3G/HSPA network service discontinuation
Domestic 3G/HSPA network discontinuation
Upcoming service changes in Manitoba
Later this year, we’ll take the first steps towards discontinuing our 3G/HSPA network in order to improve our 4G/LTE and 5G networks. These updates will affect service for 3G/HSPA device users as well as customers with non-VoLTE (Voice over LTE) capable devices.
Personal customers will have until October 31, 2025, to upgrade to a 4G/LTE, 5G or 5G+ device in order to make phone calls (using VoLTE), send texts or use data services (e.g. connecting to the Internet, using mobile apps and email).
Note: If you don’t upgrade your device, you won’t be able to make emergency calls to 9-1-1 beyond this date.
Business customers will have until December 31, 2025, but we recommend upgrading to a device with at least 4G/LTE VoLTE capabilities as soon as possible to ensure proper service continuity in advance of the holiday period.
Evolution of 3G/HSPA and its impacts
Technology, devices and usage have changed significantly since Bell launched our 3G/HSPA network. In an ongoing effort to improve the customer experience, Bell is upgrading our wireless network across the province of Manitoba.
As part of this process, parts of our 3G/HSPA network will be upgraded to 4G/LTE, which will improve network speed and capacity.
This will affect older wireless devices that rely solely on 3G/HSPA technology, resulting in the loss of data and/or voice connectivity services (including access to 9-1-1 emergency services).
To ensure proper service continuity, we recommend you upgrade to a device that supports 4G/LTE or 5G and, at minimum, 4G/LTE VoLTE capabilities for phone calls.
Frequently asked questions
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Since Rogers is retiring their 3G network , will Bell discontinue 3G/HSPA services in Canada?
We continue to examine opportunities to upgrade our networks. At present, Bell plans to discontinue our 3G/HSPA services in Manitoba.
As other opportunities for network upgrades arise, we’ll notify impacted customers to ensure proper service continuity and to avoid any service disruptions.
We strongly encourage all our customers to begin planning their migration to next-generation 4G/LTE VoLTE and 5G devices – including smart phones, modems, dongles, tablets and Internet of Things (IoT) devices – to benefit from faster speeds and the next generation of services.
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Are 3G/HSPA services available globally?
Major mobile operators worldwide, including Verizon and AT&T in the United States and the United Kingdom, have either already shut down or are actively transitioning away from 3G/HSPA services.
This shift in the industry is driven by the need to provide subscribers with improved network performance, increased reliability and access to a broader range of applications that demand higher bandwidth.
Depending on the device type, customers may be impacted when travelling in the U.S. or globally.
To avoid any connectivity issues while travelling, we recommend confirming that your device supports access to the latest networks. Explore our selection of the latest devices.
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What devices or services will be impacted once 3G/HSPA services are shut down?
3G/HSPA-only devices
- Voice (including emergency calls to 9-1-1) and text services will no longer work if you’re travelling in areas where 3G/HSPA services are no longer offered.
- Data services (e.g. connecting to the Internet, using mobile apps and email) will no longer work if you’re travelling in areas where 3G/HSPA services are no longer offered.
- IoT devices operating on the 3G/HSPA network (including modems, sensors and other devices and solutions – e.g. alarm panels, point of sale machines, vending machines, fleet and tank monitoring solutions etc.) will no longer work in areas where 3G/HSPA services are no longer offered.
4G/LTE devices that do not support VoLTE services
- Voice (including emergency calls to 9-1-1) and text services will no longer work if you’re travelling in areas where 3G/HSPA services are no longer offered.
- Data services (e.g. connecting to the Internet, using mobile apps and email) however, will continue to work if you’re travelling in areas where 3G/HSPA services are no longer offered.
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How do customers determine what type of device they have?
Visit the device compatibility page to determine your device capabilities.
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What are the benefits of Bell’s 4G/LTE VoLTE and 5G network technologies?
Upgrading to 4G/LTE VoLTE or 5G/5G+ devices offers numerous advantages, including:
- Faster data speeds for browsing and video/live streaming, enabling high bandwidth demanding applications and IoT use cases.
- Access to a wider range of advanced mobile applications and services.
- Enabling IoT use cases for business applications that require consistent monitoring of equipment.
The 5G/5G+ network offers unparalleled connectivity speeds. Having the latest compatible devices allows you to be ready for what’s to come.
Explore the latest 4G/LTE, 5G and 5G+ devices from Bell.
As of February 2022, wireless carriers in the U.S. began phasing out their 3G/HSPA wireless network service in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Here are the latest updates on Bell’s roaming partners’ 3G/HSPA network discontinuance:
- AT&T discontinued its 3G/HSPA network service as of February 20221
- T-Mobile announced that its 3G/HSPA network service will be discontinued as of July 2022.2
1When the AT&T 3G/HSPA network is discontinued, customers will have access to T-Mobile's 3G/HSPA network (or another available roaming partner in the U.S.) until it has been discontinued.
2After T-Mobile discontinues service, customers will continue to be able to roam in the U.S. where 3G/2G service is available on another roaming partner, but there is no guarantee of roaming coverage for impacted devices.
For questions regarding the 3G/HSPA service discontinuation in the U.S. or to upgrade your device:
Business customers: contact your Bell Business Client Executive.3G/HSPA wireless network:
3G/HSPA 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/HSPA was introduced in the early 2000s and has been followed by 4G LTE and, most recently, by the newest generation of wireless standards, 5G.
Voice over LTE (VoLTE):
- Voice over LTE (VoLTE) is the next generation of voice calling, which enables faster call connection times and improved voice quality service.
- VoLTE capable smartphones will enable you to make and receive calls when in a 4G LTE coverage area.
If you have an older 4G LTE device, you may need to update your device software.
As a Bell Mobility customer travelling to the U.S., your device must support 4G LTE data, Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and VoLTE roaming in order to make and receive voice calls in the U.S. after the 3G/HSPA service discontinuation dates.
Note: service on Bell’s network is not affected. You can still use your phone as normal when you’re in Canada.
Depending on your device type, the following services will be affected:
3G/HSPA-only devices
- Voice (including emergency calls to 9-1-1) and data services will no longer be supported on AT&T and T-Mobile starting as of the discontinuation dates
- Data services (e.g. connecting to the Internet, using mobile apps and email) will no longer be supported on AT&T and T-Mobile starting as of the discontinuation dates Impacted devices include (but are not limited to) those listed in this PDF: Impacted 3G/HSPA-only devices (PDF 59.58 KB)
4G LTE devices
- Voice services (including emergency calls to 9-1-1) will no longer be supported on AT&T and T-Mobile starting as of the discontinuation dates
- Data services (e.g. connecting to the Internet, using mobile apps and email) will continue to be supported when in 4G LTE network coverage on AT&T and T-Mobile (standard roaming data charges apply)
Impacted devices include (but are not limited to) those listed in this PDF: Impacted 4G LTE devices (PDF 54.4 KB)
4G LTE (with VoLTE roaming capability)
- No impact on data services or voice calling when in 4G LTE network coverage on AT&T and T-Mobile (standard roaming charges apply)
To continue roaming in the United States, we recommend you switch to a VoLTE roaming compatible device with Bell Mobility.
Emergency calls to 9-1-1 will no longer be supported on AT&T’s and T-Mobile’s 3G/HSPA network after the 3G/HSPA service discontinuation dates.
Voice calls, including 9-1-1 calls, will be supported on AT&T and T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network on Bell Mobility devices that support both VoLTE and VoLTE roaming.
The AT&T and T-Mobile 3G/HSPA network service discontinuation should not impact your ability to use your device’s Wi-Fi capabilities when connected to a Wi-Fi network.
In order to continue using your device for voice services when travelling in the U.S. on AT&T and T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network, you will need a Voice over LTE (VoLTE) roaming compatible device.
Upgrade your device online or at a Bell store.
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How do I access VoLTE on my VoLTE roaming compatible device?
Some devices will default automatically to having the 4G LTE and VoLTE service selected. However, on other devices you may need to ensure that the 4G LTE and VoLTE services are set to on.
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How do I know if I’m on AT&T or T-Mobile’s 3G/HSPA network when roaming?
Near the battery icon on your device’s display there will be a 3G/HSPA network identifier.
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How can I tell if I have a 3G/HSPA-only device or a 4G LTE device that supports VoLTE?
There are a number of ways to determine what network standards your device supports.
- In your device settings, look for your mobile network connection details. Depending on your device and the applicable operating system, you should see a list of the network connection types your device supports.
- You can check the specifications for your device on your device manufacturer’s website or device documentation to see what network connections it supports and whether it also supports VoLTE.
- Check the network compatibility of your device.
- Check devices that are VoLTE roaming compatible.
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