3G Network retirement – Everything you need to know

After we retire the 3G network, your device may experience service interruptions. Calling, texting or data may be affected before it stops working completely.

You'd have received instructions from Fido by email and/or SMS about our 3G network retiring. If you received a communication, please review and follow the steps provided before June 30, 2025 to avoid service interruptions.

If you need support, contact our specialized 3G team at 1-855-720-9035 or visit a Fido retail locatio

To ensure your device can connect to our LTE/4G networks, update your device’s operating system software and verify its compatibility using the Device Compatibility Tool.

You can also check your device settings manually:

1. Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks on your phone.
2. Check if VoLTE can be enabled.
   • If not, your device may not be VoLTE-capable and may need to be upgraded. Some newer Android devices don’t have the option to change this setting.
   • You won't get any charges by turning this feature on.

Why your phone shows 4G but it’s impacted by the 3G retirement 

• 4G LTE is designed for data services. To make voice calls over 4G, your device and carrier must support VoLTE.
• Without VoLTE, your phone will default to 3G or 2G for calls. 3G will no longer be supported after the 3G shutdown.

If you're impacted by the 3G network shutdown, we sent instructions about your specific device by email and/or SMS. Please review these messages carefully and complete the steps before June 30, 2025. Based on your device, you'd’ve been asked to complete one of these steps:

• Update your device settings: Some devices are LTE/4G/5G-enabled, but their current settings are set to the 3G network. If this applies to you, we sent you instructions to update your software and check the network/VoLTE settings. Follow the steps outlined on our network settings page.
• Activate a new SIM card: If your 3G SIM card can’t connect to our LTE/4G network, we sent you a new SIM card by mail. To activate your SIM card:
  1. Sign in to your My Account account.
  2. Navigate to the usage section and select your phone number.
  3. Select Manage SIM in the My Device
  4. Click Change SIM and follow the steps.
• Upgrade your phone: If your device can’t connect to our LTE/4G networks, you’ll need to upgrade your phone. You can explore our $0 phone options through My Account, by contacting us at 1-855-720-9035 or by visiting a Fido store¹.

A Legacy Network Usage charge of $3/month has been added to select customers’ accounts to help maintain our legacy networks. This charge will apply monthly as long as your usage is on our 2G and 3G networks.

If you’re still exclusively using the 3G network as of June 30, 2025, your mobile device will lose connectivity. We may also add a one-time $75 3G administrative charge to your account to cover the costs of our 3G transition efforts.

What are these charges for?

• We continue to build our great 4G LTE network, delivering quality service to our customers. Our investments have resulted in improvements in speed, voice quality and general connectivity. As technology improves, older equipment becomes outdated and requires decommissioning.
• In several countries around the world, and here in Canada, mobile carriers are beginning to decommission their 3G networks. Fido is retiring our 3G network on July 31, 2025.
• We want to support customers currently using a mobile device on our legacy 2G and 3G networks who will be impacted by the network retirement, while recovering part of the costs associated with continuing to maintain our legacy systems and our transition efforts, including sending several notifications since last year and creating a dedicated customer service team.

Why am I seeing these charges on my bill?

• The Legacy Network Usage charge will apply when usage is exclusively on our legacy network (3G or earlier) over a billing cycle. The charge takes 60 days to appear on your bill. An SMS will be sent when it is applied.

• Effective June 30, 2025, a one-time 3G administrative charge will be applied to your account if you have still not transitioned to an upgraded network. Information about the charges will appear in the Your Service Includes section of your bill.

I’m trying to keep my monthly costs down. What can I do to avoid these charges?

• We’re here to make sure you’re supported during this transition. To avoid these charges, you must update your device settings or upgrade to a 4G or 5G device.
• Our goal is to get you onto our award-winning networks as soon as possible to ensure you have a better mobile experience.

What's VoLTE and why it matters?

Voice over LTE (VoLTE) lets you make high-quality voice calls over the 4G LTE network. It'll be required for all voice services after the 3G network is retired. For more details on VoLTE and to find out how to check it’s enabled on your device, visit our network settings page.

What happens if I’m still using the 3G network as of June 30, 2025?

If you’re still exclusively using the 3G network, your mobile device will lose connectivity. During this time, you won’t be able to:

• Make or receive calls, texts or use data
• All outgoing calls will be automatically redirected to our 3G migration team. They’ll discuss transition options for you, including $0 device options and restoring your service¹.
• Your access to 911 won't be impacted.

In addition, a one-time 3G administrative charge will be added to your account to cover the costs of our 3G transition efforts.

If I upgrade my device, can I keep my plan?

We want to ensure minimal disruption in this transition. In most cases, you won’t need to change your plan. If you do, we'll ensure you pay a similar price you pay today. You can upgrade your phone online, contact us at 1-855-720-9035 or visit a Fido retail location.

How will I transfer my pictures and contacts to the new phone?

Check out our Device Guides for step-by-step instructions or get support from a Fido retail location near you.

Will any 3G devices still work?

No. Going forward, only 4G/VoLTE devices will be supported. Visit our list of compatible devices.

What if I need help transitioning off the 3G network?

If you need support, contact our specialized 3G migration team at 1-855-720-9035 or visit a Fido Retail location near you.

Why's my device showing as not compatible? 

Our network availability varies by frequency. Devices that support more frequencies, both within a network technology and across different network generations, have access to more wireless coverage. If your device isn't showing as compatible, it might not support the frequency our LTE/4G networks require.

You can compare your device’s specifications to the network frequencies listed:

3G SIM card

How do I check if I'm on a 3G SIM card?

3G SIM cards start with 8930272040299 or lower. You can also look for a 3G network bar or 'H+' icon in the top corner of your mobile phone, and if your phone is on the compatible devices list, you need to upgrade your SIM. If that’s the case, we sent you a 5G SIM by mail. You can activate your SIM card online, contact us at 1-855-720-9035 or visit a Fido retail location.

Is there a difference between a 3G SIM card and a 4G SIM card?

Yes, a 4G SIM can do everything that a 3G SIM can, but faster and smoother than ever before. Web pages load quicker — you can download content within seconds, and streaming video and music is free of buffering. The SIM cards also differ in size. 3G devices typically use a mini/micro SIM and most 4G devices require a nano SIM.

1. With a 24-month financing agreement after promo credits, applied monthly on your bill as long as your financing agreement is in place.