Telstra, Australia: 2G and 3G shutdown dates
Updated
Telstra switched off 2G on 1 December 2016 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 Telstra
| Network | Status | Date | Confidence | Sources and notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2G | Switched off | 1 December 2016 | medium | cwu.org.au GSM network switched off on 1 Dec 2016, after more than 20 years of operation (union news item; Telstra primary page not found). |
| 3G | Switched off | 28 October 2024 | high | telstra.com.au, amta.org.au Closure date moved to 28 Oct 2024 (the page's URL still shows an earlier June 2024 plan). Staged closure; AMTA (industry body) says Telstra 3G closed in Nov 2024 (AMTA page dated 2023 but updated after the closure). |
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 Telstra
- 2G devices no longer connect to Telstra. 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 Telstra. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Optus | Switched off, August 2017 | 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 Telstra switch off 2G in Australia?
Telstra switched off its 2G network on 1 December 2016. GSM network switched off on 1 Dec 2016, after more than 20 years of operation (union news item; Telstra primary page not found).
When did Telstra switch off 3G in Australia?
Telstra switched off its 3G network on 28 October 2024. Closure date moved to 28 Oct 2024 (the page's URL still shows an earlier June 2024 plan). Staged closure; AMTA (industry body) says Telstra 3G closed in Nov 2024 (AMTA page dated 2023 but updated after the closure).