Bell’s CDMA Network is Shutting Down Completely on April 30, 2019

The Bell CDMA network will be shutting down on April 30, 2019, according to an updated page on the company’s website, which was apparently updated yesterday, according to an iPhone in Canada reader.

Bell cdma network shutdown

Bell says “the CDMA network (an older network technology) will be replaced by a 4G network starting on the following dates” and notes the start and end date as April 30, 2019.

The following regions will be affected by the CDMA network shutdown:

  • Manitoba
  • Ontario
  • Rest of Quebec
  • PEI
  • Newfoundland and Labrador
  • New Brunswick
  • Nova Scotia




Once the network is shut down, those with CDMA phones will not be able to make or receive any calls—including 911 emergency calls.

Prepaid customers will no longer be able to top up their balances as of February 14, 2019, while their balances will expire on June 14, 2019.

Bell says if prepaid CDMA customers upgrade to a new 4G network compatible phone before the balance expiry date, their existing balances can be transferred over.

Various older devices are listed on Bell’s website indicating they will be affected by this network shutdown.

Back in 2016, Bell announced their CDMA network was to begin a shutdown starting in 2017 in Western Canada, with a complete shutdown by 2018; it looks like the intended end date was eventually extended to spring 2019.

Thanks tipster

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