Upcoming legacy network fee - 3G/HSPA or 4G non-VoLTE devices

[User445]

After being a customer with Bell mobility for over 25 years. I am given a $3 extra charge for 3G/HSPA. I have a 5G phone. I should not be charged for a 3G/HSPA. How Ludacris. With bells technology (as they claim they have) they know who's operating on 3G/HSPA or 4G non-VoLTE devices and put the extra charge upon those using 3G/HSPA or 4G non-VoLTE devices.

[BellDRock · Accepted solution]

To help improve the mobile experience, a $3 Legacy Network Fee will be applied if you're using a 3G/HSPA or 4G non-VoLTE device.

This fee, common across Canadian carriers; supports the 3G/HSPA network as we work towards upgrades.

The good news is this fee can easily be avoided.

• We have promotional hardware upgrades available specially, to help you switch to a faster 4G LTE/5G/5G+ device.
• Ensuring compatibility, you can also switch to a 4G LTE/5G/5G+ capable device of your own.
• The fee will be removed upon completion of a hardware upgrade or compatible device change.

For some grey market devices: VoLTE may need to be manually enabled from the settings of the device under Phone or Network Settings and then toggling the switch or choosing the option.

For more information, check out Bell.ca/3gnetwork

[Johndoe]

Is Bell planning on deactivating 3G service like Rogers just did anytime soon? I switch my phone  to 3G when I am in certain remote areas as the signal is much more reliable and stronger than LTE and 5G. If Bell turns this off are there any other carriers that would continue to provide it?

[WelshTerrier · Accepted solution]

Good Day

Bell does not typically post changes such as this directly on the community forum.

Bell is gradually phasing out its 3G network in Canada, starting with a shutdown in Manitoba on October 31, 2025, for personal customers, and extending to business clients by the end of the year. This is part of a broader trend among Canadian carriers to decommission 3G networks to enhance their 4G and 5G services. Bell's shutdown, along with those of Rogers and Telus, will impact customers using older devices that don't support Voice over LTE (VoLTE).

The timeline for 3G phase-out varies by mobile service provider. Some providers have already completed their phase-out, while others have made public announcements or are still in the planning stages.

Please refer to the FAQs in this Bell Mobility support weblink: Bell 3G / HSPA network service discontinuation

I have included this CRTC reference document to assist in answering further 3G questions:

3G network phase-out: essential information for cellphone users | CRTC

Take care.