Proactive Action - Xiaomi (& Other Chinese Brands / Import) Phone Owners Affected by 3G Shutdown (Now Due to Be Network Blocked)

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
[email protected] 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?

Useful information:
The Little Known Problems with VoLTE Emergency Calling - https://medium.com/@jamesdwho/the-little-known-problems-with…

Comments

          • @snirodha: Is it easy to tell on the product page on Ali which is which? I have bought several Redmis before, all global version, i couldnt tell if it was just a ROM or not tho ?

          • @snirodha: Global versions aren't fine

            • +1

              @adrian2093: Saw on fb someone bought from jb redmi note 13 5g and works fine. I won't buy anything until the first settle. It is a mess.

        • +1

          FWIW I ordered a Poco X6 Pro 5G from Aliexpress last week, after confirming with the seller that it can be used in Aus after the 3g shutdown. Most if not all sellers are aware of the shutdown by now, and some have added notes on their ads about it, so if it doesn't work you shouldn't have any issue getting a full refund.

  • I guess Optus blocked my LG V60 (T-mob) as well, was working yesterday. But its funny that Voda internet it is still working on it.

  • +4

    It's been 2 days that I've had to deal with this now and I still can't believe that my old S7 from 2016 is allowed on the Telstra network, but my 2019 OnePlus 7 Pro has been blocked.

    Wasn't planning on buying a new phone anytime soon but apparently I have to now LOL.

    First time ever being forced to buy a new phone, what an odd situation to be in…

    • Telstra has sold S7 before. Thats probably why.

    • +1

      My S6 isn't blocked. Fascinating

      Edit: A5 2017 isn't blocked either

    • Wasn't planning on buying a new phone anytime soon but apparently I have to now LOL.

      Why not stick to the S7!

      • Screen too small, battery is old, camera isn't up to scratch (I'm a photographer/videographer), and the phone is just very slow to use. It's driving me crazy to even use it as a secondary phone…

        Through my work I can get the S25 range for 50% off when it launches in Feb. I'm going to attempt to hold on till then and purchase… Not sure if I can last 3 months though :)

      • +1

        S7 is kinda crap compared to a OnePlus 7 Pro…

        • +1

          Yup, I love my 7 Pro. I have multiple friends with iPhone 16 Pros, S24 Ultras and Pixel 9s, and my phone is incredibly similar in all departments (camera, screen and performance). It's truly incredible for a 5-year-old phone… Feel like I'm being stripped of a family member by having to stop using it :(

  • +1

    Surprising: Today, 30-Oct-2024, I am not getting the pre-recorded messages when I initiate a call. Also, I am not getting the warning Text message when I conclude the call. Just hoping that they have realised and are not acting on phones with 4G VoLTE capability.

    • Were they giving you those in the past few days? Mines stopped on Sunday

      • I was getting the warnings until Tues, 29-Oct.
        Stopped today, 30-Oct.

      • Yeah they're doing it in waves it looks like so don't celebrate too soon. eg coles mobile on optus started on the 28th but only just got blocked today at noon.

          • @xwx: No idea why they didn't simply bake into the legislation that the telcos aren't legally liable for any unconnected 000 emergency calls after months of voice and text warnings before the shut down, and then simply allow them to leave supposedly unsupported IMEIs still unblocked afterwards anyway.

  • +2

    When is Google having Pixel sale around this time of the year lol … I also noticed that Pixel 8 is out of stock at Google store. Wonder if they will still get more stock.

  • If I buy an Optus phone from Amaysim, they are locked to Optus but Amaysim says they can help unlock. Does anyone know if I can request the unlock right after I receive the phone?

    iPhone, Samsung and Pixel models are unlocked and can be used with any networks.
    However, please note that phones from the following brands are initially locked to the Optus network:
    * Oppo
    * Optus X
    If you ever need to unlock your phone after purchase, we're here to help.

    • You probably already know but just to be clear - you don't need to unlock them to work on amaysim. Only if you move to a Vodafone or Telstra based service.

      • Correct … my main SIM is with Boost.

  • Merged from Rally for Support - 3G shutdown (We need to get our voice heard)

    I am aware that there are a few forum posts going around this issue but this is primarily to rally support in huge numbers to get our voice heard loud and clear to the government. And hence can I please humbly requests all of my fellow OZB's to bombard the respected Minister of Communications - Michelle Rowland MP via all means possible. I personally think bombarding her social media pages (Facebook and X) would be the best way to get our concerns noticed since it is in public view but also feel free to email and call the minister and let your concerns be heard loud and clear. We cannot let the government scoot free from this mess they have created which evidently only benefits their telecom friends and not the end consumers.

    If you want to get your blood boiled super hot enough to start with the bombardment mission then please read the below article where James Parker has done a tremendous job of detailing the gigantic mess that the 3G shutdown is:

    https://medium.com/@jamesdwho/australias-3g-shutdown-telcos-…

    Facebook

    https://www.facebook.com/mrowlandmp

    X

    https://x.com/mrowlandmp

    Email and Phone

    https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/rowland/contact

    • read the below article

      TLDR?

    • +7

      OMFG… dupe? This has been done to death already… There are already at least two other posts stating the same thing… This didnt need a whole new post.

      The government are going to do FA about it because this is what lobbying by vested interests gets you (that and the fact 3G is past its used by date…). This is more about locking "overseas" phones out of the network than it is about "000" call safety.

      Mr Rowland MP couldnt give two tosses what Jerry from Bumfuch, NSW thinks about the 3G shut down when guys like Gerry Harvey are pouring money down his throat to ban certain phones because the GST on $1 plastic dog turds didnt stop the tsunami of people buying shit from China.

      • +1

        Rowland MP will give two and more tosses if she sees all her social media pages bombarded with thousand's of people voicing their concerns. She cannot close her eyes and stay mum when pressure is being exerted right on her face every single minute. That's how you protest against the wrong doings of the government but for that you need a spine and an ability to revolt when the time demands.

        • need a spine and an ability to revolt

          Vertebrates Unite !

      • +1

        Mr Rowland MP couldnt give two tosses …
        … pouring money down his throat

        Hon Michelle Rowland MP probably identifies as a her, unless I missed the SMS, because of the 3G shutdown on several phones in my household.

    • -4

      And who said shutting down 3G is the government's problem? How can something that is 23 years old continue? It's like keeping Windows 2000 running today.

      We have to move with the times.

      • +9

        Did you even read the referred medium article mate? the problem is not with 3G being shut down the problem is perfectly capable 4G and 5G overseas phones and even phones sold in Australia locally being deliberately blocked out due to the messed up implementation of the shut down.

    • +1

      Any deals on Tin Foil OP?

    • -2

      Yep sorry I will send the minister a message
      Congratulations for shutting down that OLD network.

    • -3

      Why bombard them when they're doing a completely normal and logical thing? The quicker they shut down 3G the quicker network services will improve for the majority of people who have modern phones

    • Why wasn't there this much coverage/outrage when 2G shut down?

      • +1

        GPRS didn't let them on the internet proper to complain with like minded folks.

        • +2

          That's why they have waited until the 11th hour - their pages have just loaded on 3G.

    • i think its too late now they wont reverse.
      should do that months ago if you really need
      im fine without 3g

    • -8

      Give it a rest will ya
      3G is twenty years old and past its use by date. Look what happened to 2G did you cry then?
      Did you give a flap when horses were replaced with cars? I bet you don't have a horse.
      Its 2024 not 2000
      These sooks are getting out of hand

      • +12

        The problem is 5g devices being banned with the shutdown, including people who recently purchased devices from the like of JB. Brand new cars are being banned because providers think they are horses.

        • Brand new cars are being banned because providers think they are horses.

          Hehe,…good analogy.

  • +4

    I was starting to believe I would avoid the ban but my oneplus 8T just got banned from Telstra in WA

    • Bummer, I think I saw your phone passed the Telstra check too right?

      • Yes, but that being said I put my sim card in a compatible phone then put it back in the oneplus and it still has network for now

        • Hi,

          Have you made any phone calls after putting your SIM back to OnePlus? If yes, is it still working ? Thank you.

          I did this yesterday ( SA, Boost, Redmi Note 12, blocked since 28/10 morning ) by putting my Sim to Nokia 3 then back to Redmi. It was working, but after making a phone call, it got blocked straight away. I had to rinse and repeat to get Boost back to work on Redmi. So annoying.

          • @littlepcat: I called my message bank 30min ago and it's still working for now

          • @littlepcat: I have something similar happen to my folk's SIM.
            His phone is blocked due to being 4G/3G.
            However, his SIM does not work in other phones anymore.

            I tried my Boost SIM in his phone, and obviously it's blocked,
            but then my SIM did not work in other working phones for some time as well,
            until I would put it in another phone yet again, then bring it back…and some time would pass, before my SIM worked again.

            Also, when I talked to Boost support online, they could see SIMs were "attached" to the phone's hardware, … so this tells me, that the phone network probably 'remembers' the SIM profile against the hardware of the phone last used, etc. etc.

        • sim card in a compatible phone then put it back in the oneplus and it still has network for now

          Surprised more people aren't making a bigger deal out of this lol. I attempted this last night as well but the blocked phone still had no service after putting the SIM back in.
          How long did you have your SIM in the working phone before you put it back into the oneplus?

          • @vawiyoci: Probably only a couple of minutes in the new phone.

            It's actually really weird because it kept working and then this morning I lost all network connections to both sim cards again (I have a telstra and a card from abroad), around the same time as yesterday. Just to try I put my phone in airplane mode, then back to normal and I got the connection back.
            Not sure what is happening.

            • @LePhasme: Hmmm guess the difference might be you're Telstra and I'm Optus. I have zero technical knowledge about this so it might just be the way they're registering your IMEI once you connect back to the network after switching phones and whether it gets refreshed or not?

    • +4

      Same… I bought a phone from a Telstra reseller that they are still selling and it got banned… I 100% believed I was safe from the ban.

  • +4

    Update:

    My redmi note 10 plus stopped working with the woolies sim (telstra) i had a few days ago. getting no signal at all.

    I swapped it out with an amaysim sim (optus), put it on a 30 day 5g plan and it works. makes calls. How strange.

    • +1

      A family member of mine has been getting messages from Amaysim for weeks now saying her Redmi Note 10 won't work so you'll probably get them soon.

      • +1

        I do have the redmi note 10 pro. dont know if theres a difference there. but yeah, i'll see if i start getting those. hopefully amaysim at least hooks me up with the voucher. so annoying. its a perfectly good phone.

        • It also seems that devices that should work on optus and aren't blocked by telstra (eg. Xiaomi 14 Ultra) are being blocked by optus for some reason, presumably a more incomplete whitelist.

  • Rang coles mobile and gave them my IEMI number. They said i get blocked tomorrow, Thursdaysome time. Redmi Note 9S

      • +1

        Ni warning messages but they can look up your imei number and tell you what date you get blocked

    • Seems like Vic and Qld haven't copped many bans. Might be Vic's turn tomorrow

      • yes! banned today, Thursday !

  • +10

    I think I'll hang onto my Redmi, in case a workaround comes along. Shame to trash a perfectly good phone.

    • +1

      These phones still has some resale value overseas, and I think you might see a market open up, where people will just buy phones from eBay.AU for overseas use.

  • +6

    I am still struggling to understand — When tourists can use their existing mobile phones then why can't we ?
    Govt too trying different methods to takeout money from my pocket for this untimed exepense in this hard time. Not sure if govt thought to waive GST on new mobile phones? Atleast some reduction in expense for me.

    • +6

      I would add that if this was about safety.

      Isn't it way more important to ensure tourists to have access to emergency services? Seeing as they are unfamiliar with the place and have a much more higher likelihood of encountering an emergency situation.

      Local people are more likely to be prepared for this, given the access and familiarity with the situation

    • Tourists get a 90-day exemption, but lose the ability to call 000 over 3G.

      This was legislated.

      https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2024L01353/asmade/text

      71 Exception – foreign travellers in Australia

      Sections 65, 67 and 69 do not apply if a carriage service provider:

      (a) is aware, or becomes aware, that the mobile phone is being used by an end-user who is a foreign traveller in Australia who intends to remain in Australia for a period of no longer than 90 consecutive days; and

      (b) has sent a notification to the mobile phone to the effect that the mobile phone is not configured to be able to access the emergency call service.

      • +1

        Why can't people who don't satisfy 000 just be classified under b), and be allowed to use their phones?

        • I think it has to do with being a citizen, the MPs have a "duty of care" to them, but not a foreigner.

          I'm not a lawyer, but guessing this.

          If people are venting on the MPs' social media pages and office staff, they'll understand the impact of their decisions.

  • +6

    Some oberservations, not sure if correct but would like to discuss: it seems the blocking only happens when the phone is using 4g, but if I turn on flight mode and enable WiFi, the phone can still connect to WiFi calling. So only using the sim, but cannot use the data of the sim, and also require WiFi connection.

    • +1

      Yes, you are right. I already discovered the hack. It works as if you were overseas.

      This discovery deserves a dedicated post instead of being buried here.

        • Actually this hack only works well for people managing multiple prepaid numbers and receiving SMS on an affected device. An unaffected device(or portable modem) is still needed to pair it to provide WiFi when outside. It doesn't solve the issue.

          A prepaid number can be defaulted for a certain period and still receive SMS and call. There is no billing issue.

          • @Neoika: Does this work with amaysim overseas? I thought it worked only with Telstra/Boost overseas, to make WiFi calls even without an active plan.

    • A VPN might help too?

    • Based on the workings of the VoWiFi protocol, the IMEI is indeed sent to the VoWiFi server - therefore it might be a matter of time before they close this loophole …

      • People outside Australia do not make this emergency call.

  • +4

    ACT Optus Poco X3 pro just gone down here. The wave is coming.

    • Are you using Optus network? Mine stopped working with Catch Connect (Optus) 2 hours ago. Inserting whichever slot showed "SIM is not allowed". The SIM is working fine on Samsung S21 FE. Swapping back didn't help.
      At least it's still working with Aldi (Telstra). Both Aldi (sms 3G to 3498) and Telstra IMEI checker show it's compatible, hopefully stay as is.

      • +2

        Yeah Optus is my provider. That checker you linked showed my phone as being okay, but it wasn't in the end.

        Fingers crossed for you.

      • Can confirm my phone works with the Telstra and TPG/Vodafone network but is blocked by Optus. My phone is unblocked according to both the AMTA and Telstra IMEI checkers. The consistency is great

    • VIC - Wife's poco X3 pro blocked on Optus (coles mobile). Still working on Boost (dual sim)
      My poco X3 NFC still working on optus (coles mobile). sms check says its not a mobile phone so hopefully does not get kicked off!

      • My Poco X3 NFC has also been booted :(

    • My mum's Poco X3 Pro on Optus won't accept incoming calls - RCS messaging still seems active, for now

    • Have you done this?
      VoLTE = * # * # 86583 # * # *
      VoWiFi = * # * # 869434 # * # *

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID8Lj0lUFGI

  • +1

    Blocked on Telstra, but get this on Vodafone:

    "Thanks for using our 3G device checker. Our records as at 29 Oct 2024 indicate the device in use for your service was Redmi Note 10 Pro. Good news. Your mobile phone is compatible with our 4G/5G network. Please remember to keep your device software updated."

    Who knows what will happen.

    • +5

      It's just that the Phone has not been put on the Vodafone "banned list" yet but wait it will come

      • Well I am good for a month at least. By law they have to notify you at least 28 days in advance.

        • +1

          I wouldn't holed your breath

  • +1

    @Tuukmaak How did you contact the Xiaomi Global team? If you can send through the contact details I can also shoot through an email and put pressure on them by letting them know that there are quite a lot of folks affected by this.

    • +4

      Sure, I wish everybody would email them!

      [email protected]

      Those who purchased through Aliexpress or similar, please hound the seller as well, which is what I did.

      • +3

        Have sent through an email. Let's hope for the best. I still can't believe that the government is sitting there and watch this disaster unfold. 200k+ 4G and 5G phones being rendered dead within a span of days and they won't lift a single finger. This is just outrageous.

        • +2

          Maybe ministers thinking majority of impacted are foreigners so why to worry, they are not going to vote us.

          • +2

            @samina:

            Maybe ministers thinking majority of impacted are foreigners so why to worry, they are not going to vote us.

            Maybe they know they have less hope of winning at next election, and so better to accept any benefits from lobbyists now.

        • +2

          the government is sitting there and watch this disaster unfold

          They're the ones who chose to cause such disaster, just a reminder…

          • @RiseAndRuin: Wasn't "I dont hold a hose mate Morrison" in charge when this was announced?

            • @Duff5000: Possibly, but the current government is the one putting it into action, and the requirement to block perfectly functioning phones has just been added recently.

            • @Duff5000: are you sure? anyway, current govt could have done it better and smooth. Maybe enforce xioami(and others) to make sure VOLTE supported phones follow the new norms rather than just blindly disconnecting the phones irrespective of the few phones can be reused if possible.

              • @samina:

                are you sure?

                Yeah 2019.

                Since 2019 phones sold here have been required 000 VOLTE calling be set up correctly. I'm not sure they can enforce much for imports.

                Must be a better way than just blocking though. A new emergency number that uses the devices regular calling would be ok imo. Small chance a call could be missed if the user is outside of their network coverage though.

      • I don't think Xiaomi can help, the lack of emergency calling is not a feature that can be enabled through updates. I was told it was for future models

        • I'm not sure thats true. Some Xiaomi devices seem to be able to if configured correctly despite not being shipped that way.

          • @Duff5000: Hmm, you might be right. Maybe the newer ones (released in the last year or two) are capable?

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