Dirt Report · 7 Dec 2025

Consequences of the 3G Shut Down | Dirt Report

Nearly 470,000 Samsung devices on the Optus network may be affected by an emergency calling problem following Australia’s 3G shutdown. Optus told regulators that around 4,158 devices may not be fixable with a software update, while most of the remainder are expected to be repairable through updated software. Customers have been given roughly 28 days after notification to update or replace affected phones before network blocking begins.

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The short version

Key points

Optus told regulators that around 470,000 Samsung devices on its network may be affected.
Approximately 4,158 phones may not be fixable through a software update and are expected to be blocked by January.
Most affected phones are expected to work after a software update, although the wording remains uncertain.
The issue mainly involves older Samsung handsets using Vodafone emergency calling settings.
Customers are advised not to dial 000 simply to test whether their phone works.

A large number of phones may be affected

The 3G shutdown has created a serious emergency calling problem for some older 4G phones. Optus told regulators that approximately 470,000 Samsung devices on its network may be unable to call 000 in a worst-case scenario.

The figure is much larger than earlier numbers reported in connection with the shutdown. However, the number of phones that are genuinely beyond repair is far smaller. Regulators have indicated that software updates are likely to fix the vast majority of affected devices.

Most phones may be fixed with an update

Of the approximately 470,000 devices, around 4,158 are reported to be unable to be saved through a software update. That represents roughly 0.9 per cent of the affected devices. Telcos plan to block those phones from their networks by January.

For the remaining devices, the expected solution is a software update. Phone makers and carriers are notifying customers and allowing roughly 28 days to update or replace their device before it is blocked. Samsung has also indicated that phones more than seven years old should be replaced, although it has said most affected devices can be fixed with software.

Why the problem mainly affects Samsung phones

The issue is linked to older Samsung Android handsets and the way they handle Voice over LTE emergency calling. According to the report, the Vodafone emergency calling settings were missing from the firmware on some older Samsung models, while Telstra and Optus had working profiles.

The problem was first identified on dozens of older Samsung models using Vodafone after the 3G network was shut down. Other brands, including Apple and Huawei, use a different system and may have the correct settings. Newer Samsung devices are also less likely to be affected.

Do not call 000 as a test

There is no simple, public self-test that reliably confirms whether an affected phone can make an emergency call. Telcos have advised customers not to dial 000 merely to test their device, because unnecessary calls can place pressure on emergency operators.

Various unofficial suggestions have circulated, including changing network operators or trying other numbers. These methods are not considered foolproof and could create further confusion. Swapping SIM cards may not solve the underlying issue either, because the problem can be linked to the phone’s emergency calling profile.

How the 3G shutdown exposed the issue

Australia’s 20-year-old 3G network was shut down during the January to November period to make room for more 4G and 5G capacity. Before the shutdown, some phones could fall back to 3G for emergency calls when 4G calling was not configured correctly.

The Samsung and Vodafone problem only became visible months after 3G was switched off. The report also notes that regulators and the major telcos were questioned in a Senate inquiry about emergency calling failures and the consequences for customers.

TechManPat’s conclusion

I think the safest approach is to install any update your phone offers and replace the device if it is identified as one of the small number that cannot be fixed. I also think maintaining some form of backup network remains valuable, because the 3G shutdown removed an important fallback for older phones. Most importantly, I would not dial 000 just to test the phone, but I would take the warning seriously before an emergency occurs.

Source note

This knowledge-centre summary is based on the linked TechManPat video and reflects the information available when it was published. Check current pricing, availability and policies before acting.