Network FAQ

Please note that actual speeds achieved will vary due to factors such as user numbers, local conditions, congestion, hardware, software, download source, general internet traffic and whether customers have access to a Vodafone 3G+ enabled site.

What is Vodafone 3G+? show

Vodafone 3G+ is the next generation of network using DC-HSPA+ (Dual Carrier-High Speed Packet Access) technology. Essentially this technology will deliver faster download speeds than ever before on the Vodafone network.

Where is Vodafone 3G+ rolling out? show

We are introducing Vodafone 3G+ now in selected metropolitan areas. The new Vodafone 3G+ network is being progressively rolled out to selected metropolitan areas of Sydney and Newcastle, Melbourne, Geelong and Mornington Peninsula, Brisbane and Gold Coast, Adelaide and Perth. These typically are areas where demand for high-speed mobile data is highest.

What type of speed improvements can I expect when Vodafone 3G+ is introduced in my area? show

Our new Vodafone 3G+ network will deliver download speeds that are up to eight times faster than our current average download speeds on the Vodafone 3G network. However this will vary due to a range of factors including the device type, areas where Vodafone 3G+ is activated, peak and off-peak usage times and respective distance from the nearest base station.

What frequencies/spectrum will you use for your deployment of Vodafone 3G+? show

We will deploy Vodafone 3G+ on 850MHz, 900MHz and 2100MHz.

Will my current mobile, tablet or mobile broadband work when the new Vodafone 3G+ network is switched on? show

All mobile phones, tablets, and mobile broadband devices that are in use today will continue to work on 3G and 2G. However, to access Vodafone 3G+ speeds, you will need a Vodafone 3G+ compatible device as well as be in a Vodafone 3G+ area. More information on compatible devices is available on our website vodafone.com.au/4gdevices.

What do I need to do to benefit from the speed improvements delivered by Vodafone 3G+? show

To experience the full speed improvements that will be delivered by the new Vodafone 3G+ network, you will need a Vodafone 3G+ compatible device, and will also need to be within a Vodafone 3G+ coverage area to benefit from faster download speeds. More information on compatible devices is available on our website vodafone.com.au/4gdevices.

What is 4G, and what are the benefits? show

4G is the next (or 4th) generation of mobile network technology standards. It provides faster download and upload speeds and an overall better internet experience on the go. Whether you’re gaming online, streaming videos, downloading music, surfing social channels, whatever. Everything. Is. Faster.

What is the difference between 3G+ and 4G? show

In a word, speed. Vodafone 3G+, with the right device, offers download speeds of up to five times faster than the current Vodafone 3G network, and 4G enables download speeds up to 15 times faster than our current 3G in some areas.

Where are the improvements being made, i.e. what locations? What is the expected time period in specific areas? show

To find out more about more network improvements being made in your area, visit our Coverage checker.

If I am considering switching my business mobiles across to Vodafone, how will I know if your network will meet my needs? show

Vodafone business consultants can undertake a coverage check of your home or business location. The coverage check process is the best way to assess whether your business has coverage in the areas it operates in. You can do an initial coverage check yourself using our coverage checking tool at vodafone.com.au/coverage.

Alternatively please let us know if you would like a Vodafone business consultant to meet you at your premises to discuss your needs in more detail.

What are you doing to fix the network problems? show

We're investing $1 billion across Australia to bring our customers better indoor coverage, faster downloads and a stronger signal than ever before from Vodafone. To date:

Thousands of sites have been upgraded to support growth in usage.
New state-of-the-art equipment is being installed at all of our sites across Australia to prepare our network for 4G.
1000 sites are already live on our new 850MHz network, which is designed to provide better in-building coverage and faster data speeds for compatible smartphones and mobile broadband devices, and there's more to come.

What is the new 3G 850MHz network and what will it mean for me? show

The new 3G network will run on 850MHz frequency, which is capable of penetrating deeper indoors than our existing frequency. If you've got a handset or modem that's 850MHz compatible and you are within an 850MHz coverage area, it should mean an improved experience with better indoor coverage, faster download speeds and stronger signal strength than before from Vodafone.

To find out if there's 850MHz network coverage in your area, visit our Coverage Checker at vodafone.com.au/coverage.

If the new network is rolled out to the suburb next to mine will it make a difference? show

Yes because it will help shoulder the load across the surrounding areas.

What is the Vodafone Network Guarantee and does it apply to me? show

We want you to be happy on our new network, so we're giving you a guarantee.

Grab a new phone, tablet or modem today on any great value Vodafone plan and if you're not happy within 30 days, just bring it back and pay for what you've used until cancellation goes through*.

Want to know more? Click here for the full nitty gritty.

I’m already a Vodafone customer does the Vodafone Network Guarantee apply to me? show

If you’re already on Vodafone and are upgrading or re-signing on a new 12 or 24 month contract you’re eligible for the Network Guarantee

If you’re already with Vodafone, outside of your 30 days and are unhappy with our network visit support.vodafone.com.au or give us a call on 1555 (free call from Vodafone mobiles) or 1300 650 410.

Why don't you introduce a call back feature for all customers when you are getting increased complaints? Simply this step can give us a lot of comfort as we will know that if we have a problem I will get someone to talk about that? show

Over the past months we've made a number of significant improvements to our customer service, and there are more to come. We have introduced a new automated callback option for customers who we think will be waiting in line for more than three minutes.

Where are your call centres located? show

Our call centres are located in Hobart and Mumbai.

What do I do if I'm still having problems making calls, sending text messages, or accessing data? show

The best place to start if you have had continuing issues is to check your postcode using our network status checker to find out if there are known issues in your location.

How do I know whether there's a known outage in my area? show

Please visit our network status checker and check for your area.