3G Network retirement – Everything you need to know

In spring 2025, we're planning to retire our 3G network. Retiring the 3G network allows us to further enhance our LTE and 5G networks. We want to ensure we help you through this transition so that you’re using the right mobile phone or device for our network. This means that your mobile phone or device must be using LTE and make phone calls over LTE, known as Voice over LTE (VoLTE).

What'll happen when the 3G network is retired?

Once the 3G network is retired, your phone may start to experience the following disruptions before it stops working completely:

- No calling, texting and data usage.
- No or slow data.

3G network retirement FAQs

How do I know if I’m impacted and what are the actions I need to take If I’m impacted?

If you're on a 3G-only mobile phone, you'll see a 3G network bar or 'H+' icon in the top-right corner of your phone screen all the time. Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks to see if VoLTE can be enabled. If not, your device doesn't support VoLTE and may need upgrading.

If your device only shows 3G, or it's not VoLTE-capable, you need to replace it to stay connected.

You may have received an email from Rogers notifying you of the need to switch to a new phone. Please follow the instructions provided in the email or contact us at 1-855-720-9035.

How do I check if I'm on a 3G SIM card?

Look for a 3G network bar or 'H+' icon in the top-right corner of your mobile phone, and your phone is on the compatible devices list, you need to upgrade your SIM. We'll send you a 5G SIM in the mail. Please contact us to activate when it arrives.

What's VoLTE and what do I need to do before the 3G network retirement?

Voice over LTE (VoLTE) lets you make phone calls over our 4G (LTE) network. Your mobile device will use 4G to make and receive these calls in areas where 4G (LTE) is available. When our 3G network retires in spring 2025, VoLTE will be required to make or receive phone calls on the Rogers network. It’s important to note that:

3G phones don't have VoLTE and not all 4G phones have VoLTE and/or are compatible with the Rogers network.

If you have a 3G mobile device, you must upgrade to a 4G/5G mobile device that's VoLTE capable and compatible prior to Spring 2025.

If you already have a 4G mobile device, we strongly recommend that you check that your device is VoLTE capable and compatible.

Which devices will be impacted by the 3G shutdown?

For details on the impacted devices, visit our compatible devices list.

If you already have a VoLTE-capable phone, you’ll need to make sure that VoLTE is enabled on your device, cellular network is set to automatic and that your device software is up to date.

Not sure how to check if VoLTE is enabled or how to turn it on? Follow these steps.

Apple iOS

Go to Settings.
Select Cellular.
Select Cellular Data Options.
Select Voice & Data.
Select LTE, VoLTE ON.

Android OS

Note: Every Android is slightly different, but all should follow this basic formula.

Go to Settings.
Select Connections.
Select Mobile networks.
Select VoLTE calls and turn it on.

For more detailed steps to change device settings, please visit our Device Guides.

Important: To resolve any network connectivity issues after enabling VoLTE, power-cycle your device by turning it off and then back on.

4G non-VoLTE phone, you won't see an option to enable VoLTE after you go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Connections’ > ‘Mobile Networks’. Please upgrade your phone as you won't be able to make any voice calls once the 3G network is retired.

If I upgrade my device, can I keep my same plan?

We're ensuring minimal disruption in this transition and in the majority of cases plans don't need to be changed. If they do, we'll ensure you pay a similar price you pay today. Contact us at 1-855-720-9035 to find out how to make the move.

How do I upgrade my 3G device?

How will I transfer my pictures and contacts to the new phone?

Store associates will be able to transfer your data for you, find your nearest store location.

Are there any 3G devices that'll still work?

No. Going forward, only 4G/VoLTE and 5G devices will be supported. Visit our list of compatible devices.