PERSONALDuring emergencies, your phone must be able to connect to 000 or 112, even if your usual network is unavailable.
Some older Samsung phones and phones running outdated software can’t do this when both the Optus and Telstra networks are down and the device needs to connect via Vodafone.
Because SpinTel uses the Optus network, this update also applies to our customers.
Optus (and all telcos) are legally required to block phones that can’t connect to Emergency Services. If your device is affected, you’ll receive an SMS or email notice. After 28–35 days, non-compliant phones will be blocked and can’t make or receive calls, texts, or use mobile data.
There are two categories:
Some older Samsung phones cannot connect to Emergency Services and must be replaced. Impacted customers will be notified. Examples include:
Once notified, these devices will be blocked 28–35 days later if not replaced.
Other Samsung devices only need a software update to Android 13 or later to stay compliant.
How to update:
How to Update
If you’re unsure, call the SpinTel team (1300 303 375).
Some older devices don’t automatically switch to another available network when needed. This can prevent emergency calls during rare network outages. Keeping your software up to date—or upgrading your phone—ensures you can always reach Emergency Services when it matters most.
Learn more on the Samsung website.
Optus (and all Australian telcos) must block phones that cannot connect to Emergency Services (000/112) when their usual network is unavailable. SpinTel uses the Optus network, so this requirement also applies to our customers. If your phone is affected, you’ll receive an SMS or email with instructions.
Phones that cannot connect to Emergency Services via fallback networks (such as Vodafone) will be blocked after 28–35 days from the notification date. Blocked devices cannot make or receive calls, send texts, use mobile data, or use Wi-Fi calling.
Only some Samsung phones are impacted. You’ll only receive a message if your phone needs a software update or must be replaced.
Which devices must be replaced?
A small number of older Samsung phones cannot meet emergency-call requirements, even with updates. These models include:
If notified, these devices will be blocked after 28–35 days unless replaced.
Many Samsung models only require an upgrade to Android 13 or later. These include:
If you need help, call SpinTel on 1300 303 375.
No. Your phone will continue to work normally on the Optus/SpinTel network unless it is flagged as non-compliant and blocked.
Your device will be blocked to comply with emergency-call regulations. Blocked phones cannot:
Some older devices cannot automatically switch to another network (e.g. Vodafone) during an Optus or Telstra outage. This can prevent emergency calls during rare network disruptions. Updating your software—or upgrading your device—ensures you can always reach Emergency Services when it matters most.