Vodafone customers with devices only compatible with 3G 2100MHz will need new devices in Australia, while some workers in NZ will need new jobs.
Vodafone is shifting around spectrum and jobs in its Australasian operations.
Vodafone Hutchinson Australia (VHA) will be refarming its 2100Mhz spectrum from 3G operations to 4G in certain areas of New South Wales, with work due to commence on March 18.
The telco said the other mainland states will follow throughout the year, with the NSW-enclaved Australian Capital Territory already shifted across.
Vodafone customers that have devices relying solely on a 2100Mhz 3G connection will need to use another handset.
“This upgrade work will ensure the 4G network gets a capacity boost, so more of our customers can use their data to stream their favourite content or use social media, while still keeping our 3G network strong,” Vodafone general manager of Access Delivery Networks Tom Joynson said.
“Once the work is complete in each state, we will be delivering even better service to more than 90 percent of Vodafone’s mobile subscribers across Australian metro areas.”
Telstra completed a similar switch in September last year, and provided a list of its handsets [PDF] impacted — including such classics as Blackberry Curve 9320, HTC Windows Phone 8S, phones by the Sony Ericsson brand, and a number of Microsoft Lumias.
