3G Network Withdrawal: The day has come.
It’s official, it’s starting.
For months, we’ve been preparing for this important transition. We’ve sent emails, texts, and answered your questions to help you get ready for the 3G network shutdown. Today, this transition is no longer just preparation: it’s underway.
What’s the current status?
The 3G network withdrawal began on July 31. If you’re using a phone or SIM card that isn’t VoLTE-compatible, you may already be experiencing the first impacts: calls that don’t go through, reduced service quality, or occasional interruptions.
These disruptions will intensify over the coming weeks. The shutdown is happening region by region, which is why some of you are more affected than others depending on your location.
To ensure your device always selects the best available network based on your location and provides the optimal experience, make sure to set your device to automatic mode.
For customers outside Quebec, we don't foresee any significant impacts at this time.
Check your VoLTE compatibility now:
VoLTE-compatible SIM card
Make sure you have the right SIM card (or an eSIM). A VoLTE SIM card is identified by a small red lightning bolt printed on it.
❌ If your SIM card doesn’t have this indicator, it isn’t VoLTE-compatible. Contact us right away to get a new SIM card for free.
- #TEST (#8378)
Call #TEST (#8378) from your phone, in the places where you usually make calls, and listen to the voice message.
✔️ If you get confirmation that your call was made over the LTE network, you’re good to go.
❌ If you hear a different message or the call fails, your call couldn’t use VoLTE.
Check if VoLTE is enabled on your phone.
First, make sure your phone’s software is up to date. Then, activate the VoLTE feature. See how.Need a compatible phone?
Check out our wide range of new and refurbished phones. All our devices are VoLTE-compatible, and several offers are available to make your transition easier.
What happens if you don’t take action?
Once the 3G network is completely removed, you won’t be able to make or receive calls, including to 9-1-1, unless both your SIM and phone are VoLTE-compatible.
There’s no time to waste!
Service interruptions will only increase in the coming weeks so it’s essential to act quickly.
Our support team is here to help you through this transition. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions or need assistance.
The Fizz Team
Comments
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Just an update from my side that I am using an iPhone 13 Pro Max and I see that my calls are falling back to 3g since today morning. Hope Fizz will fix this issue soon or any suggestions☺️. Thanks.
By the way I live in GTA.
Did anyone observed the same?0 -
Hi quick question Fizz
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If I am in a poor range area like I go to Blue Mountain, I have went there before and it kept saying 3G. So now will it be like LTE or nothing scenario?
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So it will never fall back to 3G if LTE isn’t there right?
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That will be bad for when I go to poor service areas
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Let me know
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Thank you!
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Yes, it will be LTE alone. Once Fizz and all Fizz ext networks finished shutting down 3G then the only option is LTE . And if Fizz starts 5G we will get both lte and 5G.
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I hope everything will be ok with 4G. You can release the acces to 5G for the areas you don't have good signal.
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Oh well that’s a shame
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I think Fizz should focus on improving there LTE coverage
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After their shutdown of 3G is completed
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That will really help new and existing customers
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Because if it’s LTE or nothing, in those remote areas I’ll probably get a terrible LTE signal or absolutely nothing
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Hello @suresh0704,
Thank you for letting us know about this.
I verified your account, and I can see that you already have a VoLTE SIM, so you should be able to make calls using the VoLTE network.
Please make sure that you have installed the latest iOS version available for your phone. If you already have the latest version, you can try selecting the Fizz network manually in order to see if there is any difference. You can follow these steps: Settings → Cellular → Network Selection
If the issue persists, please send us a private message or contact us from the support page for further assistance. You can do that here: https://fizz.ca/en/support
Have a good one!
-Vlad, Community Moderator1 -
Hi @Whizz ,
Everything looks good. The only issue could be is I am using iOS 26 public beta version. Maybe that’s causing it to fallback to 3G. Anyway thank you for the update. I will contact the support if this issue continues for next few days.0 -
IOS Betas are always a bit unstable
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It’s usually not recommend to use IOS Betas
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Well now that you’re already there try restarting your device
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Disable cellular and re-enable it
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Maybe that will work let me know
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Hi @BlueAardvark470 , thank you.
I wonder why are your comments are breaking into number of short messages. Looks like you are targeting in earning more points😊.2 -
What are points?
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Can someone please explain?
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Non Volte Samsung S4, still working, even after restart.
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@Negrea said:
Non Volte Samsung S4, still working, even after restart.S4 problably dont Work for VOLTE.
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Hi @Negrea ,
As a small heads-up the 3G network shutdown began on July 31st.
Since not all areas are affected at the same pace, the effects may vary depending on your location.Depending on where you use your phone, you might already notice service losses or degradations. Over the coming weeks, these interruptions will worsen until the network is completely shut down.
Have a good one!
Raul, Community Moderator0 -
Does anyone know which areas will be affected first with the shutdown of 3G?
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Since Fizz’s operations are mainly in Quebec I would assume there first right? Let me know if I’m right?
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And also what does this shutdown actually mean? Like are the 3G towers being taken down or what? What’s actually happening behind the scenes?
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What about 2G?
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@Negrea , Except for Rogers none of the other networks have 2g in Canada. Rogers is also in the process of shutting down 2g.
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Thanks for the info.
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Why does 2G even exist?
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The only phone I know that uses 2G is the original iPhone
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And that’s from like 15+ years ago
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Good thing Rogers is shutting it down
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It’ll make more space for 5G
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Then Fizz can maybe switch to 5G and some bigger providers even 6G if that’s an actual thing
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Hello @BlueAardvark470 ,
I hope you are doing great. Thank you for your post. Since the 3G network will gradually be phased out across Canada, coverage might vary depending on your location. For customers outside Quebec, we don't foresee any significant impacts at this time. To ensure your device always selects the best available network wherever you are, providing the optimal experience, please set your device to automatic mode.
Don't hesitate if you have any questions. Have a great day!
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time for 5G now
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Yessss I agree with that
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Wait, @Whizz does that mean that outside Quebec 3G isn’t being taken down?
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@BlueAardvark470 said:
Wait, @Whizz does that mean that outside Quebec 3G isn’t being taken down?Not all cities will be dismantled at the same time. So it is possible that it still works in certain places. Some companies will not immediately cut off 3G for certain reasons, but it is better not to wait and to have a phone compatible with VOLTE and 5G.
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I still don’t understand. Is Fizz taking down 3G in Quebec first? Or are they taking it down in Quebec last?
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I checked yesterday, in Montreal 3G was still working ... Let's hope the 3G shutdown would take few more days, month, or, hopefully years.
We lucky that at least Fizz does not slap 3G users with outrageous fines the way Rogers does.
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