Another day, another death because someone couldn't reach 000 with their mobile phone. And unfortunately, it's going to keep happening unless Aussies pay attention to the phones they're using and update them if they're affected by new technology that requires some phones to literally be disconnected from the network if they're incompatible. Here's how to tell if your phone is one of them, and what to do.

What's happening?

For over a year now, 3G services have been decommissioned in Australia to make way for new 5G upgrades.

The shutdown meant that any 3G-only devices were rendered inoperable, meaning users needed to replace them to stay connected. However, some devices that are able to connect to 4G might not have the exact-right settings required to connect to the network in the right way, meaning that many of them can't call 000 emergency services when they need help.

The technical cause is simple even though it feels counterintuitive. Many older or grey-market phones can use 4G for data but cannot place a voice call over it. These devices normally fall back to 3G whenever the user makes a call, including an emergency call. Once 3G is switched off, the fallback path disappears. The handset then tries to connect, fails silently, and the call never reaches emergency services. Some overseas models also use radio bands not supported in Australia, which blocks emergency routing altogether. A quick way to check if your phone can connect is if it supports something called VoLTE (or Voice-Over-LTE).

Telcos say they are still trying to reach customers who may have no idea that their phone is affected. Industry estimates point to roughly half a million devices still in circulation. Many belong to older Australians or to people who purchased cheaper imported models online. Some consumers assume that if the phone can browse the web, then it must be able to make an emergency call. That assumption is no longer safe.

This is why networks are starting to bar affected devices. If a handset cannot guarantee access to 000, carriers must restrict its use to encourage an upgrade. It is a blunt measure but it reflects the legal obligation. Regulators do not want customers believing they have a working safety line when they do not.

The solution is straightforward, although not always obvious. Consumers need to confirm that their phone supports VoLTE for standard calls and VoLTE Emergency Calling. Every major provider explains how to check this in device settings. Telstra also provides an IMEI-lookup tool. That lets customers confirm whether their specific handset model is fit for purpose.

Why was the change made at all?

You might think that shutting down 3G to make way for fancy new networks like 5G is a waste. That fast networking is just going to be used by consumers to stream TikTok and upload selfies even faster. In some instances, you're correct: people will be able to use their phones for this faster, but new networking tech like 5G is designed to power a digital economy that will take Australia into the next generation. A generation that has to make do economically on more than just what we dig out of the ground.

Businesses around Australia are already using it to deliver value to their bottom line, and in turn, the nation's. Logistics firms track vehicles and freight in real time. That cuts fuel use and improves delivery times. Mining companies run more autonomous machinery because 5G can support dense sensor networks across large sites. Health providers use high quality video links for remote consultations which reduces travel and keeps regional patients in the system. Small businesses benefit too. Faster mobile broadband lets them run cloud software, payments and inventory systems without fixed lines. The network also creates spillover value by making new services possible, like smart farms that manage water use minute by minute or energy grids that respond to real time demand.

These gains do not arrive as a single headline number. They show up as productivity growth in industries that already contribute billions of dollars to GDP.

Keeping 3G around just so that people don't have to change their old phone over to a slightly newer one would cost the economy billions for what is ostensibly nothing.

How to check if your phone is affected?

Aussie telcos estimate there are around half a million affected devices still out there in use that are affected by the change in technology.

Many telcos have issued a list of devices that need to be replaced or upgraded. Telstra has gone one step further and rolled out a system that lets you check a device's IMEI identification number directly to see if it's affected. You can use the IMEI checker from Telstra here.

Alternatively, check below for the list of devices (issued by Vodafone, may not be exhaustive) that either need a software update or an outright replacement.