Our 3G network is closing down

We’re going full 4G and 5G, which means our 3G network will be switched off by the end of 2023. But don’t worry - better connectivity is already here.

At iiNet we are always working hard to bring you faster speeds and new features on our mobile network. 

Our 4G network now covers more than 24 million Australians and our state-of-the-art 5G network is stronger than ever. 

With superior speeds and greater connectivity available across these networks, we are now preparing to switch off our legacy 3G mobile network by the end of 2023.

If you are an iiNet customer or business using 3G, it is time to upgrade to a new device that can work on 4G and 5G networks.

Our priority is to keep our remaining 3G customers connected and help ensure they make a smooth transition to 4G or 5G before the December 2023 switch-off date.

Frequently asked questions

When is the 3G network shutting down?

iiNet will switch off its 3G network on 15 December 2023.

What do I need to do?

The vast majority of our customers do not have to do anything at all and will continue accessing our 4G and 5G networks as they do today.

A very small number of our customers have 3G-only handsets, tablets and connected devices and they will need to upgrade those devices before December 2023.

Some 4G handsets may also need settings changes to be able to continue to make and receive voice calls using our 4G network.

Why is 3G closing?

Mobile carriers around the world are closing down their 3G networks as more advanced 4G and 5G network services become widespread. 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. 

iiNet's licence to access the 3G spectrum (the invisible electromagnetic frequencies that transmit mobile data) is set to expire in mid-2024.  Although most customers rarely need to access 3G, we want to make sure customers have the appropriate notice and offer support to those who need assistance.

What devices are affected by the 3G closure?

All 3G-only devices (including phones, tablets and mobile broadband devices) and in rare cases, some older 4G phones, will be affected.  

Some older 4G phones that do not have a feature called 'VoLTE' (Voice over Long Term Evolution) will not be able to make and receive voice calls.

Please contact your device manufacturer if you are unsure of your device’s specific capabilities.

I have a 3G phone, how does this affect me?

If you have a 3G-only phone then you will no longer be able to make calls, send texts or access the internet on your phone when the 3G network switches off. 

You will still be able to make emergency 000 calls on other 3G networks when in coverage.

WiFi internet access is still possible.  

We recommend you upgrade your phone to a 4G or 5G compatible device to continue having mobile service. 

Will 4G/5G network coverage differ from 3G coverage?

Our 4G coverage is similar in size and reach to our 3G coverage and our 5G coverage is growing every day. Check our 4G and 5G coverage maps.

Does this only affect phones? 

No. Other devices like tablets, mobile broadband modems, smart watches, some home security systems, and other connected devices might also be using 3G services.

Please contact your device manufacturer if you are unsure of your device’s specific capabilities.

What is VoLTE and how do I switch it on?

Voice over LTE (VoLTE) is a feature that allows you to make voice calls using our 4G network. 

You might need to turn the VoLTE setting ON. Please check your device manufacturer’s support website if you are unsure of your device’s specific capabilities.

Android devices

If you have a Samsung device, Voice over LTE should automatically be enabled. If you’ve previously disabled VoLTE and want to re-enable it, or would like to check if it’s enabled on your Android device, please go to your Settings > Mobile Networks.

Apple devices

If you have an Apple device iPhone 6 or later, Voice over LTE should be automatically enabled. To check this or manually enable it, please go to the settings in your iPhone – Settings > Mobile > Mobile Data options > Voice and Data.

What should I do with my old 3G device?

The best way to recycle your old device is with Mobile Muster, the Australian mobile industry's official recycling scheme. Alternatively, please consider eWaste recycling facilities which may be offered by your local council.

Please follow the steps below to set up your TP-Link Deco.

Please note: Most TP-Link Deco modems have at least 2 Ethernet ports that can be used for setup purposes.

1. Ensure your nbn Connection Device is turned on.
2. Turn on the TP-Link Deco by plugging in the provided power supply into the power port.
   
3. Plug an Ethernet cable from the yellow Gateway port on your nbn Connection Device into one of the Ethernet ports on your TP-Link Deco.
   
4. Scan the QR code below or go to Google Play or the Apple App Store to download the Deco app.
   
5. Install the app on your Android or iOS smartphone or tablet.
6. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone or tablet.
7. Open the app. Use your TP-Link ID to log in. If you don’t have a TP-Link ID, select Sign Up.
   
8. Your smartphone will attempt to find and link to TP Link Deco. Once linked you can assign your TP-Link Deco to a room.
   
9. Your TP-Link Deco should detect PPPoE automatically. Manually set to PPPoE if not.
   
10. Set a Network name and a Password.
    Note: These will be the name and password you use to connect your devices to WiFi.
    
11. Once connected to your Deco's WiFi network, log back into the TP-Link Deco App. Tap on the More icon and go to Advanced.
    
12. Under advanced tap on IPv4. It should say PPPoE underneath.
13. Disable “Ignore Ping from WAN" and tap on the back arrow.

Your TP-Link Deco should now be online. If you're still having issues, please see Improving WiFi Signal or call us on 13 22 58 for further assistance.

Please follow the steps below to set up your TP-Link Archer VR400.

1. Ensure your nbn Connection Device is turned on.
2. Plug an Ethernet cable from the yellow Gateway port on your nbn Connection Device into the yellow LAN/WAN port on your TP-Link router.
   
3. Plug in the power cable and turn your TP-Link on using the Power button.
   
4. Connect your computer or any device to your modem by plugging an Ethernet cable from the device to the Ethernet port, or you can connect your device via WiFi.
   
5. Go to 192.168.1.1 or http://tplinkmodem.net in your browser.
6. Log in with your TP-Link username and password. By default, these are:
7. Username: admin
   Password: admin
   Note: You may be prompted to create a new password. Ensure this flags as High and click Let’s Get Started to log in
8. Select Advanced > Operation Mode > Wireless Router Mode.
9. Click Save.
   Note: The modem router will reboot.
10. Select Basic > Internet.
11. Select Other from the ISP list.
12. If your nbn plan was activated before 1 March 2023 or you have nbn Phone included in your service, more settings are needed. Tick the Enable checkbox for VLAN ID and enter 2.
13. Select PPPoE as the Internet Connection Type. 
14. Enter your iiNet Username and Password.
15. Click Save.

Your TP-Link Archer VR400 should now be online. If you're still having issues, please see Improving WiFi Signal or call us on 13 22 58 for further assistance.

Please follow the steps below to set up your TP-Link Archer AX10.

1. Ensure your nbn Connection Device is turned on.
2. Plug an Ethernet cable from the yellow Gateway port on your nbn Connection Device into the blue WAN port on your TP-Link router.
   
3. Plug in the power cable and turn your TP-Link router on using the Power button.
   
4. Connect your computer or any device to your modem by plugging an Ethernet cable from the device to the Ethernet port, or you can connect your device via WiFi.
   
5. Go to 192.168.1.1 or http://tplinkmodem.net in your browser.
6. Log in with your TP-Link username and password. By default, these are:
   Username: admin
   Password: admin
   Note: You may be prompted to create a new password. Ensure this flags as High and click Let’s Get Started to log in
7. Click on the Internet tab.
8. Select PPPoE as Internet Connection Type 
9. Enter your iiNet username and Password
10. Click Save.
11. If your nbn plan was activated before 1 March 2023 or you have nbn Phone included in your service, more settings are needed.
    - Go to Advanced > Network > IPTV/VLAN. 
    - Tick the Enable checkbox for IPTV/VLAN  and select Custom from the ISP Profile. 
    - Enter "2" for Internet VLAN ID and "0" for Internet VLAN Priority and enable 802.1Q Tag.
    - Click Save.

Your TP-Link Archer AX10 should now be online. If you're still having issues, please see Improving WiFi Signal or call us on 13 22 58 for further assistance.

Please follow the steps below to set up your D-Link COVR-1102.

1. Ensure your nbn Connection Box is turned on.
2. Plug an Ethernet cable from the UNI-D1 port on your nbn Connection Box into the Internet port on your D-Link router.
   Note: if UNI-D1 doesn't work, try each UNI-D port.
   
3. Plug in the power cable and turn your COVR-1102 on using the Power button.
   
4. Connect a device to your COVR-1102 via WiFi or Ethernet cable and go to http://covr.local or  http://192.168.1.1 in your browser.
5. Click Go to Settings and Internet.
6. Select PPPoE from My Internet Connection is.
7. Enter your iiNet username and password.
8. Select Save.
9. If your nbn plan was activated before 1 March 2023 or you have nbn Phone included in your service, more settings are needed:
   - Click VLAN option from Internet Settings.
   - Enable Triple Play Status and Priority ID.
   - Enter 2 in Internet VLAN ID and 0 in Priority ID.
10. Click Save at the end of the Wizard.

Your D-Link COVR-1102 should now be online. If you're still having issues, please see Improving WiFi Signal or call us on 13 22 58 for further assistance.

Please follow the steps below to set up your D-Link DSL-2878.

1. Ensure your nbn Connection Box is turned on.
2. Plug an Ethernet cable from UNI-D1 port on your nbn Connection Box into the yellow LAN/WAN port on your D-Link router.
   Note: if UNI-D1 doesn't work, try each UNI-D port.
   
3. Plug in the power cable and turn your DSL-2878 on using the Power button on the side.
   
4. Connect a device to your DSL-2878 via WiFi or Ethernet cable and go to http://192.168.1.1 in your browser.
5. Select Settings then select Internet.
6. Select Ethernet as Configure your WAN connection. 
7. Select Advanced Settings.
8. Enter 2 for Vlan ID.
9. Select PPPoE for Connection.
10. Enter your iiNet username and password.
11. Click Save.

Your D-Link DSL-2878 should now be online. If you're still having issues, please see Improving WiFi Signal or call us on 13 22 58 for further assistance.

Please follow the steps below to set up your D-Link DSL-3900.

1. Ensure you nbn Connection Box is turned on.
2. Plug an Ethernet cable from the UNI-D1 port on your nbn Connection Box into the red WAN port on your D-Link router.
   
3. Plug in the power cable and turn your DSL-3900 on using the Power button.
   
4. Connect a device to your DSL-3900 via WiFi or Ethernet cable and go to http://192.168.1.1 in your browser.
5. Enter your D-Link password (if this was not changed, by default the password field is left blank).
6. Select Settings then select Internet.
7. Select Ethernet as Configure your WAN connection. 
8. If your nbn plan was activated before 1 March 2023 or you have nbn Phone included in your service, more settings are needed:
   - Select Enabled for Enable Vlan ID.
   - Enter 2 for VLAN ID.
9. Select PPPoE for Connection.
10. Enter your iiNet username and password.
11. Click Save.

Your D-Link DSL-3900 should now be online. If you're still having issues, please see Improving WiFi Signal or call us on 13 22 58 for further assistance.

Please follow the steps below to set up your Netgear Nighthawk AX5.

Before you install your router, attach the antennas to the router.

Note: Make sure to match the labels on the antennas with the labels on the router. The antennas must be attached to the correct antenna ports on the router. After you are done attaching the antennas, follow the steps below to connect your service.

1. Ensure your nbn Connection Device is turned on.
2. Plug an Ethernet cable from the yellow Gateway port on your nbn Connection Device into the yellow Internet port on your Netgear Nighthawk AX5.
   
3. Plug in the power cable and turn your Nighthawk on using the Power On-Off button.
   
4. Connect your computer or any device to your modem by plugging an Ethernet cable from the device to one of the LAN ports, or you can connect your device via WiFi.
   
5. Go to  http://192.168.1.1 or to http://www.routerlogin.com in your browser.
6. Log in with your Netgear username and password. By default these are:
   Username: admin
   Password: password
7. On the home screen, click BASIC.
8. Click Internet.
9. In Does your Internet connection require a login? section, select the Yes radio button.
10. From the Internet Service Provider menu, select the encapsulation method PPPoE.
11. Enter your iiNet username and password.
12. From the Connection Mode menu, select Always On.
13. To change the number of minutes until the Internet login times out, in the Idle Timeout (In minutes) field, type the number of minutes. This is how long the router keeps the Internet connection active when no one on the network is using the Internet connection. A value of 0 (zero) means never log out.
14. Select an Internet IP Address radio button: Get Dynamically from ISP
15. Select a Domain Name Server (DNS) Address radio button:
    • Get Automatically from ISP. Your ISP uses DHCP to assign your DNS servers. Your ISP automatically assigns this address.
    • Use These DNS Servers. If you know that your ISP requires specific servers, select this option. Enter the IP address of your ISP’s primary DNS server. If a secondary DNS server address is available, enter it also.
16. Select a Router MAC Address radio button:
    • Use Default Address. Use the default MAC address.
    • Use Computer MAC Address. The router captures and uses the MAC address of the computer that you are now using. You must use the one computer that the ISP allows.
    • Use This MAC Address. Enter the MAC address that you want to use.
17. Click Apply to save the settings.
18. If your nbn plan was activated before 1 March 2023 or you have nbn Phone included in your service, more settings are needed:
    - Select ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > VLAN/Bridge Settings and tick the Enable VLAN/Bridge Setup check box. 
    - Select the By VLAN tag group button and then click the Add button.
    - The Add VLAN Rule page displays.
    - Enter a name for the VLAN tag group (e.g. iiNet). The name can be up to 10 characters.
    - For VLAN ID, enter 2 and set Priority to 0.
19. Click the Test button to test your Internet connection.

Your Netgear Nighthawk AX5 should now be online. If you're still having issues, please see Improving WiFi Signal or call us on 13 22 58 for further assistance.

Please follow the steps below to set up your NetComm NF18MESH modem.

1. Ensure your nbn Connection Device is turned on.
2. Plug an Ethernet cable from the yellow Gateway port on your nbn Connection Device into the blue WAN port on your NetComm NF18MESH.
   
3. Plug in the power cable and turn your NetComm modem on using the Power button on the side of the modem.
   
4. Connect devices such as PC desktops, laptops or gaming consoles by plugging Ethernet cables from devices to any of the 4 yellow Ethernet ports; or you can connect devices via WiFi.
   
5. Go to http://192.168.20.1 or http://cloudmesh.net in your browser. 
6. On the login page, key in the username and password. By default these are:
   Username: admin
   Password: Enter the password printed on the gateway label (affixed to the back panel of the gateway
7. If this is the first time the modem will be set up, select  Select Set up Wizard, if the modem has been used previously, click Internet from the left pane.
8. Select Ethernet WAN as the Internet Service.
9. Under Connection Type, select PPPoE.
10. Enter your iiNet Username and Password.
11. If your nbn plan was activated before 1 March 2023 or you have nbn Phone included in your service, more settings are needed. Enter 0 (zero) in the 802.1P (0-7) text box and 2 in the VLAN Tag text box.
12. Click Apply or if using the Setup Wizard, click Next.
13. If using the Setup Wizard you will be prompted to set up your WiFi Network - this allows you to set a WiFi name and password.
14. Skip the rest of the setup steps by clicking Next. until you reach the timezone and set it to your current.
15. Click Next and then Finish.

Your NetComm NF18MESH should now be online. If you're still having issues, please see Improving WiFi Signal or call us on 13 22 58 for further assistance.

Please follow the steps below to set up your NetComm NF18ACV modem.

1. Ensure your nbn Connection Device is turned on.
2. Plug an Ethernet cable from the yellow Gateway port on your NBN Connection Device into the blue WAN port on your NetComm NF18ACV.
   
3. Plug in the power cable and turn the NetComm modem on using the Power button on the side of the modem.
   
4. Connect your computer or any device to your modem by plugging an Ethernet cable from the device to one of the yellow Ethernet ports, or you can connect your device via WiFi.
   
5. Go to http://192.168.20.1 in your browser.
6. On the login page, key in the username and password. By default these are:
   Username: admin
   Password: admin
7. If this is the first time the modem will be set up, select  Select Set up Wizard, if the modem has been used previously, click Internet from the left pane.
8. Select Ethernet WAN as the Internet Service.
9. Under Connection Type, select PPPoE.
10. Enter your iiNet Username and Password.
11. If your nbn plan was activated before 1 March 2023 or you have nbn Phone included in your service, more settings are needed. Enter 0 (zero) in the 802.1P (0-7) text box and 2 in the VLAN Tag text box.
12. Click Apply or if using the Setup Wizard, click Next.
13. If using the Setup Wizard you will be prompted to set up your WiFi Network - this allows you to set a WiFi name and password.
14. Skip the rest of the setup steps by clicking Next. until you reach the timezone and set it to your current.
15. Click Next and then Finish.

Your NetComm NF18ACV should now be online. If you're still having issues, please see Improving WiFi Signal or call us on 13 22 58 for further assistance.