Some Samsungs Will Soon Be Blocked in Australia - Is Your Phone Affected?

The gradual shutdown of Australia’s 3G networks in 2024 exposed a serious flaw in a number of older Samsung Galaxy phones. These devices were designed to connect to Vodafone’s 3G network for emergency calls when their primary network was unavailable.

When 3G was switched off, they couldn’t fall back to another carrier, meaning some phones could not dial Triple Zero (000). Regulators were alarmed after a TPG/Lebara customer died in Sydney in November 2025 because his outdated Samsung phone could not connect to emergency services (abc.net.au). Investigations have since revealed that thousands of older Samsung models may be unable to call Triple Zero, and carriers are preparing to block them from their networks unless users update or replace their devices.

How widespread is the problem?

• Nearly half a million devices:  Optus told a Senate hearing that around 470,000 Samsung phones on its network may be unable to call Triple Zero. Telstra identified 114,527 customers needing software updates and has already blocked 7,152 severely affected phones. Of those devices, 4,158 cannot be upgraded and will be blocked by January.

• Older models at risk:  Samsung says devices more than seven years old are likely to need replacing, while the vast majority can be fixed with a software update.

• 28‑day countdown:  Under federal rules, telcos must notify customers whose devices can’t access Triple Zero and give them 28 days to update the software or replace the phone before it is blocked from all Australian networks.

Which Samsung models are affected?

Testing by Samsung and the carriers has found around 60 models that can be fixed via a software update and 11 models that must be replaced entirely. The following eleven models have firmware that is hard‑coded to Vodafone’s old 3G network and cannot be updated (softwareseni.com):

Model number (firmware code)	Device name	Action required
SM‑A720F	Galaxy A7 (2017)	Replace – no software fix
SM‑A520F	Galaxy A5 (2017)	Replace
SM‑J120Z	Galaxy J1 (2016)	Replace
SM‑J320Z	Galaxy J3 (2016)	Replace
SM‑J530Y	Galaxy J5 (2017)	Replace
SM‑N920I	Galaxy Note 5	Replace
SM‑G920I	Galaxy S6	Replace
SM‑G925I	Galaxy S6 Edge	Replace
SM‑G928I	Galaxy S6 Edge+	Replace
SM‑G930F	Galaxy S7	Replace
SM‑G935F	Galaxy S7 Edge	Replace

If your phone is not on this list, it may only need a software update. Samsung’s official guidance notes that Galaxy S8/S8+, S9/S9+, S10, Note 9/10/20 series and A‑series models from 2018–2021 are among those requiring updates. Australian models running Android 12 or later may already be fixed, but grey‑imported phones (bought overseas or through unofficial channels) might not accept the update.

How to check if your Samsung phone is affected

1. Find your model number:  On your phone, go to Settings → About phone → Model number. The number will look like “SM‑G973F” rather than “Galaxy S10”. Dialling *#06# will also display your IMEI and model number.

2. Compare against official lists:  Samsung Australia and each carrier maintain current lists of affected devices. Start with Samsung’s official page, then check your carrier’s lists (Telstra, Optus, TPG/Vodafone). These lists are still growing, so check again if you’re unsure.

3. Check your firmware:  In Settings → About phone → Software information, look for codes like XSA, TEL/TLP, OPS/OPP, or VAU/VAP. These indicate Australian firmware. Codes like DBT (Germany) or BTU (UK) mean the phone is a grey import and may not receive Australian updates; replacement is usually necessary.

Updating or replacing your device

• Update your software:  For fixable models, go to Settings → Software update → Download and install. You may need to repeat the process until it says “Your software is up to date”. Make sure the battery is charged and you’re connected to Wi‑Fi. After updating, check the firmware version again. Do not dial Triple Zero to test; the call might work under normal conditions but fail in an emergency.

• Replace if necessary:  If your phone is one of the 11 unfixable models or a grey import without an available update, it must be replaced. Telstra and other carriers are offering replacement programmes for vulnerable customers. Budget 4G/5G‑capable phones start around $150.

What E.Tel mobile customers should do

If you’re an E.Tel mobile customer, we want you to stay safe and connected. Here’s what to do:

• Identify your phone model using the steps above. If your device appears on the replacement list, plan to upgrade immediately. We offer a range of affordable 4G/5G devices that support VoLTE emergency calling.

• Install the latest software if your model is fixable. Follow our step‑by‑step guides or contact our customer support team for assistance.

• Check for notifications from E.Tel via SMS or email. We will send personalised instructions if your phone is affected.

• Do not call 000 to test your phone. Testing emergency calls ties up critical services and doesn’t guarantee reliability.

• Reach out for help:  If you’re unsure whether your phone is affected or you need help transferring your service to a new handset, contact E.Tel support. We’re committed to keeping you connected and ensuring that you can reach Triple Zero when it matters.

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Staying safe in the 4G/5G era

Australia’s mobile networks are evolving. The 20‑year‑old 3G network was switched off between January and November 2024. to free up spectrum for faster 4G and 5G services. Most modern devices handle emergency calls correctly, automatically switching to any available network. Only a small subset of older Samsung phones are affected, and most can be fixed with a firmware update. By checking your model, updating promptly and replacing outdated devices, you can ensure that Triple Zero is always reachable and help avoid further tragedies.

For the latest updates, keep an eye on Samsung’s official support page and our E.Tel Mobile news feed. Your safety is our priority. Sources: abc.net.au, softwareseni.com, nationalseniors.com.au, ia.acs.org.au