Vodafone issues warning over triple-0 wi-fi calling risks and looming iPhone deadline

Vodafone is urging customers to be aware of critical limitations when making emergency triple-0 calls using its wi-fi calling feature, with a major device deadline fast approaching.

From December 1, several older Apple iPhones will no longer support Vodafone’s wi-fi calling feature, including the ability to make triple-0 calls.

Customers with affected devices are being urged to check their compatibility or update their software before the cut-off date.

Apple users face a hard deadline

The wi-fi calling feature will be disabled for iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus, and the first-generation iPhone SE from December 1 this year.

Newer devices will also need mandatory software updates to keep using the service:

iPhone 11 or newer must run iOS 18.4 or higher.

iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X must be updated to the latest iOS version.

Customers who need help with updates or device changes can call 1555 or visit a Vodafone store for assistance.

Vodafone confirmed that standard calls made over 4G or 5G networks are not affected by the upcoming changes.

Location risks and communication limits

Wi-fi calling, or voice over wi-fi, lets users make calls and send texts through a wi-fi network when mobile coverage is weak, and can serve as a backup during outages.

However, Vodafone warns that relying on wi-fi for emergencies carries serious safety risks. Users should prioritise mobile networks (4G or 5G) for triple-0 or 112 calls, which provide more accurate location data to emergency services.

If mobile coverage isn’t available, phones will try other carriers before switching to wi-fi calling, but only if the device is compatible, updated, and the feature is enabled.

Using wi-fi may prevent automatic location sharing, so callers should be ready to give their location manually.

Vodafone recommends the free Emergency+ app, which sends GPS details directly to responders.

Wi-fi calling also cannot receive National Emergency Warning System (NEWS) alerts, and location-based numbers such as triple-0, 1300, or 1800 may fail to connect correctly.

Users experiencing issues are advised to disable wi-fi calling and reconnect to the mobile network.

Broader reform after triple-0 confidence shaken

The warning comes amid a turbulent period for Australia’s telecommunications sector, as the federal government moves to rebuild public confidence in the triple-zero system following a series of major outages.

Communications Minister Anika Wells has directed the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to strengthen transparency around network failures, requiring telcos to maintain a public, real-time outage register.

Under the reforms, outages will be displayed in one central location, similar to live maps used by energy providers and emergency services, and companies could face fines of up to $30 million if customers are unable to reach triple-zero during an outage.

The changes follow multiple high-profile Optus network failures, including one that left three people dead after a triple-zero outage last month.

The incidents sparked an internal review by the telco and an ongoing investigation by ACMA.

Australia’s peak consumer body, ACCAN, welcomed the new register, saying it was essential to restoring trust.

“Confidence in triple-0 and telco services overall has taken a significant hit over recent times,” chief executive Carol Bennett said.

“This register is so important to stabilise community concerns.”

Shadow Minister for Communications Melissa McIntosh MP said the triple-0 system “is a matter of life and death”.

“If the system fails, Australians pay the price,” Ms McIntosh said.

She raised concerns about proposed outage reporting arrangements, noting that the Coalition has called for a “genuine public register” run by the Government’s triple-0 custodian, with “real-time transparency.”

Ms McIntosh also said penalties for telcos should reflect the gravity of system failures, adding that the Coalition’s proposed $40 million fines “reflect the seriousness of these failures.”