Wearables e.g. smartwatches

The current generation of smartwatches has a cellular feature which allows the watch to operate in standalone mode. This means you can make and receive calls or use data using the smartwatch without having to carry a smartphone.

∙No.Devices such as tablets, mobile broadband modems, smart watches, some home security systems, and other connected devices might also be using 3G services. Please contact your device manufacturer ifyou are unsure of the specific capabilities of your device.

While these watches are 4G compatible, many don’t support the main 4G mobile coverage frequency band (700 or 900 MHz).

Once Australia’s 3G networks are closed, these smartwatches will only work on a limited set of 4G spectrum bands, and as a result, may experience a reduction in mobile network coverage.

The most common versions impacted are: • Apple Watch Series 3 • Apple Watch Series 4 • Apple Watch Series 5 • Galaxy Watch • Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2.

Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT devices that may be affected but not limited to are: • EFTPOS terminals • Industrial routers • Scanners • Security monitoring • Telematics • Asset Tracking • Environment monitoring.

Other affected devices: • Medical alarms • Home security alarms/ device

DO NOT CALL EMERGENCY SERVICES TO TEST.

To determine if your device supports 4G VoLTE and 4G VoLTE emergency calling, give us a call or contact the manufacturer of the device. Via your mobile handset, send ‘3G’ as a test/SMS to 3498. You will receive a reply telling you if you need to take action.

∙All 3G-only devices (including phones, tablets, and mobile broadband devices) and in rare cases, some older 4G phones, will be affected.

∙Some older 4G phones that do not have a feature called ‘VoLTE’ (or ‘Voice over Long Term Evolution’) will be unable to make and receive voice calls.

∙ A very small portion of devices that support VoLTE will not support VoLTE calling to emergency services.

DO NOT CALL EMERGENCY SERVICES TO TEST.

To determine if your device supports 4G VoLTE and 4G VoLTE emergency calling, give us a call or contact the manufacturer of the device.  

Via your mobile handset, send ‘3G’ as a test/SMS to 3498. You will receive a reply telling you if you need to take action. 

∙Pennytel Australia Pty Ltd uses the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network for all our mobile coverage. 

Telstra have advised us they will switch off its 3G network on 31 August 2024. Other networks may have different dates. 

∙As more advanced 4G and 5G network services become widespread, mobile carriers around the world are closing their 3G networks. 

∙4G and 5G networks are more efficient at delivering greater speed and capacity, which means better service and experience. 

∙Similar network closures have happened before. A few years ago, all Australian mobile providers switched off their 2G networks when they upgraded to 4G.

Using your mobile handset, send ‘3G’ as a text/SMS to 3498. You will receive a reply telling you if you need to take action. 

If you’ve lost your device, please get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can put the appropriate temporary restrictions on your service.

If you lose your PhoneTel eSIM QR Code before activating please get in touch with us as soon as possible, to get a Digital eSIM issued to you.