Posted on May 05, 2025 Vincent Paquette
Canadian telecommunications companies (Bell, Rogers, Telus and Videotron) gradually remove 3G networks for its cellular services. The volte of 4G and 5G will be the main technology. On what date will 3G be closed in Canada and which phones will be affected by the 3G stop?
In the world of cellular, technologies are moving forward as a giant. Not just in the phones themselves, but also cellular networks.
How many times do we see about the advertisements of operators telling us about their fastest 5G network in the country?
Not so long ago, these companies highlighted their 4G (LTE) networks, then before that their 3G networks.
Very precisely, given that we are returned to 5G, the operators abandon it.
In the United States, telecommunications companies abandoned the 3G network in 2022.
In Canada, most suppliers were abandoned in 2025.
For the majority of people with a recent phone, this change will have no impact. But when is it for those who do not have a phone compatible with the volte?
What is the withdrawal of 3G?
The 3G network was the 3rd generation of cellular networks. Launched in the early 2000s. It was this network that allowed access to the mobile internet, email, web navigation, video calls and the use of connected applications.
Since then, two new generations have emerged, 4G (LTE) and 5G.
Telecommunications suppliers have therefore invested in these more efficient networks and gradually put the 3G network that has become obsolete out of service.
This change affects customers who have cellular with old generation SIM cards. Mobile devices that are not compatible with Volte technology are also affected.
Affected customers generally receive a text message that goes as follows:
The telephone associated with this number must be compatible Volte before the withdrawal of the 3G network beginner on July 31, 2025, without which no call (even 911) will be possible once this network is removed. Consult the details sent by email, including personalized solutions to replace your phone.
What date will 3G be withdrawn from Canada?
The date of withdrawal of the 3G network varies from a Canadian telecommunications supplier to another.
Videotron and Fizz
At Videotron and its subsidiary Fizz, they plan to put the 3G network out of service gradually from the July 31, 2025.
Bell et Virgin Mobile
At Bell and its Virgn Mobile subsidiary, they plan to put the 3G network out of service gradually from the October 31, 2025 For individuals and the December 31, 2025 For business customers.
Rogers and Fido
At Rogers and its Fido subsidiary, they plan to put the 3G network out of service gradually from the July 31, 2025.
Telus, Kooto and Public Mobile
At Telus and its Koodo and Mobile public subsidiaries, no 3G withdrawal date has yet been communicated.
What is Volte technology?
Volte means Voice Over LTE. French translation: voice on LTE. This technology offers better coverage with laps and better sound quality during calls.
It is a voice transport technique and SMS text messages on 4G LTE and 4G+networks.
Telete phones with Volte
Here is the list of phones compatible with volte networks in Canada and the United States.
Alcatel
Apple
- iPhone 6S
- iPhone 6S Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone X
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone se
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- Pixel 3
- Pixel 3 XL
- Pixel 3a
- Pixel 3a XL
- Pixel 4
- Pixel 4 XL
- Pixel 4a
- Pixel 4a (5G)
- Pixel 5
- Pixel 6
- Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel 8
- Pixel 8a
- Pixel 8 Pro
- Pixel 9
- Pixel 9a
- Pixel 9 Pro
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Pixel 9 Pro XL
Huawei
- Mate 20 Pro
- P30
- P30 for
- P40
- P40 Pro
LG
Motorola
- Edge (2023)
- Edge (2024)
- Motorcycle and (2020)
- MOTO E6
- Moto G 5G
- Moto G 5G (2023)
- Moto G 5G (2024)
- Moto G 5G (2025)
- Moto G7
- Moto G7 Play
- Moto G Play (2023)
- Moto G Play (2024)
- Moto G Power (2021)
- Moto G Pure
- Moto G Stylus
- Moto G Stylus 5G (2022)
- Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
- Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)
- Moto One 5G Ace
- Moto One Hyper
- Moto Razr+ (2023)
- Moto Razr+ (2024)
- Moto Z4
Nokia
Samsung
Series A
- Galaxy A03S
- Galaxy A12
- Galaxy A13 5G
- Galaxy A14 5G
- Galaxy A15 5G
- Galaxy A16 5G
- Galaxy A21
- Galaxy A32 5G
- Galaxy A35 5G
- Galaxy A36 5G
- Galaxy A51
- Galaxy A52 5G
- Galaxy A53 5G
- Galaxy A54 5G
- Galaxy A71
Note
- Galaxy Note10+
- Galaxy Note20 5G
- Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G
Series
- Galaxy S10
- Galaxy S10+
- Galaxy S10E
- Galaxy S20 5G
- Galaxy S20+ 5G
- Galaxy S20 FE 5G
- Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
- Galaxy S21 5G
- Galaxy S21+ 5G
- Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Galaxy S22 5G
- Galaxy S22+ 5G
- Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
- Galaxy S23
- Galaxy S23 FE
- Galaxy S23+
- Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Galaxy S24
- Galaxy S24 FE
- Galaxy S24+
- Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Galaxy S25
- Galaxy S25+
- Galaxy S25 Ultra
XCOVER
Series z
- Galaxy Z Flip
- Galaxy Z Flip 5G
- Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
- Galaxy Z Flip4
- Galaxy Z Flip5
- Galaxy Z Flip6
- Galaxy Z Fold2 5G
- Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
- Galaxy Z Fold4
- Galaxy Z Fold5
- Galaxy Z Fold6
TCL
- TCL Flip
- 20 Pro 5G
- 20s
- 30 5G
- 30 cars 5g
- 40 cars 5g
- 50 cars 5g
- 60 cars 5g
How to use the volte function
By default, If we have a phone mentioned above, the volte function is activated by default. We can nevertheless check if it is indeed the case.
How to activate the volte function
On iPhone
The volte function is activated by default on the iPhone operating under iOS17 or a later version.
To check if it is the case, you have to:
- Open the application: Settings
- Go to the tab: Cellular network
- Select: Options
We can then check that the LTE or 5G is activated.
On Samsung
On Samsung phones, the function is also supposed to be activated by default.
To be sure, we must:
- Open the application: Parameters
- Go to the tab: Connexions
- Select the option: Mobile networks
- Check that the function Volt calls is activated
On Android
Depending on the model of our Android device, the procedure to check could vary slightly.
To find out, we must:
- Open the application: Parameters
- Go to the tab: Network and internet
- Select the option: Mobile networks (or cellular network or mobile data), or SIM cards.
- Go to: Favorite network type (or Network mode), then choose LTE or 5G
- Check that the function Volt calls or LTE calls is activated
What to do if we have a phone that is not compatible Volte?
If you have a cell phone model which is not compatible with the Volte network, you can renew its agreement to have a new cell phone with its operator.
Or it is possible to buy a phone discount or a cell phone in second -hand to save.
As for our old phone, there are 9 ideas to give it a second life.
If we are questions or doubts about the compatibility of our device, it is possible to contact customer service directly.
Otherwise, we can also present ourselves directly in branches to speak with a representative.
