if there are plans to upgrade network over the next  3 - 6 months on our coverage maps .

[Caluwant]

It's Warrimoo in general, also at my work in Emu Plains, Optus coverage is quite poor, i came over from Telstra being told the coverage was good and Optus was getting better all the time, I've noticed nothing but poor coverage. Can't wait to go back to Telstra when my contracts up. 

[Anonymous]

If you do need us to investigate just send us a Private Message with the problem locations, your account name, phone number and date of birth for privacy so we can look into this in detail. 

[Spring]

I'm on the east coast of Tasmania.

The coverage map creates a pop-up window when I select Nokia 301 telling me I will lose most of my service when 2G is terminated.  Yet when I select 6 months in the future on the coverage map it show I will still have coverage.

I suspect the pop-up window info is misleading since my Nokia 301 handset supports HSDPA 900 and 2100 MHz, or have I got this wrong?

Frustrastingly, I can't find a web page which tells me which Optus 3G frequencies will be used where.

[Aman_B]

Hey @Spring, yes your handset Nokia does have 3G compatibility and it will work. 

[liuzhen]

Hi,

We currently have a few Nokia 2730 classics in use. 3G Bands: 900 / 2100.

They have all received the text from Optus saying we may lose coverag from April 2017.

Can you please confirm they will be OK after this date?

[Mike-N]

Hi @liuzhen,

Your Nokia 2730 Classics appear to be 3G Dual Band handsets and therefore they should continue to work post April 2017. You may need to upgrade to a 3G SIM if you haven't already 🙂 

[NikolasPotato]

Hi I have a Nokia 3310 which I use for cycling. If I use a 3G sim in this phone would it still be able to work? Thanks

[Toomey]

@NikolasPotato Unfortunately the 3310 (although one of the best phones ever made) only supports 2G :(. Toomey

[prskewes]

Have a "Samsung Galaxy Young S6310 ", was wondering if this is 2 g and will no longer e able to use. Also I am using a Corporate sim card, does this shutdown involve the sim card as well? Thanks prskewes

[Marie]

Hey prskewes 🙂 

I can confirm that the Samsung Galaxy Young S6310 phone is also a 3G phone and works on both the 900 & 2100 Mhz spectrum's. 

We certainly wouldn't be ceasing any SIM cards with the shut down as you're using a smart phone It'd be pretty safe to say you have a 3G SIM card and the plan you're on is a 3G plan.

You're welcome to contact your account manager to have that confirmed & they'll be happy to check it out for you.

Cheers.

[Ruzz]

I had a 2g phone on prepaid and got an offer from Optus for discount on a new 3g phone which I accepted. My wife has a 2g phone on an Optus post paid plan. Will Optus plan users also get an offer for a discount on a new 3g phone?

[Marie]

Hey Ruzz 🙂 

Hmm that's unusual, she should have received an SMS advising of the pending closure of our 2G network.

Did she receive anything at all?

The message may have been slightly different to the one you received.

[Ruzz]

She got a txt last year to say that the 2g was closing down but she has not had any follow up messages with discount offers on new 3g phones like I did. I understand that the offers I received were only for prepaid phone plan customers. She has a post paid plan.

[Casey_]

There is an offer for post paid customers too that's currently being sent via SMS.  If she doesn't want to wait for the SMS, she can speak with our sales team via any Yes Optus store, by calling telesales, or online through Live Chat here. 

[supergez]

Hi my Phone is a Nokia 6110 navigator . In the Hand book it says it is approved to work on the GSM 850,900,1800 and 1900 and UMTS 2100 networks. It has the 3g just below the antenna most of the time.

Will my phone work normally after 2g is switched off in April? Cannot seem to get a definative answer.

Thanks Gez.

[AlexRH]

Hey @supergez, it should work just fine 🙂 As long as the area has the correct frequency available for use.

Please let us know if you're still needing a hand! 

[supergez]

Hi AlexRH,

Thanks fopr the reply.

Does that mean that my phone is dual band 3g capable  ? can you tell from the info I provided below?

Thanks Gez.

Hi my Phone is a Nokia 6110 navigator . In the Hand book it says it is approved to work on the GSM 850,900,1800 and 1900 and UMTS 2100 networks. It has the 3g just below the antenna most of the time.
 
Will my phone work normally after 2g is switched off in April? Cannot seem to get a definative answer.
 
Thanks Gez.

[Steph_C]

There shouldn't be a problem there, but you can pop the IMEI in here under 'device from optus' and then help me recognise my device - once you pop that in, along with your address you can check coverage. Hope this helps!

[vkcpolice]

i have had my ericssion gsm GA628 since 1996 and i dont plan to upgrade anytime soon why? cause 4g sucks gsm is the only network i get coverage on living in a rural town of victoria. you need to move 4g down to 850MHz for rural customers looks like ill be going over to vodafone until they switch off. then ill just stick to ham radio for communication and you can shove your new network where it fits!

[Spring]

I still have a GA628 with accessories and it still worked just fine until the switch off in my area.  For those of us that don't feel the need to frequently photograph our food and broadcast it to the world, the requirement to replace hardware as often as we have to is a damn waste.  Now I'll admit 20 years of service from an old GA628 is perhaps stretching the point, but I had to move from Telstra to Optus due to frequency changes in my area in order to keep using my Nokia 301, and it's only a few years old.

[vkcpolice]

they want everyone to use smartphones so all apps can listen in on your calls know everything about your private life. its a joke i only use my phone for emergencies and if it comes to that then ill use a radio. im sick of all the spyware on smartphones.  but im only one of a few pepole who cares about privacy. the world these days does not care or are unaware of the goverment and major companys stealing there personal life.

[rowan194]

Funny thing, I have a GA628 too, complete with an attached extended range antenna, and I'm also disappointed it will stop working shortly. I kept the phone "accountless" for many years (calls to 112/000 will work without a valid SIM) but was recently considering adding it to my Optus account on a proper plan... until I found out about the 2G shutdown. My GSM GA628 is almost as reliable at holding signal in patchy rural areas as the basic Samsung CDMA phone I had.

[Martine51]

Funny thing happened to my OLD 2G Huawei pre-paid cell phone today .... It stopped working !!!  Checked Optus site for outages (even though my newer 3G still working Ok), and Lo and Behold the first i have ever heard of 2G shutdown, No texts from Optus or even warning when i recharged last month. As i have a considerable CRedit balance on this old phone, can i transfer the number and balance to new cell phone i was given recently that has not yet been activated ??? and how to go about it please. "Not Happy Marg" as the ad goes.

[Mike-N]

Hi @Martine51, 

I'm sorry to hear that you received no SMS warnings about the 2G closure. We ran reports using handset data to warn those using incompatible phones. It sounds like your service slipped through the cracks and I apologise for this. Your credit is on the service number so can be transferred to your new handset. If you're using a SIM card purchased recently, you should be able to put this straight into your new mobile handset retaining your number and credit. If you need to have a new SIM set up (you're using a very old SIM card or a SIM that does not fit into your new mobile), please send us a private message or chat to our Live Chat team  to have your existing service number and credit transferred to a new SIM (available in store or in the package of an Optus purchased prepaid handset). This can also be done in store or over the phone and please don't hesitate to send us a message here if you have any further questions! 

[Aamit]

I bought OPPO f1 from optus one year ago which supports 4g. After 1st August voice calls including incoming and outgoing stopped. I went to optus store who did not mention anything about 2g closure, they changed sim and advised to try after 4 hours. Obviously didn't worked. Next day again went to optus store who again did not mention anything about the 2g closure. They again changed sim and advised to try after 4 hours. Obviously didn't worked. Now I tried webchat spent 20minutes waiting. Was transferred to tech team who again could not help and advised to try different phone. So I went back to optus store and tried different phone and it worked. So seems like the phone is the problem. Since i bought it from optus i requested them to fix the issue. The store advised my warranty is for one year and since it's 3 days over they can't help me. They advised to call customer service who may be able to help As it is only 3 days over warranty. Surprisingly no-one from optus mentioned anything about 2 g closure. Anyways don't know what to do now as  I cannot call optus as I cannot make calls and cannot afford a new phone. Don't expect this level of service from a big company like Optus. Even their staff have no knowledge that possibly 2 g closure could affect customers. And the dealership store just wanted to get rid of the issue so he suggested to go to another store. Company making billions but try taking care of old customers !!!!!!

[Marie]

Sorry to hear that Aamit 😞

I'm not sure that the 2G closure would be causing this issue.

If you're able to PM me your mobile number, full name and date of birth I'll have our back end team check this out for you.

Thanks.

[Aamit]

Can someone please update me on my issue posted here on Saturday 815pm. I have sent all details to Marie 3 days ago and haven't heard back. 3 days are too long to be without a phone. Thanks.

[JordanOptus]

Hey @Aamit, I've replied to your PM.