3G Network retirement – Everything you need to know

On August 7, we will begin retiring our 3G network across Canada. Before the 3G network is retired in your area, we’ll remind you of the action you need to take to keep full service. 

If you haven’t migrated to an upgraded network experience once the 3G network is retired, your device will start using our older 2G network for both calls and texts. If your phone supports it, data services will continue to be available in LTE and 5G only.

Here’s what to expect when connected to 2G:

• Data services won’t be available. 
• Calls and texts may fail when the network is busy.
• You’ll have a smaller coverage area than LTE and 5G.
• Picture and video messages, emojis and read notifications for messages won’t be available.

If you’re in an area with no 2G coverage, you’ll completely lose service. You won’t be able to make or receive calls or texts, and you may lose access to 911

You would've 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 to avoid service interruptions.

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

If you’re still exclusively using the 3G network, your phone will try to connect to our older 2G network for voice calls and text messages. 

Here’s what to expect when connected to 2G:

• Data services won’t be available. 
• Calls and texts may fail when the network is busy.
• You’ll have a smaller coverage area than 4G and 5G.
• Picture and video messages, emojis and read notifications for messages won’t be available.

If you’re in an area with no 2G coverage, you’ll completely lose service. You won’t be able to make or receive calls or texts, and you may lose access to 911.

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.

• 4G LTE is designed for data services. To make voice calls over 4G, your device and carrier must support VoLTE.
• Without VoLTE enabled, your phone will default to 3G or our older 2G network for voice calls, even if your device indicates in the corner it is using the 4G or 5G network. 3G will no longer be supported after the 3G retirement.

You can check out this guide to check your phone’s compatibility  

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 devices don’t have the option to change this setting.
   • You won't get any charges by turning this feature on. VoLTE is available at no cost for all customers .

If you're impacted by the 3G network retirement, we sent instructions about your specific device by email and/or SMS. Please review these messages carefully and complete the necessary steps to transition to an upgraded network experience. Based on your device, you would'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/5G network, we sent you a new SIM card by mail. To activate your SIM card:
  1. Sign in to My 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/5G networks, you’ll need to upgrade your phone. To help you transition off our 3G network, we’re offering devices for $0¹ if you need it and in almost all 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 explore our phone options through My Account, by contacting us at 1-855-720-9035 or by visiting a Fido store¹.    

Non-Fido (or grey market) phones are often bought from international sellers and not certified for use in Canada. They may work for data on 4G or 5G, but VoLTE or WiFi Calling usually won’t work with Canadian carriers.

If you’re using a non-Fido device, the 3G network retirement may affect you. To avoid this, check our compatibility tool or contact us to upgrade to a certified device. Or check your device settings to ensure your software is up-to-date and that VoLTE is turned on.

For customers using a OnePlus phone, the manufacturer will be releasing a software update that enables VoLTE for select devices. Once your phone’s updated, check if VoLTE is enabled by going to Settings > About Device > Status > SIM card and then IMS Registration. If it says Enabled, that means your phone is VoLTE-ready and you will connect to the 4G/LTE/5G Network. 

Here’s the list of OnePlus devices now compatible with VoLTE:

• OnePlus 13
• OnePlus 13R
• OnePlus 12
• OnePlus 12R
• OnePlus Open
• OnePlus 11
• OnePlus 10 Pro
• OnePlus 10T
• OnePlus Nord N30  

Our device compatibility tool contains devices sold and certified by Fido. Devices from international sellers, such as OnePlus, may not appear in this tool.

To check your device’s compatibility with LTE/4G, please visit gsmarena If you want to switch to a Fido certified device, contact us or visit a retail location to discuss available options.

Yes, if you’re using an older 3G Wireless Home Phone device, you will need to contact us to order a compatible device replacement at no additional cost. Once you receive it, you should contact us for help to activate it.  Otherwise, you may lose service or fall back to our older 2G network for voice calls.

If your smart device uses 3G to connect to mobile data, you will lose connectivity when the network retires. You will no longer be able to use data but can continue to use WiFi.  To connect to an updated network, you will need to replace your device.  

Contact us at 1-855-720-9035 to discuss options available to you.

We’re supporting our impacted customers through this transition, including recovering costs associated with maintaining our legacy systems and helping with our transition efforts, including creating a dedicated customer service team.

• $3/month Legacy Network Usage charge. This applies monthly as long as you remain on our older 2G/3G networks to help maintain our legacy networks.
• $75 3G administrative charge. A one-time charge to cover costs of our 3G transition efforts. 

Information about these charges will appear in the ‘Your Service Includes’ section of your bill.

• To avoid the $3/month Legacy Network Usage charge, you must update your device settings, replace your SIM card or upgrade to a new device and transition to our 4G or 5G network. If you need a new device, we have $0¹ devices available to you if needed.
• To avoid the $75 charge, you must migrate before the deadline provided in our communication to you.
• Our goal is to get you onto our award-winning networks as soon as possible to ensure your services are not interrupted and you have a better mobile experience.

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

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.

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.