AUSTRALIA’S 3G SUNSET FAQS

3G is a mobile network generation currently operated by all Mobile Network Operators (MNO’s) in Australia. In many regards, 3G was the foundation of mobile broadband which supports voice and data services.

Mobile networks operate on a physically limited spectrum of radio waves. Once a certain network generation (2G, 3G, etc.) has utilized all available spectrums for that service, it is not possible to add any more. By turning off the 3G network, this allows MNO’s (Mobile Network Operators) to upgrade these spectrums to a faster 5G network.

The expected 3G network sunset dates are provided below. These timings may vary depending on the location as MNO’s (Mobile Network Operators) may begin shutting down individual cell towers earlier.

i. Telstra – October 2024

ii. Optus – October 2024

iii. Vodafone – December 2023

Ultimately these sunset dates are within the control of the MNO (Mobile Network Operators) and Land Rover recommends contacting the relevant MNO (Mobile Network Operators) and consulting their published materials for timing of the activity..

Depending on the vehicle model, the embedded SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card in a Land Rover vehicle may be primarily connected to either the Vodafone or Optus mobile network.

Vehicles which are connected to the Vodafone network are provisioned to switch to the Optus network after the Vodafone 3G network sunset to ensure connectivity remains active for the maximum possible duration.

InControl touch functionality requires a mobile network connection. Depending on the age of the vehicle, the pre-fitted SIM card on certain vehicles requires the 3G network for Voice and data services. This affects most Land Rover products built with InControl touch and InControl APPS as an option for 2015, 2016 and 2017 vehicles.

The following services will cease to operate after the 3G Sunset for the aforementioned vehicles.

1. 1. InControl Protect:

2. InControl Remote Essentials.

3. SOS Emergency Call.

4. Optimized Assistance Call.

5. InControl Connect:

6. InControl Apps/Live apps

7. Wi-Fi Hotspot.

8. InControl Remote Premium.

9. Connected Navigation.

10. InControl Secure:

11. Stolen Vehicle Tracking.

Newer Land Rover vehicles from MY2018 onwards with InControl touch and InControl APPS (NGI/NLI) currently require the 3G network for Voice services only with Data services operating on the 4G mobile network. For vehicles that requires the 3G network for Voice and Data services, a software update to the TCU (Telematics control unit) is being tested to change the voice calls on the 3G network for E call and B call, to the 4G data network using VOLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution).

If successful, then these vehicles, once at the latest software level, will continue to function as normal. The software can either be installed via a SOTA (Software over the air) update for compatible and connected vehicles, otherwise the software can be updated by your authorized Land Rover retailer. Important note: Charges may be applied for this software update so please discuss this with your preferred retailer.

Please note:

Compatible mobile devices that utilize 4G or 5G networks connected in the vehicle via Bluetooth® (for compatible vehicles), such as phone pairing, Apple car play Android Auto and should continue to operate as normal.