UPDATE 1/11/24 - Response from grey import seller after I contacted them regarding a Redmi Note 12 that is no longer working. (Of course I know it is not their fault, but this is a good way to get more pressure on Xiaomi to do an update, and to put pressure on the government to whitelist"
"We have investigate the issue comprehensively and follow up instantly with distributor and ask them to push Xiaomi to resolve the issue. After our best endeavor, as of 31 OCT, Xiaomi confirm that their device is actually capable of emergency calls over 4G or 5G. This is an compatible device. However, the disconnection results from new ACMA regulations effective October 28, 2024, requiring carriers to restrict devices that can’t support 000 emergency calls over 4G or 5G from accessing their networks. It is out of our control. It is a government, manufacturer and network provider level. They recklessly blocking usable phone regardless of compatibility. They block for most phones that not purchase from them or from their partners and force you to buy a new one from them.
Meanwhile, we are pushing our distributor to communicate with manufacturer for updating the list and there are news that a firmware update will soon launch from Xiaomi."
UPDATE 1/11/24
Statement from Xiaomitech Australia (related to those who purchased in Australia through authorized channels)
https://shorturl.at/pAyfu
UPDATE 30/10/24 - Please also email
support.global@support.mi.com as we now have some traction
- After multiple emails I finally got a NON-standard response! Hope is on the horizon! If this ends up working, you all can shout me a beer (or preferably a non-alcoholic and refreshing beverage)!
"Hello, Greetings from Xiaomi Customer Support! This is Eric.
Thank you for your feedback. We have noticed this situation, and concerned team are working on it. Please wait for the system update.
We would like to know if your device is only unable to use the emergency call function normally, but is able to use other functions normally, or if it has no signal/service at all. Once we have your feedback, we will get back to you with proper handling.
Best Regards
Xiaomi Global Email Service"
SUMMARY
- Certain 4G and 5G phones currently working on VoLTE may be actively blocked through a government directive after 28th October
- These are usually grey import phones that revert to 3G for 000 emergency calls
- There are a lot of people ignoring the annoying text and voice messages on their phones, thinking "My phone IS 4G/5G, I am not affected"
- Come October 28, there is going to be a tsunami of shock and anger
Oct 24 last minute legislation to block 4G and 5G phones that revert to 3G for 000 calls
https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2024L01353/asmade/downloads
Banana3's Summary (READ THIS FIRST to understand what the issue actually IS, instead of spouting "3G shutdown has been announced for years…")
"Again, the issue is not whether 3G should be shut down or not. I think most people in this discussion agree that it needs to be shut down. The issue is that a few years ago the communication was: as long as your phone supports 4g, then you should be fine. Then earlier this year: No, 4g alone is not going to cut it, you need to have a phone that supports VoLTE. Then: Wait, actually, not just any VoLTE, only those that the network allows your phone to use (yes, Vodafone told me that when my perfectly working VoLTE phone stopped working after they shut down 3g). Then on the last minute: Oh wait, actually, not just that, your phone also needs to be able to call 000 on 4g by default. None of these have been properly planned, or thought of, or mitigated. It's all just a big mess. If anyone is confused, it's not their fault."
What to do?
- Sign a petition - https://www.change.org/p/stop-telco-4g-5g-device-blocking-vo…
- Join a FB group for updates - https://www.facebook.com/groups/876471371262761/?sorting_set…
- Rally people to ask manufacturers to provide a software update - (can an OTA update fix this issue - I'm keen to know this)
Useful information:
The Little Known Problems with VoLTE Emergency Calling - https://medium.com/@jamesdwho/the-little-known-problems-with…
Some of my Xiaomi phone worked with Vodafone after the 3G shutdown has now been blocked by Vodafone. For educational purposes with QPST I have tested with "IMEI repair" on 1 of the SIM slot and it is back online but this is not an easy process and it requires bootloader to be unlocked.
With Xiaomi planning to stop bootloader unlocking and rumour is that they will also block bootloader unlocking on global model in 2025, you'd better have your bootloader unlock when you still can. You will need to have Magisk with Play Integrity Fix module install to get banking app and Google Wallet working if you unlock bootloader.