[[buying_a_phone_that_works_for_the_aussie_mobile_network]]
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buying_a_phone_that_works_for_the_aussie_mobile_network [2019/09/29 23:28] sud [2G] 2g is shut down, not forecast to |
buying_a_phone_that_works_for_the_aussie_mobile_network [2024/11/06 12:24] (current) scrimshaw [4G bands] |
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| - | This is a short primer that covers how mobile phone signals work, how each generation (e.g 2G, 3G, and 4G) differs from the last and what type of phone you should consider buying if you want to ensure you have the best possible coverage, call quality and internet speeds from your device. | ||
| - | Before we begin please take note that I am not an //expert in this subject// and can only offer a fairly basic explanation. Questions relating to whether what works / what doesn’t is fine, but more technical queries should be directed towards your carrier / provider. | ||
| - | ====== Mobile Networks in Australia, and will my new phone work here? ====== | + | ====== Guide to Australian Mobile Networks ====== |
| - | Let’s start off with a brief explanation of the different mobile signal Generations – what’s 2G, 3G and 4G? 2G / 3G and 4G are simply the names of standards that have evolved over the years. Prior to all of these mobile phone signals were analogue but it was quickly replaced with digital transmission signals which provided the extra benefit of better quality calls, better signal penetration and data services such as SMS, MMS and IP (internet protocol). | + | There are only 3 major telecommunications service providers in Australia: Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. All three networks cover approximately 99% of Australia's population with Vodafone being the lowest of the three at 96%. |
| - | ====== 2G ====== | + | These networks all operate their own network infrastructure independently of each other. |
| - | * 2G was introduced in the 90’s and was comprised of two different standards – CDMA and TDMA. Here, we use the GSM standard which is based on TDMA, and 80% of subscribers around the world typically use GSM. It is a very old standard that is to be retired, however many countries still use the 2G standard and your phone will often fall back to 2G when 3G or 4G connections aren’t available. On some older phones, you can see a ‘GPRS’ icon or just a single ‘G’. This means you’re using the older 2G network. | + | Smaller retailers, known as MVNO's or Mobile Virtual Network Operators, buy and resell the network services of these providers under their own brand name and products. Regardless of which MVNO (reseller) you choose, you will most certainly be using the services of the big three providers. Since MVNO's have lower overheads and operating costs, they can pass on the savings to the consumer and offer lower-cost SIM plans. |
| - | **What this means for you** : Users of older mobiles that ONLY use GSM signals will no longer be able to access mobile services as 2G is shut down in Australia. Likewise, users of DUAL SIM handsets that typically have 2G-only services in their second SIM slot are no longer able to make / receive calls on their second SIM. | + | Mobile networks operate on different bandwidth frequencies measured in megahertz bands, e.g 850mhz, 2100mhz. 3G networks are often referred to by their operating frequency, while 4G and 5G networks are referred to using their frequency band numbers. For example, Band 28 (700MHz) is a 4G frequency band. |
| - | If you still own a 2G phone, you can probably give it away, ebay it or donate it to the needy. | + | Network bands can be split into 2 categories: low-band or high-band. Low Band is generally any spectrum under 1Ghz (1000mhz), while high band is anything above 1Ghz. |
| - | Don’t worry about whether your new phone supports 2G or not, because it’s obsolete technology anyway. | + | Low band frequencies can travel great distances & provide coverage inside buildings / structures but has limited network speed and capacity. |
| + | High band network frequencies has the advantage of fast speeds / network capacity but at the cost of reduced coverage, and building penetration. | ||
| + | |||
| + | It's important that your phone can support both types of frequencies, which may not be the case for grey-import devices that were not intended or designed for usage in Australia. | ||
| + | |||
| + | **Choosing a Phone** | ||
| + | |||
| + | Generally speaking the more expensive or higher end the phone, the higher the likelihood it has the capability to support more bands. An iPhone or a Samsung Galaxy S or Z series for example, will support a multitude of network bands used around the world and will have the greatest compatibility with Australian networks. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Some phones that are purchased or imported from overseas, may only have partial support for the frequency bands in use locally. This may impact your ability to make calls, connect to the internet, or maintain a strong / fast connection with the provider. Before purchasing, do your research on the phone's technical specifications to find out what __4G and 5G bands__ it supports. You should avoid purchasing less well-known smartphone brands (i.e. no-name generic phones from Wish.com or Alibaba) as it may be difficult to find exactly what bands are supported, if there is no reliable information about it published online. | ||
| + | |||
| + | For the best network performance, your phone should support most or all of the bands in use by your chosen telco provider. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ====== 2G (Not in use) ====== | ||
| + | |||
| + | * 2G was introduced in the 90’s and was comprised of two different standards – CDMA and TDMA. Here, we used the GSM standard which is based on TDMA, and 80% of subscribers around the world typically use GSM. It is a very old standard that is to be retired, however many countries still use the 2G standard and your phone will often fall back to 2G when 3G or 4G connections aren’t available. On some older phones, you can see a ‘GPRS’ icon or just a single ‘G’. This means you’re using the older 2G network. | ||
| + | |||
| + | **2G services have completely shut down in Australia**. Older mobile phones using 2G will not operate on any Australian network, and many devices that use GSM for communication, such as alarms, GPS trackers, weather stations etc. will also lose connectivity to the network. | ||
| ---- | ---- | ||
| - | ====== 3G ====== | + | ====== 3G (Shut Down) ====== |
| - | * 3G is an upgrade over the existing 2G GSM networks, with some extensions and improvements, and was relatively easy to adopt as existing 2G towers could be upgraded to provide WCDMA coverage. 3G is a large improvement over 2G because it now not only allows for faster data transmission, but also allowing for simultaneous use of data and voice at the same time. 3G has undergone many changes and upgrades since it’s inception and now has the following standards implemented: | + | * 3G is an upgrade over the existing 2G GSM networks, with some extensions and improvements, and was relatively easy to adopt as existing 2G towers could be upgraded to provide WCDMA coverage. 3G is a large improvement over 2G because it now not only allows for faster data transmission, but also allowing for simultaneous use of data and voice at the same time. |
| - | * Evolved High Speed Packet Access, or HSPA+, allows for the phone to receive calls when receiving data over the network, as well as a data transmission rate of 42mb/sec in Australia. This upgrade was termed “3.5g” because of it’s theoretical max speeds of 168Mbps (but this was never delivered here) | + | * **Why was it shut down?** Compared to 4G and 5G, 3G has limited bandwidth (with theoretical maximum downlink speeds of only 42.2Mbits with DC-HSPA+). Since 2019, Australia's mobile network operators have been preparing to switch off their 3G networks to boost the capacity, speed and reliability of their 4G and 5G networks. |
| - | * Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) — is a backwards compatible standard design to work with GSM. You can sometimes see your phone fall back in to EDGE mode when you are out of range of a 3G tower — this is denoted by a capital "E" on your Android phone. In this mode, you might not be able to access data services, but can still make or receive phone calls via the GSM network. EDGE is not considered a true 3G standard however. | + | * This process is called spectrum refarming: repurposing a frequency that was initially allocated to one technology for another one. Because the wireless spectrum is a scarce and limited / very expensive resource, refarming allows telco operators to maximize the usage of an underutilized frequency and allocate it to 4G or 5G capacity, improving the performance of the newer networks. |
| + | |||
| + | The 3G network frequencies that were in use prior to the end of 2024 are: | ||
| - | In Australia, three 3G frequencies are: | ||
| - 850MHz (B5) – Telstra, Vodafone | - 850MHz (B5) – Telstra, Vodafone | ||
| - 900MHz (B8) – Optus, Vodafone | - 900MHz (B8) – Optus, Vodafone | ||
| - 2100MHz (B1) – Telstra, Optus, Vodafone | - 2100MHz (B1) – Telstra, Optus, Vodafone | ||
| - | * **What this means for you:** Many smartphones nowadays should cover at least all three of these 3G frequencies. However, beware that some budget phones imported from say, China, may only cover 850mhz or 900mhz, but not both, in an effort to cut down on production and licensing costs. Avoid getting a phone that does not support all three frequencies. | + | * **3G Networks have now shut down and any phones that lack 4G with Voice Over LTE support will be unable to make or receive phone calls**. This includes calls to emergency services (Triple Zero / 000). |
| + | * Devices with 3G Cellular (and no 4G) such as smartwatches, alarms, GPS trackers, weather stations and other IoT devices will also lose connectivity to the network. | ||
| - | ------- | + | TPG Telecom/[[https://www.vodafone.com.au/support/network/3g-closure|Vodafone has already switched off its 3G mobile network services as of January 2024]]. |
| + | [[https://www.telstra.com.au/support/mobiles-devices/3g-closure|Telstra closed their network from 28 October 2024]]. | ||
| + | [[https://www.optus.com.au/support/mobiles-tablets-wearables/important-changes-3g|Optus 3G network was shut down from 28 October 2024]]. | ||
| - | ====== 4G ====== | + | * **Purchasing Guide:** Most smartphones manufactured after 2015 should support 4G networks in addition to 3G. However, even if the device has 4G support, it may require a software update to enable Voice Over LTE (VoLTE) so that it may continue to make or receive voice calls on the 4G network, rather than falling back to a non-existent 3G connection. It is highly recommended that you avoid 'grey-market' or imported devices. |
| + | * A recent [[https://www.acma.gov.au/articles/2024-10/new-telco-rules-support-continued-access-triple-zero|ACMA guideline amendment requires that network providers only provide carriage service to mobile phone that are capable of making 000 emergency calls using a 4G or 5G connection. Phones that fall back to 3G to make emergency calls will be deregistered from the network.]] Some devices that have been imported from overseas may be affected by this amendment, and are at risk of being deregistered, unless the telecommunication provider has updated it's whitelist to allow the phone to be used on their networks. | ||
| + | * To check if your phone will be affected when the 3G network is switched off, simply SMS ‘3’ to 3498 for free and your service provider will send you a message about your phone’s status. You can also use the [[https://amta.org.au/3g-closure/check-my-device/|AMTA 3G Lookup service]] and lookup the device IMEI to find out if your device will work with 4G networks. | ||
| + | * According to the [[https://amta.org.au/3g-closure-buyers-guide/|Purchasing guide from AMTA]], they say: We are warning the public against buying devices from overseas or from retailers that are sourcing handsets that are made for other markets, otherwise known as grey-market devices. These devices may not allow emergency calling once the 3G networks close down. This is because they are not designed to support all the Australian mobile frequency bands, and may not support features like 4G and 5G (VoLTE) emergency calling. | ||
| - | * 4G LTE is probably of the greatest interest and is probably the most confusing to most. LTE is the next-step of the evolution of UMTS (3G) and HSDPA (3.5G) is a complete redesign and simplication of 3G network architecture resulting in a marked reduction in transfer latency. Because of this, LTE is not compatible with 2G and 3G networks and thus, functions on an entirely different wireless spectrum. Unfortunately, this means that erecting an LTE network requires it to be built from the ground up. This is one of the main factors behind the delayed launch of complete 4G LTE networks. | ||
| - | The industry is using what is called **LTE Categories** to describe the LTE network capabilities. There are 11 different categories that are defined, and from a consumer perspective, they mainly differ in terms of theoretical speed. The [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-UTRA#User_Equipment_.28UE.29_categories|whole table can be seen here]]. | + | ------- |
| - | According to Wikipedia, CAT6 LTE provides a max downlink speed of 301.5 Mbit/s. Cat 6 is already available in some metro areas for users with Telstra and Optus, and in testing we’ve seen real-world download speeds of 150Mbps and uploads still around the 35-50Mbps mark. | + | ====== 4G or 4G LTE ====== |
| - | * What is VoLTE | + | * LTE is the next-step of the evolution of UMTS (3G) and HSDPA (3.5G) is a complete redesign and simplification of 3G network architecture resulting in a marked reduction in transfer latency. |
| + | * LTE, shorthand for Long Term Evolution was the predecessor before the mass adoption of true 4G. It indicates a service that provided transfer speeds of 20 to 50mbps, speeds that were 10 times faster than 3G. It was launched in 2011 and for marketing purposes, it was called 4G even though it didn't meet the International Telecommunication Union's minimum standards to be considered a 4G service. True 4G services became available after carriers upgraded the network several years later. | ||
| + | * 4GX or 4G LTE can provide speeds of anywhere between 100mbps to 1gbps, depending on various factors and how the network was built. | ||
| - | VoLTE or Voice over LTE is a feature that allows certain handsets to place phone calls over the 4G network, rather than falling back on 3G GSM networks. Without VoLTE, placing a phone call causes your phone to temporarily disconnect from the 4G network, pick up a 3G connection and receives / transmits voice data over 3G GSM. | + | The vast majority of calls and data transmissions in Australia now relies on 4G LTE networks and with new features such as carrier aggregation introduced in 2014, devices can connect multiple cellular frequencies at once to increase the data rate (download / upload speeds) significantly. |
| - | VoLTE changes this, by allowing phone calls to be placed on 4G networks, typically over SIP or session initiated protocol. This technology is quite similar to Skype or Viber. | + | |
| + | * **What is VoLTE (Voice over LTE) | ||
| + | ** | ||
| + | Voice over Long-Term Evolution or Voice over LTE is a feature that allows devices to place phone calls over the 4G network, rather than falling back on 3G GSM networks. Without VoLTE, placing a phone call causes your phone to temporarily disconnect from the 4G network, then pick up a 3G connection before it can receive / transmits voice data over 3G GSM. With VoLTE, phone calls are placed without disconnecting from the network (eliminating delays) & it also allows you to use 4G/LTE data services, such as web surfing and tethering, without having to disconnect from an ongoing voice call. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Phone made on 4G networks are typically over SIP or session initiated protocol. This technology is quite similar to Skype or Viber. Phone calls made with VoLTE do not use extra data but call minutes. You pay for the voice call service, not the data you use. | ||
| - | **VolTE compatible devices** | + | **VoLTE compatible devices** |
| - | To see if your phone supports VoLTE, check your user manual or google online. Not every device supports VolTE and most carriers require your phone to be running their own firmware or operating system in order to have access to VolTE features. As such, many imported phones might not support VolTE when used in Australia, and may require software updates in order to work properly. | + | In order to place a call on VoLTE, your mobile phone's hardware, firmware, software and the carrier that your phone is connected to must support the feature. If you can use 4G or 5G data while on a call, your device is likely to be using VoLTE, as non-VoLTE phones switch to 3G and cannot sustain high-speed data while on a call. |
| + | |||
| + | Some imported smartphones phones might not support VoLTE when used in Australia due to software or firmware limitations, and may require manual or 'unofficial' software / firmware updates in order to make them compatible with VoLTE. __This however, does not guarantee that your phone will continue to be supported by your provider__, as VoLTE implementation is not standardized across different carriers. | ||
| + | |||
| + | For the best compatibility, opt to purchase a phone from a local retailer instead of importing 'grey import' stock from overseas. If purchasing an older / used or refurbished device, be sure to research online or use the [[https://amta.org.au/3g-closure/check-my-device/|AMTA 3G lookup]] tool to verify VoLTE compatibility. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Some 4G devices may continue to work for voice calls and data but will not be able to make calls to Triple Zero. Most at risk are older 4G devices and devices that were purchased overseas. You may receive a text message from your provider warning you that your service may be impacted or unavailable if your mobile phone does not fully support their networks. Alternative, text ‘3’ to 3498 (for free) to find out if emergency calling is affected. | ||
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| ====== 4G bands ====== | ====== 4G bands ====== | ||
| - | Australia is currently using these LTE bands | + | The below is a list of the various 4G / LTE Bands that your smartphone should ideally support: |
| - | * B1 2100 MHz FDD [Telstra, Optus Tasmania, Vodafone] | + | * 700MHz (B28) – Telstra, Optus, Vodafone (This band is particularly important as it offers long range connectivity, useful for remote areas) |
| - | * B5 850 MHz FDD [Vodafone only, Rolled out in capital cities and regional Queensland] | + | * 850MHz (B26) – Telstra |
| - | * B3 1800 MHz FDD [Telstra, Optus, Vodafone] | + | * 850MHz (B5) – Telstra, Vodafone |
| - | * B7 2600 MHz FDD [Telstra, Optus] | + | * 1800MHz (B3) – Telstra, Optus, Vodafone |
| - | * B8 900 MHz FDD [Telstra, a handful of sites, utilises spectrum previously used by 2G] | + | * 2100MHz (B1) – Telstra, Optus, Vodafone |
| - | * B28 700 MHz FDD [Used by all major network providers, including Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, TPG] | + | * 2300MHz (B40) – Optus |
| - | * B40 2300 MHz TDD [Optus (Vivid Wireless)] | + | * 2600MHz (B7) – Telstra, Optus |
| - | The above is a list of 4G LTE frequencies. Some of these frequencies may overlap across different telcos, some do not, but you can generally expect that Telstra will provide the best experience in terms of signal strength and coverage. | + | Note that it's often not enough to match up just a single frequency, as Australian mobile networks are built using multiple frequencies and not all frequencies are available at every location. For the best performance, and for //4G carrier aggregation// to work, you should purchase a phone that supports all the LTE bands that the cell network provider uses. |
| + | |||
| **What Information on specifications should I be looking for** | **What Information on specifications should I be looking for** | ||
| - | It’s pretty easy to work out what you should buy. Different phone manufacturers may produce specific models for different regions and countries, so often the best way to ensure you get maximum compatibility is to just buy the Australian model from a local store. For example, the [[http://i.imgur.com/r6YHeWh.png|Nexus 5X comes in a few different versions]]. | + | The best way to ensure maximum compatibility with Australian carrier networks is to purchase your mobile device from a local retailer, and ensure that that device was designed for the Australian market. (This can also be important for consumer related reasons, such as warranty coverage, & your [[https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/problem-with-a-product-or-service-you-bought/repair-replace-refund-cancel|rights to repair, replacement or refunds under the Australian Consumer law]]). |
| + | |||
| + | Mobile phone manufacturers often produce different versions of a handset to suit the different needs & technologies of different carriers around the world. If purchasing from an importer or from overseas, try to identify **model number** of the device. You may also perform an [[https://www.imei.info/|IMEI lookup]] to obtain it's model number. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Googling a specific model number should give you an answer as to what country or region that device was originally intended for. A Samsung Galaxy phone made for the Mainland China market could still be missing some of the network bands in use in Australia. | ||
| + | |||
| + | You also can visit [[http://www.gsmarena.com/|GSM Arena]] or use [[http://willmyphonework.net/|Will my Phone work?]] to perform your research before you buy. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ====== 5G & 5G Bands ====== | ||
| + | |||
| + | 5th generation wireless systems refer to the ongoing deployment of improved networks that use low-band and mid-band sub 6 frequencies, as well as high frequency millimetre wave bands (mmWave) operating up to 60GHz. This can offer a theoretical peak data transfer rate of 20 gigabits per second although real-word performance tests conducted by Telstra in the Gold Coast has shown that their equipment can hit a peak speed of 3Gbps using mmWave bands. | ||
| - | However, if you’re importing from overseas you might run into some issues where the phone might only partially support your carrier and you might be missing some crucial (or not so crucial) LTE bands. Use [[http://www.gsmarena.com/|GSM Arena]] or use [[http://willmyphonework.net/|Will my Phone work?]] to find out what frequencies are supported and do your research before you buy! | + | The exact performance of 5G will largely depend on how the infrastructure is built, and which / how many of the different frequency bands you happen to be in range of when using the network. |
| - | Some comments regarding these frequencies | + | You can read this [[https://venturebeat.com/2019/12/10/the-definitive-guide-to-5g-low-mid-and-high-band-speeds/|article by Venturebeat]] to further understand how network providers use a combination of low band, mid band and high-band 5G radio spectrums to provide 5G network access. |
| - | * 700Mhz, Band 28 - Widely regarded as a must-have LTE network band as it is the lowest band in the LTE frequency spectrum available to the market. This network band provides superior range to the previous best band which was 850mhz, and because of it's lower frequencies it boasts better building penetration, giving users stronger connections in buildings and enclosed areas. However, this band is fairly 'narrow' and while it provides better coverage in Australia, it won't allow users to reach peak speeds with just this band alone. | + | As 5G allows more devices to connect to the network at the same time compared to 4G, it's expected that 5G can relieve network congestion as smartphone usage continues to grow. |
| - | * 850Mhz, Band 5 - This network frequency was originally used for Telstra's obsolete analogue network (1G), then eventually allocated for 3G services on Telstra's NextG network. This band, like B28, offers good building penetration and relatively wide coverage. It is still being used by Telstra for providing 3G services, and Vodafone for 4G services. | ||
| - | * 1800Mhz, Band 3 - This band offers no building penetration, and therefore, not practical in indoor locations. Provides additional 4G capacity in high density areas and services mostly locations that are closer to network towers. | + | It should be noted that 5G is not expected to fully replace 4G networks: instead, it will coexist with them and provide a faster fixed wireless internet alternative to 'traditional' fixed broadband or nbn. In addition, some MVNO's also do not offer 5G services as they aren't being sold 5G services by their supplying carrier. |
| - | * 2100Mhz, Band 1 - First used by the "Three" network provider for 3G services, this network band has been repurposed to provide high-speed, and high-bandwidth coverage in high density areas. | + | To see if 5G is available in your area, simply consult your carrier's 5G Coverage & rollout maps. Note that 5G coverage is more limited compared to 4G, particularly in areas outside of capital cities and large metropolitan areas. |
| - | * 2300Mhz TDD, Band 40 - Owned and deployed by Optus and also VividWireless (an ISP known for providing Fixed Wireless broadband services). It now also forms part of Optus's LTE network | + | The following is a list of 5G bands currently in use. |
| - | * 2600Mhz, Band 7 - Deployed nationwide, with Telstra owning a larger chunk of the band. It is used for highly populated areas and is widely deployed by Optus. | + | * 700MHz (n28) – Optus, Vodafone |
| + | * 850MHz (n26) – Telstra | ||
| + | * 850MHz (n5) – Telstra, Vodafone | ||
| + | * 900MHz (n8) – Optus | ||
| + | * 1800MHz (n3) – Vodafone | ||
| + | * 2100MHz (n1) – Optus, Vodafone | ||
| + | * 2300MHz (n40) – Optus | ||
| + | * 2600MHz (n7) – Telstra, Optus | ||
| + | * 3500MHz (n78) – Telstra, Optus, Vodafone | ||
| + | * 26GHz (n258) – Telstra, Optus, Vodafone | ||
| ---- | ---- | ||
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| Cited sources and recommend reading: | Cited sources and recommend reading: | ||
| * Whirlpool forums | * Whirlpool forums | ||
| + | * [[https://www.acma.gov.au/3g-network-switch|3G Shutdown on ACMA]] | ||
| * https://oztowers.com.au/Bands | * https://oztowers.com.au/Bands | ||
| + | * https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/articles/SX570801 | ||
| * [[https://www.telcoantennas.com.au/site/telstra-4g-explained|TelcoAntennas.com]] | * [[https://www.telcoantennas.com.au/site/telstra-4g-explained|TelcoAntennas.com]] | ||
| * Whistle Out | * Whistle Out | ||
| * [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4G_connectivity_in_Australia|Wikpedia]] | * [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4G_connectivity_in_Australia|Wikpedia]] | ||
| - | * http:%%//%%willmyphonework.net/ | + | * [[http://willmyphonework.net/]] |
Last edited by sud on 2019/09/29 23:28