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3G/HSPA network service discontinuation

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 by the newest generation of wireless standards, 5G/5G+.

Voice over LTE (VoLTE) enables faster call connection times and improved voice quality service. VoLTE capable smartphones enable you to make and receive calls.

Learn more

If you have an older 4G LTE device, you may need to update your device software.

Legacy Network Fee

Customers who are exclusively using a 3G or 4G non-VoLTE device will be charged a $3/mo. Legacy Network Fee. The fee is to recover part of the costs of maintaining the legacy systems and to continue supporting legacy networks until they are completely decommissioned.

By June 19, 2025, we’ll begin to notify customers of the Legacy Network Fee and the need to upgrade their devices.

Domestic 3G/HSPA network discontinuation

3G/HSPA network changes across Canada

In an ongoing effort to evolve the network and enhance the customer experience Bell is making changes to our wireless network across Canada. As part of this change, our 3G/HSPA network will be no longer be available starting as of the below dates:

Manitoba: December 31, 2025

Nationally: March 1st, 2027

This change will affect older 3G/HSPA and 4G LTE non-VoLTE mobility and IoT devices that rely on 3G/HSPA technology resulting in loss of voice (including access to 9-1-1 emergency services), data and/or text connectivity.

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.

Read the frequently asked questions for further details

How devices and services will be affected

Once the 3G/HSPA network is discontinued, the following devices and services will be impacted:

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.

U.S. 3G/HSPA network service discontinuation

In 2022, U.S. wireless carriers AT&T and T-Mobile discontinued their 3G/HSPA networks in the U.S (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands). This means that Bell Mobility customers travelling to the U.S. must now use a phone that supports 4G/LTE data, Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and VoLTE roaming in order to make and receive voice calls in the U.S. See a list of VoLTE roaming compatible devices.

If necessary, you can purchase a new device online or at a Bell store.

Business customers should contact your Bell Business Client Executive.

3G/HSPA service discontinuation - Frequently asked questions

How can I check if my device has VoLTE capability?

There are a number of ways to determine what network standards your device supports.

  1. To see a list of available networks:

    • Android: Go to Settings > Network and Internet or Connections > Select Internet or Mobile networks.
    • iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data.
  2. Newer devices will have 5G/5G+ or LTE selected. Older devices may have a toggle to turn VoLTE on. There are no charges for turning on this feature
  3. Consult the manufacturer’s website or your user manual to see what network connections your device supports and whether it also supports VoLTE.
  4. Use our network compatibility lookup tool.

  5. See our support articles for lists of VoLTE-compatible devices or VoLTE roaming compatible devices.

Note: A 4G/LTE icon on your phone does not confirm VoLTE compatibility.

4G/LTE is designed for data services. To make voice calls over 4G, your device must support VoLTE. If your device doesn’t support VoLTE, your voice calls default to 3G/HSPA. See domestic 3G/HSPA discontinuation.

What is the Legacy Network Fee?

As the costs of supporting legacy 3G networks increase, select customers who are exclusively using a 3G or 4G non-VoLTE device will have a $3/mo. Legacy Network Fee added to their monthly bill.

What can I do to remove the Legacy Network Fee

To keep making phone calls, sending and receiving texts, and using mobile data – and to avoid the Legacy Network Fee – customers must upgrade to a 4G, 5G or 5G+ device that supports VoLTE. If you choose to switch to a 4G LTE or 5G/5G+ device, we will remove the $3/mo. fee.

Visit a Bell store and we’ll help you get a new device with the same great offers.