Freedom Mobile Sets Ottawa and Quebec 3G Shutdown Date

Freedom Mobile has set November 3, 2026, as the date it will discontinue 3G service across Quebec and the Ottawa-Gatineau region as part of its ongoing network retirement process.

The carrier’s 3G network phase-out support page now lists the shutdown date for the region, following an earlier first phase that began in Ottawa-Gatineau and Quebec on July 31, 2025.

Freedom has also listed other regional changes. The Peterborough area shutdown is scheduled to begin on October 17, 2026, while the carrier says its Manitoba 3G shutdown was completed on December 31, 2025.

For customers, the change means older devices that rely on 3G networks may lose access to voice calls, messaging, mobile data, and 9-1-1 service. Devices need to support Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and VoLTE roaming to continue working after the shutdown.

Freedom recommends customers check their device compatibility by dialing #TEST (#8378) from their Freedom phone. Customers with devices that are not compatible will need to upgrade to a supported phone before their local shutdown date.

Freedom’s 3G retirement is part of a broader move across Canada as carriers transition spectrum and network resources toward newer technologies, with most carriers expected to complete their shutdowns by March 1, 2027. Customers who have older phones should check compatibility early and plan for an upgrade if their device does not support VoLTE before service is discontinued in their area.