3G/HSPA network discontinuation - What you need to know

On December 31, 2025, NONAME Mobile and its network partner Bell Mobility discontinued its 3G network in Manitoba to improve its 4G/LTE and 5G networks.

This meant that older devices that relied on 3G/HSPA technology are no longer able to access data and/or voice services (including access to 9-1-1 emergency services).

If you have not yet upgraded to a newer compatible 4G/LTE, 5G, or 5G+ device, you may not be able to make phone calls (using VoLTE), send texts, or use data services.

NONAME Mobile has sent instructions to impacted customers to help you transition to the latest network experience.

How devices and services will be affected

Due to the discontinuation of the 3G/HSPA network the following devices and services are impacted:

3G/HSPA-only devices

• Voice (including emergency calls to 9-1-1) and text services will no longer work in areas where 3G/HSPA services are no longer offered.

• Data services (e.g. connecting to the Internet, using mobile apps and email) will no longer work in areas where 3G/HSPA services are no longer offered.

4G/LTE/5G devices that do not support VoLTE (Voice over LTE) on NONAME Mobile

• Voice (including emergency calls to 9-1-1) and text services will no longer work in areas where 3G/HSPA services are no longer offered.

• Data services (e.g. connecting to the Internet, using mobile apps and email) will continue to work in areas where 3G/HSPA services are no longer offered.

Newer devices will have “5G/5G+” or “LTE” selected and VoLTE enabled. You will be able to continue making phone calls (using VoLTE), sending texts, or using data services

Some older devices may have a toggle to turn VoLTE on to be able to continue making phone calls (using VoLTE), sending texts, or using data services. There are no charges for turning on this feature.

If your device doesn’t show “5G/5G+” or “LTE” with VolTE turned on or enabled you will need to upgrade to a newer device.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is 3G/HSPA and VoLTE?

• 3G/HSPA refers to a third generation of wireless access standards that allows devices to connect to the Internet and to place and receive voice calls. 3G/HSPA was introduced in the early 2000s and has been followed by 4G/LTE and by the newest generation of wireless standards, 5G/5G+.

• Voice over LTE (VoLTE) is the next generation of voice calling, which enables faster call connection times and improved voice quality service. VoLTE capable smartphones enable you to make and receive calls when in a 4G/LTE, 5G or 5G+ coverage area.

2. If I change my SIM to a 5G SIM, will that fix the issue?

If your device is impacted, changing your SIM card will not fix the issue. You will need to switch to a newer 4G/LTE, 5G or 5G+ device to connect to our network once the 3G/HSPA network is discontinued.

3. I’m already on a 4G/LTE or 5G/5G+ device, why did I still receive a message that the network I’m on will be discontinued?

You may have received the network discontinuation message because even though you have a 4G/LTE, 5G, or 5G+ device, your device may have been purchased outside Canada and can only connect to 3G/HSPA networks.

These devices typically have the following features:

• Your phone was originally made for sale in another country

• May be 5G-capable elsewhere, but not fully compatible with Canadian network bands

• Often defaults to 3G for calls and data in Canada

If you have one of these devices, you will need to switch to a Canadian-compatible 4G/LTE, 5G, or 5G+ device.