Scheduled 3G network shut down: What you need to know
In an ongoing effort to improve 4G/LTE and 5G networks, PC Mobile and its network partner Bell Mobility are shutting down their 3G network.
3G Service Shutdown:
Manitoba: December 31, 2025
Nationally: March 1, 2027
This means that older devices that rely on 3G technology will no longer be able to make calls (including 9-1-1) and may also lose access to voice and text as of the shut down date.
You’ll be impacted if you currently have a:
3G -only device
4G LTE device that doesn’t support Voice over LTE (VoLTE)
VoLTE-capable device that doesn’t support Voice over LTE (VoLTE) on PC Mobile
If you have one of the devices above, you’ll need to upgrade to a 4G/5G device that supports Voice over LTE (VoLTE).
With a VoLTE-capable phone, you'll enjoy crystal-clear voice quality and faster call connections over our 4G LTE network. This ensures you stay seamlessly connected as we retire our older 3G network.
Visit the PC Mobile Website to browse our compatible devices.
Your service may also be impacted if you have a 4G/5G device and
Are using an older 3G SIM card that needs to be upgraded, and/or
Haven’t updated your phone to the latest software and enabled VoLTE in your device settings.
If you’re impacted, PC Mobile will contact you to help you transition to the latest network experience.
3G network shut down: Device connectivity checklist
1. To ensure your device will work when the 3G network is discontinued, use a device certified on our 4G LTE/5G network.
By manufacturer and model:
Apple
Apple iPhone 6 and above models (including SE)
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S20, and above models
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and above models
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
Samsung Galaxy A03s, A12, A13, A14 5G, A15 5G, A16 5G, A17 5G, A32 5G, A35, A36, A37 5G, A51, A52 5G, A53, A54, A57 5G, A71
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and above models
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G and above models
Google
Google Pixel 6 and above models
Huawei
Huawei P30 series and P40 series
Motorola
Moto Edge (2022 and above models)
Moto G Pure
Moto G (2025 and above models)
Moto G 5G (2023 and above models)
Moto G Fast
Moto G Stylus 5G
Moto G5 Play
Moto G6 Play
Moto G7 Play
Moto G Play (2024)
Moto G Power
Moto One 5G Ace
Moto One Hyper
Moto razr+
Moto razr 2025
Moto Z3 Play
Sonim
XP3
XP5s
XP8
XP Pro
XP3Plus 5G
TCL
30 5G
30 XE 5G
303
40 5G
40 XE 5G
50 XE 5G
60 XE Nxtpaper 5G
502
Flip
60 XE 5G
ZTE/Nubia
ZTE Blade A3+
ZTE Cymbal 2 (2022)
ZTE Blade A7P
ZTE Blade A3 L
Nubia A76
Bell
Ahlo 1
2. Make sure VoLTE is enabled on your device.
Keeping your device current with the most up-to-date software ensures you have the latest features and security updates.
Apple iOS
iOS 14 and higher
iPhones running on iOS 14 or higher will automatically connect to LTE and will enable VoLTE by default.
iOS 13 and older
iPhones running on iOS 13 or older will need to have VoLTE enabled. To do so:
Go to Settings.
Select Cellular.
Select Cellular Data Options.
Select Voice & Data.
Select LTE, VoLTE ON.
Android OS
Android 11 and higher
Devices running on Android 11 or higher will automatically connect to LTE and will enable VoLTE by default.
Android 10 and older
Devices running on Android 10 or older will need to have VoLTE enabled. To do so:
Go to Settings.
Select Connections.
Select Mobile networks.
Select VoLTE calls and turn it on.
3. Make sure your device software is up to date.
Keeping your device current with the most up-to-date software ensures you have the latest features and security updates.
Apple iOS
To check your software version:
Open Settings.
Touch General.
Touch About.
The software version is displayed.
To update your software:
Touch Settings.
Scroll to and touch General.
Touch Software Update.
The software version is displayed.
If an update is available, touch Download and Install.
Read the terms and conditions and touch Agree.
Touch Agree.
Wait for the update to download.
Your iPhone will restart to complete the update.
Android OS
To check your software version:
Swipe up to view Apps.
Touch Settings.
Scroll to and touch About phone.
The software version is displayed under Android version.
To update your software:
Swipe up to view Apps.
Touch Settings.
Scroll to and touch System.
Touch Software updates.
Touch Check for update.
If an update is available, wait for it to download.
4. Check your device settings to make sure LTE is selected as the preferred network.
Selecting LTE in your settings helps your device use VoLTE for voice calls.
Preferred Network Settings
Apple iOS
Touch Settings.
Touch Cellular.
Touch Cellular Data Options.
Touch Voice & Data
Touch the desired option "LTE".
The network mode has been changed.
Android OS
Depending on your Android model and OS version, the path may appear differently.
Use any one of the following menu paths for your specific device:
Swipe up to view the apps.
Touch Settings > Network & Internet (or Mobile networks > SIMs)
Touch your PC Mobile > SIM (if applicable).
Touch Preferred network type or Network mode.
Touch the desired option "LTE". May also appear as 4G / LTE, LTE only, or LTE recommended.
Note: On some devices, this setting may be hidden or under Advanced.
If you need further support, please call us at 1-877-284-6361 (or 1-514-593-1324 if you are outside of Canada).
Frequently asked questions
1. What is 3G and VoLTE?
3G refers to a third generation of wireless access standards that allows devices to connect to the Internet and to place and receive voice calls. 3G was introduced in the early 2000s and has been followed by 4G/LTE and by the newest generation of wireless standards, 5G/5G+.
VoLTE (Voice over LTE) allows you to make voice calls over the LTE network, which is essential since 3G networks are being phased out across Canada by all carriers.
2. If I change my SIM, will that fix the issue?
If your device is impacted, changing your SIM card will not fix the issue. You will need to switch to a newer 4G/LTE, 5G or 5G+ device to connect to our network once the 3G network is discontinued.
If you are on a newer 4G, 5G or 5G+ device and using a 3G SIM card, you will need to switch to a new 4G/5G SIM card.
3. I’m already on a 4G/LTE or 5G/5G+ device, why did I still receive a message that the network I’m on will be shut down?
You may have received the network shut down message because even though you have a 4G/LTE, 5G, or 5G+ device, your device may have been purchased outside of Canada and can only connect to 3G networks.
These devices typically have the following features:
Was originally made for sale in another country.
Often defaults to 3G for calls and data in Canada.
May be 5G-capable elsewhere, but not fully compatible with Canadian network bands.
If you have one of these devices, you will need to switch to a Canadian-compatible 4G/LTE, 5G, or 5G+ device.
4. Why is VoLTE available on some devices with certain Canadian carriers, but not others?
Not all devices work the same way with every network. Each carrier tests and certifies devices for its own VoLTE network. Even if your device supports VoLTE, if PC hasn’t certified the device, VoLTE won’t work on our network, even if it does with another carrier.
This could be due to:
Different settings: VoLTE configurations vary by carrier, so compatibility isn’t guaranteed without approval.
Launch timing: Devices released before a carrier launched VoLTE may not be included in certification.
Limited certification window: Certification usually happens near a device’s release; updates later are rare.