3G Network Shutdown in Canada

[colleeno]

According to this article by MobileSyrup that was published today, the three main Canadian providers are all shutting down their 3G networks in 2025: Rogers in July, Bell in October and Telus in December.

It mentions that some OnePlus phone users’ calling ability will be affected by that.

https://mobilesyrup.com/2025/05/09/3g-network-shutdown-will-leave-some-canadian-oneplus-users-unable...

[sheytoon]

The way the spectrum is deployed, there's like 20 or 25 MHz available in the lower blocks, then Rogers has the middle blocks, and another 10 or 15 MHz available in the upper blocks.

3G is only 5 MHz, currently adjacent to LTE B2 in the lower part. The upper part is already 5G.

Unless they shuffle all their B2 spectrum around to gain an extra 5 MHz, I don't see a reason to rush it. As you said, there's still a lot of 3G devices on the network.

Bell also doesn't have a committed date internally, I suspect it'll be similar to Telus (2027 at the earliest).

[slusagm]

@sheytoon curious , what is the technical reason that they need to retire the network so late? There are still some legacy systemsnthat rely on 3G? Or the Huawei drama wasted the 5G upgrade effort in the beginning??

And the Bell's timeline would be basically same as Telus??

[sheytoon]

There is no internal date at the moment at Telus. Based on my experience, I think it'll be 2027-2030 timeframe.

[Jessica_renyan2]

Do you have sources confirming when it will be shut down?

[will13am]

Strange that OnePlus 9 would not work with VoLTE.  I have a Umidigi F2 that is 2018 vintage that work.  The funny thing is when I check the IMS status on the phone using the hidden menu, it says that VoLTE is not enabled.  However, phone calls are being made on the 4G network.  

[sheytoon]

Bell and Telus will not shut down 3G 1900 MHz for many more years. I don't know where these rumours keep coming from.

[Sansan]

I have an S20 and A8. So far both works without any issues 🤞.

[Chalupa_Batman]

Thanks for sharing @colleeno 

I think we all knew the day was coming but I am really hoping we can finally get an updated VoLTE list. There are a TON of phones out there that will work on the network if Telus/Public Mobile would just allow it. I really wish they'd be open about why they don't want certain phones on their networks. Only thing I can think of is security reasons.