FAQ: 3G/HSPA Network Discontinuation in Canada
Date of Publication: January 24, 2025
While many mobile wireless carriers have yet to announce their plans regarding the future of their 3G networks, we have received questions about 3G network discontinuation, what it means, and how it will impact mobile wireless users.
This FAQ has been created to answer common questions about 3G network discontinuation. It is important to note that each carrier will communicate their own 3G network discontinuation plans to its customers before it discontinues its 3G services.
What is 3G/HSPA?
3G/HSPA refers to a third generation of wireless access standards that allows mobile devices to connect to the internet and to place and receive voice calls. 3G was introduced in the early 2000s and has been followed by 4G LTE and, most recently, by the newest generation of wireless standards, 5G.
Why retire 3G/HSPA networks?
Canada’s mobile wireless carriers continually invest in enhancing their networks and deploying the latest technologies. In some cases, this requires the shutdown of older services, like 3G, so that spectrum and infrastructure used to provide the older services can be re-purposed for the provision and enhancement of more advanced technologies, like 4G LTE and 5G.
Upgrading to the latest 4G LTE or 5G devices offers numerous advantages, including significantly faster data speeds for seamless browsing, video/live streaming, and enabling high bandwidth demanding applications, as well as access to a wider range of advanced mobile applications and services. Newer technologies are also designed to consume less energy.
When will 3G networks in Canada be discontinued?
Each mobile wireless carrier will manage its 3G network in a manner that best suits its operational requirements and the needs of its customers. For this reason, each carrier develops its own plan for discontinuing its 3G network. Affected customers will be contacted by their service provider in advance of any discontinuance of 3G service.
Have any Canadian carriers announced a date for the discontinuation of their 3G networks?
As of the publication date above, Rogers has announced its plan to discontinue 3G services by July 31, 2025. Eastlink discontinued its 3G network in 2020. We will endeavour to update this question with any future 3G network retirement announcements.
Are other countries also discontinuing their 3G networks?
Yes, many countries, including the United States, Australia, and parts of Europe, have already begun or completed the process of discontinuing their 3G networks.
You can find our FAQ on U.S. mobile carriers discontinuation of 3G/HSPA network service here.
How will a 3G network discontinuation affect my mobile wireless services?
If your mobile device only supports 3G/HSPA network access, you will not be able to use voice services and you will be unable to connect to the internet using mobile data services where 3G/HSPA services are no longer offered. If you have a 4G LTE device that does not support Voice over LTE (VoLTE), you will not be able to make or receive voice calls on your service provider’s 4G LTE network. See the chart further down in this FAQ for further information.
In rare cases, some individuals may still be using a 3G SIM card in their 4G LTE-capable device. They would be required to upgrade their SIM card to continue to use voice and mobile data services.
What is Voice over LTE (VoLTE) calling?
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) allows customers with a compatible phone to place and receive voice calls over a 4G LTE or 5G network instead of a 3G/HSPA network. VoLTE enables faster call connection times and improved voice quality service.
Based on my device type, what services are impacted by the discontinuation of my service provider’s 3G network services?
Device Type | Device capability and details |
---|---|
3G/HSPA Only | Voice (including emergency calls to 9-1-1) and data services will no longer be supported by your carrier when they discontinue their 3G/HSPA network services. |
4G LTE (without VoLTE capability) | Voice services (including emergency calls to 9-1-1) will no longer be supported by your carrier when they discontinue their 3G/HSPA network services. Your data services (e.g. connecting to internet and using mobile apps) will continue to be supported when in 4G LTE network coverage. |
4G LTE (with VoLTE capability) | No impact on voice calling or data services when in 4G LTE network coverage. |
5G (with VoLTE capability) | No impact on voice calling or data services when in 4G LTE or 5G network coverage. |
How can I determine if I have a 3G/HSPA only device, or a 4G LTE device or 5G device that supports VoLTE?
There are several ways to determine what network standards your mobile device supports.
- In your device settings look for your mobile network connection details. Depending on your device and the applicable operating system, you should be able to see a list of which type of network connections your device supports.
- You can check the specifications for your device on your device manufacturer’s website or device documentation to determine what network connections it supports and whether it also supports VoLTE.
- There are third-party websites, such as https://www.gsmarena.com/ (see Phone Finder tab), where you can check what network standards are supported by your mobile device.
- If in doubt, you should consult the support pages of your service providers’ website or contact your service provider.
What should I do if I currently use a 3G device or a 4G device that does not support VoLTE?
If your service provider has not announced plans to discontinue its 3G network, you can continue to use your device as usual on your service provider’s 3G network. However, your ability to roam on other service providers’ networks when travelling outside your provider’s network area will be impacted if those service providers have retired their 3G networks. If you wish to use mobile voice and data services when 3G services are discontinued, you will need to upgrade your device.
How do I enable VoLTE calling on my device?
Follow the instructions below to enable VoLTE calling on your Apple iOS or Android OS device. Please note that if your device does not support VoLTE calling you will need to upgrade your device to make voice calls once your service provider discontinues 3G services. You can also consult the support pages of your device manufacturer and/or service provider for more information.
Apple iOS
- Go to Settings.
- Select Cellular.
- Select Cellular Data Options.
- Select Voice & Data.
- Select LTE, VoLTE ON.
- Power down and restart device.
Android OS
Note: Settings may be different on some Android devices
- Go to Settings.
- Select Connections.
- Select Mobile networks.
- Select VoLTE calls and turn it on.
- Power down and restart device.
Can I still use my 3G device connected to Wi-Fi after 3G services are discontinued?
3G/HSPA service discontinuation should not impact your ability to use your device’s Wi-Fi capabilities when connected to a Wi-Fi network. However, to benefit from the full functionality of advanced networks, upgrading to a VoLTE-capable 4G LTE or 5G device is recommended.
How will the discontinuation of 3G services affect my ability to place 9-1-1 calls on my mobile phone?
As noted in the chart above, voice services (including 9-1-1) will not be supported on 3G/HSPA and 4G LTE (without VoLTE capability) devices when your service provider discontinues its 3G network. Upgrading to a VoLTE capable 4G LTE or 5G device will be required to access mobile voice services (including 9-1-1).
What if I need help transitioning to a new device?
Your service provider can assist you with upgrading to a new device.