Australians worried about the upcoming 3G network shutdown will be able to check if their device will still work after the nationwide closure.
The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association has unveiled their new web-based tool, "Check My Device".
It will do what it says on the tin - help Australians figure out if their mobile will still be supported on the remaining networks, including whether they can call Triple Zero.
The tool can be found online at www.3Gclosure.com.au, and can be translated into 11 different languages, including Mandarin, Arabic, Greek, and Hindi.
The checker uses a phone's unique, 15-digit international mobile equipment identify (IMEI) number.
A guide to finding your IMEI number is available on the same website, but people can do so by entering *#06# into their keypad.
After providing the IMEI number to the online checker, people should receive an immediate response, AMTA said.
Anybody who receives a "CHECK" prompt is urged to contact their service provider, as their handset may not be able to make emergency calls after 3G networks close.
Telstra and Optus network users can also text the number "3" to "3498" to check if their device will function after the 3G shutdown.
AMTA also recommended people buying a new phone ask the vendor for their prospective new device's IMEI number to check it would continue working.
"Some grey-import devices do not support emergency calls once 3G closes," AMTA said in a release.
"We also recommend that consumers check to ensure that the device isn't blocked before purchasing."
Australia's 3G networks have been shutting down in stages, with the TPG Telecom-owned Vodafone network being the first mobile network operator to close its 3G network in January 2024.
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Telstra will complete its 3G network closure on August 31, 2024, and finally Optus will commence its 3G closure from September 2024.
"Devices that use the 3G network for voice services will not be able to make any calls, including emergency calls to Triple Zero, once Australia's 3G networks are fully inactive," AMTA CEO Louise Hyland said.
"There are also certain 4G devices that will not be able to make emergency calls to Triple Zero after all 3G networks close.
"The Check my Device tool is an easy way to check whether your mobile device will be fully supported after the switchover from 3G is complete."
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