From July 31, 2025, several Canadian cell phone suppliers will stop offering 3G. Some of your devices could be affected by this gradual output. The press helps you to demystify everything.
What is 3G?
3e Generation of cellular networks (3G), located in 2005, is an old technology that no longer responds to speed standards. Improved 4G (4G LTE), 5G (which arrived at the start of the decade) and 5G+ are much faster. The quality of calls is also improved, according to the Canadian Radiation and Telecommunications (CRTC) advice.
Am I concerned?
According to the CRTC, you will have to change cell phone if:
- Your phone only works on 3G networks;
- It comes from 4G, but does not tolerate volte technology;
- It only allows the use of 3G SIM cards;
- It is not compatible with 4G LTE, 5G and 5G+technologies.
For example, Apple phones before the iPhone 6 (2015), the phones created before the Google Pixel 3 (2019) and the Samsungs of Galaxy series older than the S10 (2019) will be incompatible, with some exceptions.
Please note, using the 911 service will be impossible on these devices. However, it should always be possible to connect to wireless (WiFi).
When will my supplier be transition to Quebec?
- Bell (Lucky Mobile, Virgin Mobile): October 31, 2025 for individuals and December 31, 2025 for business customers.
- Quebecor (Fizz, Videotron, Freedom Mobile): July 31, 2025.
- Rogers (Chatr Mobile, Fido): 31 Juillet 2025.
- TELUS (Koodo Mobile, Mobile Public): no date communicated for now.
At Bell, fees of $ 3 will be imposed on customers who do not migrate to new technologies from 1is august. Costs which “serve to recover part of the maintenance costs […] And to continue to support existing networks until their full service, ”specifies the company by email.
Rogers offers a telephone at $ 0 and an adaptation of package to its customers who will have to change their laptop to access the cellular network.
Videotron indicates by email that its customers can compose test (# 8378) to verify the compatibility of their mobile with the new networks. In the event of failure, the system will tell them the measures to be taken.
All telephony companies have said “communicating with their customers” for several months. If you are uncertain, contact yours.
Is there an impact on other devices?
Mobile phones are not the only ones affected by the abandonment of 3G.
People with sleep apnea who use continuous positive pressure ventilation (CPAP) could be deprived of certain features. The sharing of data on sleep incidents between the phone and the machine “will stop working” if it uses the 3G network, warns Paul Fortier, professor of electrical engineering and computer engineering at Laval University.
If the device is old, the teacher recommends checking the data transmission method by calling the supplier or checking the case. However, the machine in itself will remain in working order.
Even challenge for alarm systems. “If we bought an alarm system 10 years ago which communicates by 3G with the power station, you must call its supplier […] And a material upgrade will be necessary, ”says Fortier.
“There are many medical follow -up devices that go through the cellular network,” adds the Quebec teacher. Practical for the universality of machines, but be careful that they are compatible with 4G and 5G, says Mr. Fortier.
What is the environmental impact?
Certain parts of cell phone towers could be reused. The computers arranged on the towers are sometimes reprogrammable, but sometimes it is a different frequency, so they are irrecoverable, underlines Mr. Fortier.
What’s going on with old phones?
“Most materials [des appareils informatiques] are reusable ”, according to Martin Carli, spokesperson for the Association for the recycling of electronic products (ARPE).
Plastic, steel, glass and rare or precious metals can be recovered. In Quebec, more than 1000 Serpuarian locations allow you to deposit technological devices.
Why is Canada to change its network now?
“It is a question of markets or investments. It is very expensive to change generation, ”explains Mr. Fortier.
Canada follows the steps to several other countries, including Australia, which has already completed its transition. The United States (including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands) have removed 3G since 2022.