TELUS and Bell both list March 1, 2027, for nationwide 3G retirement. Their Manitoba shutdowns have already happened: TELUS retired its network on April 14, 2026, and Bell retired its 3G/HSPA network on December 31, 2025. These are the carriers’ published dates as of October 8, 2026.
When are TELUS and Bell shutting down 3G?
| Carrier | Manitoba | Nationwide | Related brands |
|---|---|---|---|
| TELUS | April 14, 2026 — retired | March 1, 2027 | Koodo is included in the Canadian Telecommunications Association’s TELUS listing. |
| Bell | December 31, 2025 — retired | March 1, 2027 | Bell’s 3G/HSPA service is also used by Virgin and Lucky, which the association lists. |
The dates come from TELUS and Bell. The Canadian Telecommunications Association’s FAQ also summarizes the dates and associated brands.
What happens when 3G service ends?
A device that depends on 3G/HSPA can lose its mobile connection when the network is retired. Depending on the device and carrier, that can mean no calls, texts, or mobile data, and no access to 911 over the affected mobile service. Bell’s warning covers mobile and IoT devices that rely on 3G/HSPA; TELUS warns that incompatible devices will lose calls, texts, and data.
A phone labeled 4G LTE is not necessarily ready for the shutdown. If it lacks working Voice over LTE (VoLTE), voice service may stop even when LTE data still works. VoLTE carries voice calls over LTE rather than falling back to 3G.
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- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
How to check whether your phone will keep working
- Check the exact device with your carrier. TELUS directs customers to its IMEI compatibility check. Bell says certification is needed for guaranteed operation on its network, and warns that phones bought outside Canada may not be certified. A general claim that a phone supports LTE, 5G, or VoLTE does not establish that a carrier will accept that specific model.
- Install the latest software. Bell advises customers to update their device before the shutdown.
- Enable VoLTE and choose a current network mode. Bell recommends enabling VoLTE and setting LTE or 5G as the preferred network. TELUS also tells customers with compatible VoLTE phones to enable the feature. Menu names vary by phone; consult the device maker’s instructions if you cannot find these settings.
- Ask whether your SIM needs replacing. Bell notes that some SIM cards intended only for 3G/HSPA may need to be replaced. Confirm this with your carrier rather than assuming a working SIM is suitable.
What to buy if your phone is not compatible
If your carrier’s check says your current phone will not work after 3G retirement, look for a VoLTE-capable phone that the carrier confirms is compatible. Ask about the exact model and whether your current SIM can be used before buying. VoLTE support alone is not a guarantee, particularly for a device purchased outside Canada; Bell says its certification is required for guaranteed operation. The carrier’s compatibility guidance and device lists can change, so check them again before purchase.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the shutdown means for customers in Manitoba
Manitoba customers should treat the listed provincial retirement dates as past: Bell’s was December 31, 2025, and TELUS’s was April 14, 2026. If a device that relies on 3G/HSPA is still in use there, contact the carrier promptly to check whether it can connect to the available network and whether replacement or settings changes are needed.
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- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
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- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
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