Following Telus’ recent 3G shutdown announcement, Bell has confirmed it will begin phasing out its own 3G/HSPA network in Manitoba by December 31, 2025.
The move is part of Bell’s plan to improve its 4G and 5G networks nationwide it says. Bell and Telus share infrastructure across much of Canada, so both providers are following similar timelines.
Bell says it’s decommissioning parts of its HSPA 850 MHz band (also known as Band 5)—the frequency many older 3G-only devices rely on for voice and data. Once that band is shut down, customers using devices that depend on it will lose access to calls, texts, and mobile data, including emergency 9-1-1 services.
Some 3G coverage will remain temporarily on HSPA 1900 MHz (Band 2) in regions outside Manitoba, but that’s only a short-term solution. Bell plans to eventually phase that out as well, though no national timeline has been given.
Bell points out the change will also affect IoT (Internet of Things) devices running on 3G, such as alarm systems, vending machines, payment terminals, and fleet tracking hardware.
Back in June, Bell already started charging a $3 monthly “Legacy Network Fee” for customers still using older 3G or non-VoLTE 4G phones. The fee is meant to offset the cost of keeping old systems running until the full shutdown.
Bell is urging customers to upgrade to a VoLTE-compatible 4G or 5G phone as soon as possible, ideally before the holiday season. If you don’t switch devices by December 31, 2025, you won’t be able to make calls, send texts, or access mobile data in Manitoba. The difference here compared to Telus is that the latter is extending its 3G network shutdown for Winnipeg and Brandon to March 31, 2026.
Customers should also be aware that some services may stop working even earlier if they rely on specific network bands being phased out before the end-of-year cutoff.
Rogers announced earlier this year its legacy 3G network will shut down on July 31, 2025. It also will be charging customers a $3 monthly legacy network fee, plus a one-time $75 3G admin fee as well.
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