Retiring 3G

[a_n_m]

Hi,  I received a test about 3G retiring and what does that mean for the phone you currently use? I have three, two can use LTE and not 3G and one can use 5G. How do I know what’s affected coming up March 2027

[sheytoon]

@a_n_m easiest way to confirm is to turn off Wi-Fi and make a phone call. If the signal indicator says 4G or LTE, you are using VoLTE. If it says 3G you will need a new phone.

[a_n_m]

Two of my phones I checked are compatible on the list. One is not. I have to buy a new one. I didn’t know about a $5 charge. I’ll have to look at my accounts. 

[BKNS27]

@a_n_m 

3G, 4G/LTE or 5G are just the data speeds and not for making or receiving calls. Once 3G is shutdown, you will need VoLTE to make and receive calls. Your phone must be VoLTE compatible and on the approved whitelist of devices on PM network.

Here is more information on VoLTE so enter the IMEI of your phone to see if it is compatible:

https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/get-help/articles/volte 

If it is not compatible then you need to look for a newer phone and you won’t be charged for the extra $5 fee.

[slusagm · Accepted solution]

@a_n_m 

Your phone might be a 4G or 5G device, and your phone might has VoLTE itself, but it has to be on PM's VoLTE whitelist as well.  Seem like your phone is not on the list

What phone are you using? and which province you are in?

You are charged the $5 extra for using an old device was because PM would like everyone to change to a device that is compatible with PM network before end of March 2027, when 3G service will end.  After March, all non-compatible devices will not receive voice calls

Since you got the $5 charge, your phone likely not on the list.   better to check it yourself and confirm:
https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/get-help/articles/volte

if it shows your phone is not VoLTE approved on PM network, you should get another phone that is on the list to avoid more voice call issues

But if it shows your phone is VoLTE approved on PM network, then it was charged wrong, you can ask PM to check and remove the charge.

Simply open ticket with PM using Expert Messaging.  Click the Orange Chatbot icon on the lower right to start, or use this link https://expert-messaging.publicmobile.ca/guest/chat/
 (Use your Community account to login.  For 2FA, you might need to use email to receive if you cannot receive the text on the phone.) 
 
PM will reply you via Expert Messaging   between 9AM-10PM EST (Mon-Sun)
(for help with Expert Messaging, check here: https://publicmobile.ca/en/get-help/articles/expert-messaging )