Vodafone Australia is on course to deactivate its 3G mobile network tomorrow (Friday 15 December). The telco’s website notes: ‘Our 4G and 5G networks are more efficient at delivering greater speed and capacity, which means better service and experience for customers. Similar shutdowns have happened before. All Australian mobile networks switched off their 2G networks a few years ago when they upgraded to 4G. Vodafone’s licence to access 3G spectrum is set to expire in mid-2024.’

All three of Australia’s main players are set to close down their 3G networks over the next nine months, with Vodafone leading the way. Telstra will shut down its 3G network on 30 June 2024, while Optus plans to turn off its network in September 2024.