3G Shutdown.

[Priority]

Hello Community, I have a few concerns regarding this Network Upgrade. The messages and calls Telus is making to Public Mobile Users is concerning not only me but some of the Friends & Family that I have referred.
Here is the message below.

'Public Mobile here.
Important upcoming network changes that will impact your service.
The 3G network will be shutting down in Manitoba on December 31, 2025, with the exception of Winnipeg and Brandon, which will be shutting down on March 31, 2026. After the shutdown, your device will no longer work on the Public Mobile network. To avoid service disruption, you will need to switch to TELUS.
To help you stay connected and make switching easy, we've teamed up with TELUS to offer you exclusive savings on 5G CAN-US plans like 40GB for $29/month, including the pre-authorized payment discount. Plus, you can keep your current device and phone number.'

Now my question ultimately is, what devices will be supported and which won't? I have a Friend using a Samsung S9 who got this message, but the device is certainly VoLTE supported. Do they need to upgrade or switch to Telus or will their S9 keep working with Public after the change?
I also had someone with a Samsung S21 also receive this message and a call from Telus trying to convince them to move networks since their device will no longer work after the change, but their device is 5G supported, why would they be getting this call and should it be taken seriously or with a grain of salt?
Its clear older devices like the Samsung S10/iPhone X and older (2019 and prior), are already having connection issues in the United States while roaming and using Public Mobile there, I understand this is because the 3G shutdown and upgrades have already happened there, but anyone using Public in the United States with a phone from 2020 or newer (5G Supported), does not have any issues.
What devices will and won't be supported after these changes are made in Manitoba, will 3G/4G VoLTE compatible Devices really not be working anymore unless they are 5G compatible as well?
This is very confusing and considering Telus is calling users who have 5G compatible devices, Its almost like they are trying to fear monger people who don't know any better to switch to the main Telus network.
With Public Mobile you are guaranteed the price stays the same forever, the promotion you selected upon sign up never changes. When Switching to Telus on one of their offers, from what I understand with Tier 1 networks is these are Limited time for say 12-24 months, and than they increase the price to whatever they want. Therefore, even those with devices that won't be compatible are better off upgrading and staying with Public Mobile for the guaranteed long term savings and price.
I just want some clarification on everything.

[Yummy]

So how come then I HAVE A SERVICE if my phone:

[LitlLdy]

@Priority , check the help section for “VoLTE (voice over LTE) FAQS” for compatibility. Scroll down to the bottom of the page & input the IMEI.

It says,

How do I know if my device is VoLTE capable?

Not all VoLTE-capable phones are certified across all service providers. If your device isn't compatible, you will continue to rely on the 3G network in supported areas.

Not sure if your device is VoLTE-capable? You can easily check using our device compatibility tool below:” “Enter your IMEI Number”

Edit: Of course you need to already have the device to check the IMEI to know if it’s compatible 🙄

[slusagm]

Yes @Priority 

Manitoba is the first to have 3G shutdown 

But the rest of Canada has no firm date yet, and likely won't happen till at least end of 2026

[umnikke8]

As far as I can tell there are 3 classes of devices that are important in regards to the 3G shutdown.

1) Devices that don't support VoLTE. These won't work at all after the shutdown. *

2) Devices that support VoLTE and are widely compatible. These will work with any provider.

3) Devices that support VoLTE, but are only partially supported by the carriers. These are usually older or obscure devices, that may have an older version of VoLTE or older software or may not have been tested or enabled by the carrier. These may work with some but not all carriers. They are most likely to be supported by the Big 3 brands directly and not their flanker brands.

The tough part is determining the difference between device classes 2 & 3 and really only the carriers know. Their device checkers may help clear up which they support and which they don't. My understanding is that VoLTE was not rigidly standardized and all the variability in implementation has made inter-operability a case by case basis for each device and network.

I think the message you're referring to is being sent to devices in class 3. They are supported, but only with Telus brand, not with Public.

*There is an edge case of a device that supports 4G/LTE but not VoLTE, so it will continue to be able to use data, but not be able to make calls.

[Yummy]

PM has a list of 'compatible' phones on their web site. How accurate it that, nobody knows...

I agree it is TOTALLY confusing as I have S7 and my plan is $15 with 4G Speed currently I do not worry (much) as I am in ON. Even if your S9 (like my S7 and S10) are VoLTE compatible that option does NOT appear on my phones. I do not know but maybe PM does not us to use our 'old' phones to their full capability.

It looks like a ploy to me to push customers to Telus or for customers to get new phones and spend unnecessary for something they do not need.