about 3G network

[rockdong]

I received the next SMS today.

 Public Mobile here.

We are making upgrades to our 4G network that may impact your 3G voice, messaging, and data connectivity. You may experience a degraded 3G connection from February 27 to March 3, 2025 and then ongoing after March 17, 2025

Public Mobile support (urlshortner.tiia.ai/pm1vin) is available to help you if you are impacted.

Please, tell me what I should do next? Does this mean that Public will not provide stable 3G network services?

[softech]

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@Rocky2025 wrote:

... and Bell, and Telus to shut down 3G by the end of the year, into January 2026

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@Rocky2025 Bell and Telus will NOT be shutting down the 3G system this year.  We don't know how long they will push the sunset date, but 3G system could stay with Bell/Telus for as long as another 2 years

[GPs4evr]

Yes, and unfortunately even if you think you future proofed by buying a phone that has 5G and VoLTE capabilities as well as being compatible with network frequencies/bandwidths, it doesn't mean the networks will certify it on VoLTE. 

This is from a supervisor after a month of me asking about my phone.

"VoLTE capability is not restricted by Public Mobile alone but is part of how all carriers manage network compatibility. While Public Mobile plans support VoLTE, a device must also be certified and compatible with the network for VoLTE to function...Device certification involves testing to ensure compatibility, and this process is managed by both the carrier and the device manufacturer."

In my case I have a OnePlus Nord CE2 Global edition that I bought on Amazon 2 years ago thinking I was going to be good for 5G. Now it feels like it's just going to be a expensive brick. 

This is what the supervisor from public mobile had to say when I asked for more specifics about  certification...

"This typically involves:

Network Testing & Certification – OnePlus needs to work with carriers to test and certify their devices for VoLTE functionality on specific networks. This ensures proper compatibility with our network infrastructure.

Firmware & Software Updates – The device must have the correct network profiles and settings, which may include specific modem firmware (.mbn files) that enable VoLTE on our network. OnePlus is responsible for implementing and updating these files.

IMS Registration & Network Whitelisting – Even if a device technically supports VoLTE, it must be properly configured and recognized by the carrier’s network for VoLTE services to be enabled.

If OnePlus is open to working on certification, they would need to initiate discussions with our network team. They may also have more insight into whether a firmware update could enable VoLTE on Public Mobile."

[Rocky2025]

All of the Canadian phone providers are gonna be doing this! Rogers will most likely be first to shut down 3G, starting July 31st, and Bell, and Telus to shut down 3G by the end of the year, into January 2026

[GPs4evr]

I contacted PM and was told that their compatibility tool (aka phones on the "whitelist") is not up to date. The CSR said if the phone is capable of VoLTE, it should work but that they "do not have a way to know if the phone will be full compatible even though appears on the list,  until it is tested on the network."

I did make it clear to them that even if a phone is compatible with their network bandwidths and capable of VoLTE, the phones have to be enabled on their network for VoLTE to work. So we will see what happens.,

I wouldn't rush off to change anything at this time if you know your phone is capable of VoLTE. If you have issues after their test period, then reach out to PM again and tell them you want your VoLTE capable phone added to their network.

[rockdong]

Thanks.

[slusagm]

Huawei Mate 20 has both 850 and 1900. So even with 850 gone, it can still use the 1900.  You should not be affected 

[rockdong]

Thanks  hTideGnow,
My phone is Huawei Mate 20 and I am in Toronto.  Will this phone  be affected after  March 17?

[KamalaJody]

The 3G service is effectively being decommissioned. Essentially being turned off.

You need to get a 4G/LTE device, or even better, 5G. That will future-proof your service into the next decade!

Good luck and bless you

[slusagm]

which province or city you are at? and what phone are you using?

Whether it will really affect your calls depends on the phone you have.

[hTideGnow]

HI @rockdong 

what phone do you have? and what city you are at?

Yes, Telus is refarming all of their 850 to 10 MHz LTE B5 in their markets, mainly BC, AB, Windsor, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City.   Bell has not done this, so it won't affect area that has Bell networks which Telus/PM use

So, it might affect voice calls for phones that has only 850 Band 5 on the phone but lack 1900 Mhz, those phone people bought in other country.    If you phone has 1900 Mhz, if your phone are those that sold in Canada,  it likely won't impact you, you won't see any service degrade

https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/get-help/articles/850-turndown