Freedom Mobile’s 3G Shutdown Hits Peterborough Next Month: Check Your Phone

Freedom Mobile’s next wave of 3G shutdowns is only weeks away, and customers in Peterborough with older phones could soon lose the ability to make calls, send texts, or even reach 9-1-1.

Freedom Mobile says the 3G shutdown in the Peterborough area begins October 17, 2026, the next phase of a retirement that began with Freedom Mobile’s first 3G shutdown in Ottawa-Gatineau and the rest of Quebec on July 31, 2025 and finished in Manitoba on December 31, 2025. The change mirrors moves across the industry, where Telus’s own 3G shutdown timeline and Rogers and Fido’s 3G cutoff are already underway, as carriers refarm spectrum for 5G and 5G+ networks. Most Canadian providers are expected to complete their 3G phase-outs by March 2027.

To keep voice, messaging, and data working, Freedom says devices must support VoLTE as well as VoLTE roaming. Phones limited to 3G will lose voice, messaging, and data entirely once the shutdown hits, while 4G LTE devices without VoLTE will keep data access but drop calls and texts. Freedom also warns that emergency 9-1-1 calls are affected if a device does not support VoLTE and VoLTE roaming.

A quick test confirms whether a phone is ready. Freedom says customers can dial #TEST (#8378), and a success message means the device is compatible. There is also an online device compatibility tool on Freedom’s website for anyone who wants to look up a specific model. The carrier recommends running the latest software, keeping VoLTE enabled, and using a newer SIM card. Travellers should also activate Nationwide, U.S., and International roaming features in My Account so VoLTE roaming keeps working beyond Freedom’s network. Newer hardware should be unaffected, and the iPhone 18 Pro’s C2 modem has shown improved reception on Freedom’s network.