The 3G network will be shutting down in Manitoba

[Peggie29]

I just received a text warning me that my device will no longer work on the Public Mobile Network after 3G is shut down in Manitoba, which is supposed to start happening in most areas December 31, 2025... and that I should switch to Telus (no thanks). 

Can someone explain to me why this is so, when I have a Samsung s9+ that supports 4G/LTE - or link me to the appropriate community article that explains it?

[williamb]

Our S10e does not show any settings for VoLTE. 

The only choices under Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Mode are:
- LTE/WCDMA/GSM (auto connect)
- WCDMA/GSM
- WCDMA only
- GSM only

[Peggie29]

There is no option to enable or disable VoLTE on my Samsung s9+  - the option is missing while I'm using the Public Mobile Sim card. 

[Peggie29]

My phone does the same thing - if I turn off WiFi. 4G or LTE indicators. 
But if Public Mobile decides they won't enable VoLTE on phones that support it, I only have bad words to say. 

Would love to hear from someone with an older Samsung Phone in an area where they've already turned off 3G. 

[Peggie29]

FULL TEXT:
4011

Public Mobile here.

Important upcoming network changes 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.

If you've recently upgraded to a compatible 4G or 5G device, no action is required.

To help you stay connected and make switching easy, we’ve teamed up with TELUS to offer you exclusive savings on 5G plans. Plus, you can keep your current device and phone number.

Call 1-866-975-3052 or visit any TELUS store and mention promo code MBPP2P. Locations: publicmobile.ca/sl/rHM8FYVvMr

For more information about the network changes, please visit publicmobile.ca/sl/Jl6j1yoghi

Conditions apply. Subject to approved credit.

[BKNS27]

@Peggie29 

3G will be decommissioned in Canada by the end of 2025 from what I recall but it shouldn’t be a problem with your Samsung S9+. I have the Samsung S9 and all you have to do is go to Settings>Connections>Mobile Networks>and enable VoLTE calls and you should be good to go. 
Also on Mobile Networks>enable GSM, HSPA/LTE(auto connect).

[williamb]

My wife got the same message today, she has an S10e, when she is on a call it says 4G. When not on a call it says LTE. Sounds like it will be fine. Thanks!

[Chalupa_Batman]

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@Peggie29 wrote:

I just received a text warning me that my device will no longer work on the Public Mobile Network after 3G is shut down in Manitoba, which is supposed to start happening in most areas December 31, 2025... and that I should switch to Telus (no thanks). 

Can someone explain to me why this is so, when I have a Samsung s9+ that supports 4G/LTE - or link me to the appropriate community article that explains it?

---

To confirm if your phone will work with Public Mobile, please see this link. These are currently and mildly out of date lists of what can work.

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

Since this phone is only 6 years old, there really shouldn't be too much of an issues since it does have access to 4G. However, Public Mobile hasn't updated their VoLTE list in years and seriously needs to upgrade it no matter how many times they are asked to do so by customers. 

Let me ask you this. When you make a call and you look at the phone WHILE you're in the call...  does it say 3G or 4G? If it says 3G, might need a new phone in the new year. If it's 4G, you should be OK.  I get the impression that anyone who's been on the 3G freq get this message.

[hTideGnow]

hi @Peggie29 

what was the exact text look like ?

and @sheytoon  is 3G going to fully shut down in Manitoba this year?

[hairbag1]

@Peggie29 

that's gonna happen across north America eventually. You need a cellphone that has VoLTE built in AND is recognized by Public Mobile as not all VolTE phones are recognized by PM. Check out the list...but that list is evolving.

added VoLTE list...

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