🇦🇺 3G network closure - Australia

[WhisperTree]

On a side note. While Telstra and Optus SIMs are blocked even for data, I wonder what happens if a data ONLY sim is put into a FP5? Theoretically no VoLTE is required so there should be no IMEI blocking. Like I should be able to use any Samsung tablet without VoLTE and get 4G data.

I’d actually be happy to do that as I hardly use SMS or normal phone calls anyway. Can anyone test?

I’d also do a $2 coke bet that regardless the IMEI is just blocked anyway for data only sims. THAT would be something the TIO and ACMA should be able to action as it would be a clear cut case of “I want to use data only on this device and not make a phone call, but it is blocked.

Oops never hit send on this draft.

[WhisperTree]

Can still call 000 when Vodafone fails to optus.

I’m out rural today and used Network Survey from FDroid.

There are no Vodafone towers around, but can see them in the bigger towns with an MNC of 03 (according to Australia complete MCC & MNC list | Mobile Country Codes & Network Codes for Australia )

I made sure I was connected to a tower with MNC of 02 (Singtel Optus Proprietary Limited Optus) and called 000 as a test.

Got the answer message and hung up.

So everything still actually works. Atleast where I was.

[IainM]

@WhisperTree

I wonder what happens if a data ONLY sim is put into a FP5?

This came up in consultation on the government’s directive.

The government’s view is that all mobile phones should be able to connect to emergency services irrespective of SIMs. So it’s about the device. The SIM type is irrelevant. Only devices that aren’t “designed” to be a phone escape by being data only, doesn’t matter what you’re trying to use it for.

As far as I’m aware, the IMEI block therefore applies to data only SIMs as well. Pretty sure people over on Whirlpool tried that out in the early days of the block and verified it to be true. But if anyone here has direct evidence/experience happy to hear it.

[t_pearce]

I now have my FP5 on the Vodafone network with a physical SIM and an eSIM. It was quite an ‘adventure’.

My ISP is iiNET, which is owned by TPG, which also owns Vodafone Australia so it seemed a good path to get onto the Vodafone network. iiNET is not the organisation it used to be!

First I tried to go to my iiNET toolbox but couldn’t because it uses 2FA and, of course I couldn’t access my mobile SMSes! I then went to the site to open a new account to get an eSIM. Everything went ok till it came time to pay. Neither my Wise Master Card or P&N Bank Visa Cards were accepted.

So next day with my old SIM card in a borrowed phone, I tried again through the toolbox - still no luck. Rang them. Was told I couldn’t have an eSIM over the phone for a phone not on the list of supported devices so I would have to have a physical one. Went through the process then tried to pay - no luck again - after an hour the iiNET person checked and told me there was a problem with the payment system!

Somehow after that a payment went through and a SIM card was sent. The card arrived yesterday and worked fine. It’s a new number though and I wanted to transfer my old number.

Into the tool box again to order an eSIM. Everything fine till it came time to select or create a new user name (weird way they do it - they create a new user name for each order and then just merge it with your existing account!). Tried multiple browsers and devices - just stops at that point.

On the phone again. Yes there is a problem - will ring you back - which they did. ‘I want an eSIM’. ‘Do you use much data?’. ‘Very little.’. ‘How about the medium plan?’. ‘No I want the small plan.’ (I said I didn’t use much mobile data - didn’t I!). ‘What is your device?’. ‘Fairphone 5’. ‘What model?’. ‘Fairphone 5 - Fairphone number 5!’. ‘That’s not on our list.’. ‘I know - can I have an eSIM anyhow?’. ‘We can’t guarantee it will work.’. ‘I know it will work because there is at least one other person [On this discussion thread]’.
All ok, until payment - their system won’t accept the card that they take money from every month!

Finally approved and paid for - from the card that wasn’t accepted! Couldn’t transfer my number because it was too late in the day - not that the system actually told me that.

This morning I have my phone with a physical SIM with the new number and an eSIM with my old number transferred over.

Good thing is, at present iiNET have a 6 month half price deal. Their ‘small’ service, with less data, is cheaper than the smallest service available through Vodafone!

[t_pearce]

If all else fails and we lose Vodafone!

Can I use mobile over VOIP? Seems you can. Crazytel is one organisation in Australia (may be others of course).

When in range of a Wi-Fi, which I am most of the time, that will work. Other times I could tether to another phone. The phone I borrowed was an older iPhone with a rather small form factor so such a phone would not be too cumbersome.

[t_pearce]

Today I received

Hi Timothy,

We’re excited to have you on board with iiNet Mobile.

We want to make sure that your device is compatible and not impacted by the nationwide 3G shutdown on 28th October. Some devices may not be able to make calls or texts, including emergency calls to Triple Zero (000) after this date.

Use our device checker tool, by simply texting the number 3 to 3498 to check if your device is compatible or may be impacted.

For more information about the 3G closure, visit https://help.iinet.net.au/3g-network-closure-faq

Thanks, iiNet

I did so and got

Thanks for using our 3G device checker. Unfortunately, we’re unable to confirm if your current device is compatible with our 4G/5G network, including its ability to make emergency 000 calls. Please contact your device manufacturer for more information. NOTE: Unless your call is for a legitimate emergency, DO NOT call Triple Zero (000) to test your device.

[dt90125]

@t_pearce

Use our device checker tool, by simply texting the number 3 to 3498 to check if your device is compatible or may be impacted.

While they continue to remain shtum about how their checks are implemented, these tools remain … “recreational” at best. I was informed at one point that it was just an IMEI prefix lookup against a database (which requires the database to be accurately loaded), but even that information was sketchy.

"We don’t demand solid facts! What we demand is a total absence of solid facts.” – Vroomfondel.

[t_pearce]

It seems at present that Vodafone has a fairly limited list of phones that are blocked, rather than going down the path that Optus has (probably because of recent, very public outages) of blocking anything we don’t know about.

https://www.vodafone.com.au/triple-zero-update?accordion-id=impacted-devices

On that page it says
If your device is impacted, you will have received a notification from us via SMS and/or email. See the list of impacted devices.

Devices that are identified as being unable to call emergency services because they’re not using the latest device software or configured to make emergency calls will be blocked.

It’s critical that your device can reach emergency services at all times. We’re required by law to block devices that don’t meet the requirements that enable them to do so.

If we need to block your device, we’ll let you know 28–35 days before we block it. Once your device is blocked, you won’t be able to make or receive calls, send or receive texts, or use mobile data.

[t_pearce]

There are also mobile Wi-Fi devices available from most providers. Many are pocket (or handbag) sized. These are mobile data only devices so totally unaffected by any need to connect to 000.

This is what I got from the CrazyBot (CrazyTel AI chatbot)

A Crazytel data-only SIM will not be blocked simply because it cannot make voice calls, including calls to 000. Since data-only SIMs provide internet access only and do not support voice calls, they are designed to work without voice service. Key points:

• Data-only SIMs do not have voice call capability, so they cannot make any phone calls, including emergency calls.

• This limitation does not cause the SIM to be blocked on the network.

So, your data-only SIM will not be blocked just because it cannot make calls. It will function normally for data use.

[t_pearce]

The CrazyTel data-only SIM is only available as a physical SIM, not an eSIM. Correction - an eSIM is available!

They provide is a VOIP service and a mobile redirect service. You can use their App to send and receive SMS on this mobile number. You can make calls through the App via the VOIP number. I may be wrong, but I don’t think you can make calls via the mobile number. I think it is literally a redirect to your VOIP number.

So it may be possible to have a data-only SIM in your phone so you can send and receive SMS on your mobile number (which can be ported), make outgoing calls on a VOIP number and receive calls to your mobile number. Old friends etc. would still be able to contact you!

They use the Optus network. They have a 2GB 4G Data SIM Plan for $4.95/Month.

I may just get one to see if it works.

[t_pearce]

The CrazyTel SIM is on the way.

I had an issue with the App and the number I was initially assigned was a ‘bad’ one. Apparently they have some bad ones in the system from many years ago and haven’t been able to get them out of the system.

My problem with the App was an Android setting.

The virtual mobile is two way for calls and SMS but can’t do MMS. MMS might become available if they can get their upstream provider (Optus?) to allow it, but no promises.

Confirmed with the human (you have to go through AI first - it’s quite an honest AI - up front it says it is an AI and that it can make mistakes!) that the data-only SIM (from Optus) will not be blocked.

[Sir_Crispy_FP5]

Just a quick update, Optus hasn’t responded to me in over three weeks now, I’ve sent 3 emails and tried to call once and left a message. I’ve sent the TIO another email stating such. I assume at this point it will get escalated.

Has anyone reached out to Vodafone to see what configuration they require, for a device to make emergency calls?

How difficult would it be to root the phone and add in the required configuration or information.

If FP6 isn’t being blocked, what do they have that we don’t?

[dt90125]

@Sir_Crispy_FP5

Has anyone reached out to Vodafone to see what configuration they require, for a device to make emergency calls?

As someone who has recently migrated from Optus to Vodafone AU because of this issue - if you think Optus support is bad, you are in for a “real treat”. I’ve had all my tickets “marked resolved” (when they haven’t been), and I only knew that when I either followed up due to lack of activity or received a “please rate us” survey SMS. No formal notification. There is no phone support, it’s all off-shored chat support with long response times as you get punted between agents who don’t bother to read (/understand) previous chat history. And regarding chat history, it’s wiped as soon as you close your “Vodafone app”, so I have a bunch of screen caps that I can’t cut/paste from.

Ask me how I really feel.

How difficult would it be to root the phone and add in the required configuration or information.

Immaterial - they’re blocking your phone based on its IMEI prefix. It doesn’t matter what you’re running, the telco has decided they don’t like the brand of your phone and blocked you on that basis. Ghods forbid they should release technical details, if any.

If FP6 isn’t being blocked, what do they have that we don’t?

Not being listed in their IMEI block database. FP4 apparently isn’t being blocked either, according to Fairphone Devices - Network Support Table. Does it have the same issue, and the number of users hasn’t risen above their statistical noise to be noticed? Who knows? (well, the telco, but they’re not telling).

[t_pearce]

The SIM card arrived and despite being ‘data only’ it is blocked. Worse than that, with the card in I can’t make any calls.

They say they can’t ask Optus to change it!

I guess if we lose Vodafone we will have to use mobile Wi-Fi.

[Sir_Crispy_FP5]

Hi All,

So I’m finally talking to someone in Optus that understands the situation and isn’t responding with cookie cutter replies. TIO bring out the best in Telecos.

They are going to try find out why exactly the FP5 has been blocked on their network from there technical team. They seem willing to drill down into this to try get the phone allowed back on the network, it’s not a promise and I’m not holding my breath

@dt90125 hopefully find out those technical details.

[Alkaris]

I’m also in the process of emailing Optus directly, and I’m with Amaysim. I’m also technically with another Telco provider but it’s mostly only used for Mobile Internet with Felix Mobile, it’s an eSIM, and can do VoWi-Fi, and it’s on the Vodafone network, I got Felix Mobile awhile back because I needed somewhat reliable mobile internet with unlimited data, and Felix Mobile seemed perfect at the time, a little better than whatever Amaysim offers anyway. for mobile internet, albeit heavily capped at 20 Mbps.

I started out with contacted Amaysim about the IMEI ban, got no result.

Contacted TIO, got same again as before.

Now emailed Optus and awaiting to hear back.

[Jabarkis]

So, I got a non-encouraging reply from Optus.

Basically they’re saying that they can’t disclose any technical details about why the FP5 was blocked and that we should be contacting the manufacturer to have the matter resolved. My support ticket with Fairphone is still open. Below (apologies for the wall of text) is the email from Optus:

"Thank you for your email and for outlining your concerns. I appreciate how frustrating this situation must be, particularly given the cost of the device and the inconvenience caused.

To clarify Optus’s position, we’re unable to access account‑specific or customer‑level information for devices where the handset was purchased outright overseas and is not associated with an Optus service or account. As you are not a direct Optus customer, we don’t have visibility of any ownership, warranty, or usage history for the handset beyond what is detected at a network level.

The block applied to certain devices on the Optus network was not targeted at individual users or retailers. It was implemented following industry‑standard network checks that identify devices which do not meet required technical compliance or network integrity criteria. These checks are based on device identifiers and network behaviour, rather than assumptions about individual customers or point‑of‑sale testing.

Given security and regulatory obligations, Optus is unable to provide detailed technical diagnostics, testing methodologies, or internal decision‑making criteria relating to individual device blocks. This is consistent across all carriers and applies regardless of whether the device was purchased locally or overseas.

We understand the impact this may have on visitors and customers using imported devices, and we acknowledge your feedback regarding the need for clearer communication. While Optus cannot reverse or individually assess blocks on devices not supplied by Optus or linked to an Optus account, we recommend continuing to engage with the seller or manufacturer of the handset, as they are best placed to assist with compatibility, compliance, or remediation options.

Under ACMA instructions, Australian mobile networks are blocking devices that cannot properly call Triple Zero (000), particularly affecting older or imported phones.

Thank you again for taking the time to raise your concerns. While this may not be the outcome you were hoping for, we hope this provides clarity around Optus’s role and limitations in this situation."

[Sir_Crispy_FP5]

Hi All

I’ve received an email from Optus that isn’t very helpful.

“

I heard back from the network team and they advised the handset blocks are not only about the inability to make calls on the Optus network to 000 but also being able to call 000 when the Optus network is not available, using either the Telstra or Vodafone networks to make the call.

Due to software updates or changes on other carrier networks if the handset now no longer has the ability to make calls on other carrier networks, as per updates we receive and the relevant legislation, the handset must be blocked on the mobile network.

They mentioned you can follow up with the handset manufacturer to find out if they have plans to make it able to call 000 in Australia, but until that happens, the handset will remain blocked.

“

So this comes back to possibly getting Telstra to unblock the deicide too. It seems to me if one telco blocks the phone then the others can just turn around and block it too.

From what I understand, in the past, all the main telcos have worked for making emergency calls with the FP5, just not sure about if they can/could switch to another networks if needed, but I also can’t see why this wouldn’t work.

For the last part, even if Fairphone did something with the FP5 “to make it work in Australia” would this even work if the phone has been blocked?

[dt90125]

And … I’ve just got the “we’re going to kick you off the network” SMS from Vodafone. “Your device will be blocked from the 11th May as we haven’t been able to confirm that it is configured to access emergency 000 calling.”

I might open a support ticket, but the previous tickets have been “lacklustre”.

Phooey.

[IainM]

Yep just came here to report the same.

Vodafone networks have now started issuing SMS alerts that FP5s will be blocked.

RIP FP5 in Oz