Canada 3G Network Shutdown – Dates, Risks Migration Blueprint

Key Dates to Know from Canadian Telecommunications Companies

• July 31 2025 — Rogers nationwide 3 G sunset & Videotron/Fizz sunset in Québec/Eastern Canada.
• October 31 2025 — Bell Manitoba 3 G/HSPA sunset for personal users.
• December 31 2025 — Bell Manitoba sunset for business users.
• Through 2025‑26 — Bell re‑allocates 850 MHz Band 5 to LTE across Canada (partial 3 G loss).
• TELUS, SaskTel — TBA but both carriers publicly signal a 12‑month notice period and encourage upgrades now.

“Just like updating your internet appliances with the latest firmware for security, it’s just as important to keep your cellular devices current with modern technology,” says Scott Deyoe, VP of Engineering at Novotech.

“Migrating away from 3G not only improves performance,” he adds, “but also reduces power consumption and strengthens your network security. Devices built for the 4G and 5G networks will continue to operate as usual."

Carrier‑Confirmed & Pending Shutdowns.

5‑Step Migration Blueprint

This expanded plan provides the context, decision criteria, and practical actions you’ll need to keep every IoT, M2M, and field‑service asset online as 3 G disappears.

1. Audit & Inventory

   Start by knowing exactly what customers have in the field and how it connects today. This includes smartphones, routers, gateways, and modem modules in third-party devices.

   • Pull SIM‑level reports from carrier portals (Rogers IoT Console, Bell Connexon, Telus Fleet Complete, etc.). Export fields for IMEI, ICCID, last‑seen RAT (Radio Access Technology), and data usage trends.
   • Cross‑reference IMEIs against manufacturer spec sheets to flag devices lacking LTE (Cat 1+), LTE‑M, or NB‑IoT bands. A spreadsheet filter on “HSPA,” “UMTS,” or missing Band 4/13/66 catches most culprits.
   • Include dormant assets: generators, security panels, or kiosks that have not transmitted in 60+ days may still rely on 3 G when they wake up.

2. Map Replacement Paths & Certifications

   Not every device needs a full rip‑and‑replace. Match application needs to the most cost‑effective modem class:

   • Low‑throughput sensors & meters → LTE‑M (e.g., Telit ME910G1) or NB‑IoT (Quectel BG95). These modems draw 50‑75 % less power than 3 G and meet Canadian carrier VoLTE emergency calling requirements via EPS‑fallback.
   • Rugged routers & gateways → LTE Cat 4/6 (Cradlepoint R1900, Sierra RV55) or 5 G NSA/SA for edge‑compute workloads.
   • Voice‑critical endpoints (panic alarms, elevators) → ensure modules support VoLTE + 3GPP Release 13 AT commands. Many older Cat 1 devices need a firmware upgrade—not hardware swap—to enable VoLTE.
   • Verify PTCRB + carrier‑specific certifications. Devices imported from the U.S. may need a firmware variant with Canadian frequency bands (B17/B12 vs. B13).

3. Lab & Field Validation

   Before mass deployment, prove your new hardware survives real‑world edge cases:

   • Bench‑test under low‑signal (‑106 dBm) and high‑latency conditions to check for packet retries and session drops.
   • Validate application‑layer behavior: MQTT keep‑alives, Modbus polling cycles, or HTTP heartbeat intervals may need tuning because LTE‑M’s PSM/eDRX cycles differ from 3 G idle timers.
   • Run VoLTE test calls to 9‑1‑1 (in a controlled carrier test environment) for life‑safety devices.
   • Document firmware and APN versions that pass, so field techs can flash or configure in minutes.

4. Staged Roll‑Out & Change Control

   Use a region‑by‑region schedule that aligns with carrier cut‑offs and your maintenance windows.

   • Rogers & Videotron regions get top priority, because service stops dead on 31 July 2025.
   • Bell Manitoba fleets follow, ensuring a 30‑day buffer before the Oct/Dec deadlines.
   • Every truck roll should swap SIMs and load certified firmware—avoid revisits.
   • Log asset IDs, new IMEIs, and installation photos in your CMMS (Computerised Maintenance Management System) for traceability.

5. Retire, Re‑purpose, or Recycle Legacy Hardware

   Once replacements are live, tidy up the backend and the budget:

   • Deactivate or suspend unused SIMs to stop legacy network surcharges (e.g., Rogers $3 “HSPA fee”).
   • If the existing enclosure or PCB is serviceable, swap only the modem (mPCIe, M.2, or solder‑down) to save capital cost and E‑waste.
   • Recycle dead 3 G modules through EPRA‑approved e‑waste programs. Provide certificates of destruction for regulated industries.
   • For assets due for another technology shift (e.g., 5 G RedCap in late 2025), plan a FOTA pipeline now so future migrations are software‑only.

How Novotech Can Help

From hardware procurement to managed connectivity, our engineering team ensures your migration is on‑time and on‑budget.

• Local Stock: Canadian warehouse of LTE‑M, Cat 1, Cat 4, Cat 6, and 5 G radios, antennas, and SIMs.
• Certification Assistance: PTCRB, OTA, and carrier‑specific testing under one roof.
• Zero‑Touch Deployment: Pre‑provisioned SIMs and configuration scripts to cut on‑site time by up to 60 %.
• Lifecycle Management: Remote SIM swap, data pooling, and analytics dashboards for continual optimisation.

Speak with your Novotech account manager or e‑mail sales@novotech.com for a tailored migration plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my device keep roaming on 3 G in the U.S.?

No. AT&T and T‑Mobile shut down 3 G in 2022. LTE is the minimum for NA‑wide roaming.

Do I need new SIM cards?

Usually not, but SIMs older than 2015 may lack VoLTE provisioning. We can run ICCID audits for you.

Can I wait for 5 G RedCap?

RedCap chipsets arrive in late 2025. For critical assets, upgrade to LTE‑M or Cat 1bis now and plan a firmware swap later.