3G Shutdown Phone Compatibility Check

[JKNG]

Received same text message as many here. Using Samsung A50 and IMEI check says it won't be compatible. I wondering if a Samsung A17 would be? Is there anything specific in the manufacturer's specs that I should look for, or is this all Public Mobile-specific?

Thanks for the help!

[JKNG]

Contacted CS_Agent and they said it is not compatible:

"I will definitely help you with your request and after I verified the IMEI, the device is not compatible with our network which means, the device won't be working if the 3G network will be gone because the device is not compatible with our network for voLTE."

Going to keep the phone and see if things change between now and the 3G shutdown given that it's a sort of new model. If not, I'll just switch providers. Strangely, IMEI confirmed as compatible on TELUS VoLTE network, which I thought Public Mobile used?

[slusagm]

I am certain A17 is compatible.  It is just too new and not added to the compatibility database yet

But of course, you need to ask PM for the official answer

[BKNS27]

@Wowimliv @JKNG 

I would suggest you contact a CS_Agent because the A17 is a new 2026 model.

New members with the new 2026 iPhone 17 are having issues with eSIM.

[JKNG]

I went ahead and bought the A17 5G from Samsung Canada to replace the A50. The IMEI tool says: "Your device is not compatible with our network, or we were unable to find a match in our records" but when I place a call I get "HD+ Calling" and stay on the 5G network, which should mean it *is* using VoLTE from what I understand.

[Wowimliv]

Yes purchased brand new in Canada but the specific IMEI on the look up tool for PM keeps saying not eligible. 

[hTideGnow]

hi @Wowimliv 

did you get the phone in Canada? is your A17 a Canadian model (there are other regional version)

A17 Canadian model should work with PM VoLTE 

[Wowimliv]

Got the A17 but my IMEI number shows as not compatible when the phone is advertised as a solution for the 3g shut down. Will it still work since its VOLTE or does it need to be on the PM white list?

[JKNG]

Yeah, it's a bit old. A17 is inexpensive and sufficiently similar with some upgrades. Thanks again!

[BKNS27 · Accepted solution]

@JKNG 

Yes the Samsung A17 will be VoLTE compatible since it is the latest A series for 2027.

Your Samsung A50 is 7 years old and considered too old.