3G/HSPA network discontinuation in Manitoba
Later this year, Lucky Mobile will take the first steps towards discontinuing its 3G/HSPA network in order to improve its 4G/LTE and 5G networks.
On December 31, 2025, these changes will take effect in Manitoba, where the 3G/HSPA network will be discontinued. This means that older devices that rely on 3G/HSPA technology will no longer be able to access data and/or voice services (including access to 9-1-1 emergency services).
You have until December 31, 2025 to upgrade to a newer compatible 4G/LTE, 5G or 5G+ device to ensure you can continue making phone calls (using VoLTE), sending texts, or using data services. You can explore the compatible Lucky devices available here.
Lucky Mobile will be sending instructions to impacted customers to help you seamlessly transition to the latest network experience.
How devices and services will be affected
Once the 3G/HSPA network is discontinued, the following devices and services will be impacted:
3G/HSPA-only devices
- Voice (including emergency calls to 9-1-1) and text services will no longer work in areas where 3G/HSPA services are no longer offered.
- Data services (e.g. connecting to the Internet, using mobile apps and email) will no longer work in areas where 3G/HSPA services are no longer offered.
4G/LTE/5G devices that do not support VoLTE (Voice over LTE) on Lucky Mobile
- Voice (including emergency calls to 9-1-1) and text services will no longer work in areas where 3G/HSPA services are no longer offered.
- Data services (e.g. connecting to the Internet, using mobile apps and email) will continue to work in areas where 3G/HSPA services are no longer offered.
Ways to check if your device will be impacted:
-
Check your device settings manually to confirm your available networks
- iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data
- Android: Go to Settings > Network and Internet or Connections > Select Internet or Mobile Networks
Newer devices will have “5G/5G+” or “LTE” selected and VoLTE enabled. You will be able to continue making phone calls (using VoLTE), sending texts, or using data services
Some older devices may have a toggle to turn VoLTE on to be able to continue making phone calls (using VoLTE), sending texts, or using data services. There are no charges for turning on this feature.
If your device doesn’t show “5G/5G+” or “LTE” with VoLTE turned on or enabled you will need to upgrade to a newer device.
Frequently asked questions
• 3G/HSPA refers to a third generation of wireless access standards that allows devices to connect to the Internet and to place and receive voice calls. 3G/HSPA was introduced in the early 2000s and has been followed by 4G/LTE and by the newest generation of wireless standards, 5G/5G+.
• Voice over LTE (VoLTE) is the next generation of voice calling, which enables faster call connection times and improved voice quality service. VoLTE capable smartphones enable you to make and receive calls when in a 4G/LTE, 5G or 5G+ coverage area.
Lucky Mobile continues to examine opportunities to upgrade its networks. At present, there are only plans to discontinue 3G/HSPA services in Manitoba.
As other opportunities for network upgrades arise, we’ll notify impacted customers to ensure proper service continuity and to avoid any service disruptions.
We strongly encourage all our customers to begin planning their migration to next-generation 4G/LTE VoLTE and 5G/5G+ devices to benefit from faster speeds and the next generation of services.
You may have received the network discontinuation message because even though you have a 4G/LTE, 5G, or 5G+ device, your device may have been purchased outside Canada and can only connect to 3G/HSPA networks.
These devices typically have the following features:
• Your phone was originally made for sale in another country
• May be 5G-capable elsewhere, but not fully compatible with Canadian network bands
• Often defaults to 3G for calls and data in Canada
If you have one of these devices, you will need to switch to a Canadian-compatible 4G/LTE, 5G, or 5G+ device.
Alternatively, your device may also be a 4G/LTE/5G device that does not support VoLTE (Voice over LTE) on Lucky Mobile. If you have one of these devices:
• Voice (including emergency calls to 9-1-1) and text services will no longer work in areas where 3G/HSPA services are no longer offered
• Data services (e.g. connecting to the Internet, using mobile apps and email) will continue to work in areas where 3G/HSPA services are no longer offered
If you have one of these devices, you will need to upgrade to a newer compatible 4G/LTE, 5G, or 5G+ device.