Optus, Australia: 2G and 3G shutdown dates
Updated
Optus switched off 2G in August 2017 and switched off 3G on 28 October 2024, according to the sources we checked on 26 October 2026. The table gives each source and how far we trust it; the rest of the page says what this means for IoT devices in Australia.
2G and 3G status at Optus
| Network | Status | Date | Confidence | Sources and notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2G | Switched off | August 2017 | medium | itwire.com, tele.net.in Staged: NT and WA from 3 Apr 2017, other states/ACT in Aug 2017 (iTWire). Tele.net lists Australia's national 2G switch-off as complete by June 2018. No Optus page confirming the final day found (Optus site unreachable). |
| 3G | Switched off | 28 October 2024 | medium | ia.acs.org.au, amta.org.au Staged switch-off began 28 Oct 2024; AMTA says Optus 3G closed in Nov 2024. WhistleOut (28 Oct 2024) reported small 3G pockets kept where there was no 4G; no later detail found. |
Confidence is high when the operator or the regulator states the date, medium when several independent sources agree, low otherwise. We recheck every month.
What it means for IoT devices on Optus
- 2G devices no longer connect to Optus. Trackers, alarms and meters that only speak GSM/GPRS need a 4G-based replacement, or a SIM that roams onto another network in Australia still running 2G.
- 3G fallback no longer works on Optus. Devices built for 3G (UMTS) or that fall back to it lose service; 4G devices with 2G fallback are not affected by this closure.
- For new devices, choose 4G-based technologies: LTE Cat-1 bis, LTE-M or NB-IoT where the network offers them.
- Foreign SIMs in Australia: no law we found restricts permanent roaming; mobile operators set the terms. Details on the Australia page.
An M2M.global IoT SIM is not tied to a single network in a country, and its data can reach your cloud without the internet through private delivery.
Other operators in Australia
| Operator | 2G | 3G |
|---|---|---|
| Telstra | Switched off, 1 December 2016 | Switched off, 28 October 2024 |
| TPG Telecom (Vodafone) | Switched off, June 2018 | Switched off, January 2024 |
All operators and both rules for Australia: IoT connectivity in Australia. Every country: 2G and 3G shutdown dates by country and operator.
Frequently asked questions
When did Optus switch off 2G in Australia?
Optus switched off its 2G network in August 2017. Staged: NT and WA from 3 Apr 2017, other states/ACT in Aug 2017 (iTWire). Tele.net lists Australia's national 2G switch-off as complete by June 2018. No Optus page confirming the final day found (Optus site unreachable).
When did Optus switch off 3G in Australia?
Optus switched off its 3G network on 28 October 2024. Staged switch-off began 28 Oct 2024; AMTA says Optus 3G closed in Nov 2024. WhistleOut (28 Oct 2024) reported small 3G pockets kept where there was no 4G; no later detail found.