From the end of 2025, 3G mobile networks will start to be shut down around the country.
First introduced to New Zealand in 2006, 3G allowed users to make calls and surf the internet while on the go.
Its successor, 4G, was launched in 2013, and 5G in 2019.
The New Zealand Telecommunications Forum said 3G services will begin to end at the end of the year. Spark said its 3G network will be turned off on March 31, 2026.
The shutdown of the network will create room for faster and more reliable 4G and 5G networks.
While the move has been called a “positive step” towards a digital future, the change may have an impact on some New Zealanders.
Here is all you need to know about how the changes could affect you.
Older phones will need to be upgraded
Many older phones will be incompatible with 4G – and their owners will need to upgrade them to remain connected.
Spark said while some older devices may support 4G for data, they will not support voice calling, meaning an upgrade will be necessary to make calls, even in an 111 emergency.
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According to Spark, the most commonly-used 3G reliant phones on its network are the iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy S7, Huawei Y5, HMD Global Nokia 3310, Huawei Nova 3e, Mobiwire SAS Pocket 2, Oppo A5 (AX5), Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro, iPhone 5S, and Alcatel 1B.
Telecommunications Forum chief executive officer Paul Brislen said older phones can be recycled with RE:MOBILE.
Most Kiwis won’t be impacted
The good news is, most New Zealanders have phones compatible with either 4G or 5G, meaning they won’t have to do anything when the 3G network is turned off.
According to Spark, only about 2% of total network data runs over 3G, and voice calls on the network have declined by 85% since 2019.
It also said both 4G and 5G networks reach about 99% of New Zealanders.
Mateparae said Spark can see some customers are still connecting to 3G in areas where 4G is already available – “often because they’re using older devices that don’t support voice calling over 4G and automatically fall back to 3G when making calls”.
“In some cases, customers may already have a compatible device and just need to switch on 4G calling in their phone settings.
“Customers can find step by step instructions on how to do this on our website.”
How to check if you are impacted
To help users who are unsure if they are impacted, the New Zealand Telecommunications Forum has launched a free text checker tool.
Users can text “3G” to 550 to check if their device will work after the 3G network is shut down.
Alternatively, users can Google their device and to check if it is 4G or 5G compatible, or visit their mobile provider’s website or store.
4G coverage may differ from 3G
Spark network and operations manager Renee Mateparae said 4G coverage may differ slightly compared to 3G at the edges of the network “due to the nature of how these technologies work”.
“So, we’ll be keeping a close eye on those areas and working with anyone affected to support them with connectivity options, which could include WiFi calling, external antennas, or satellite – which will be available to Spark customers in early 2026.”
Since 2023 Spark has built over 70 new 4G mobile sites and upgraded over 600 more. All 3G-only towers will be upgraded, if they haven’t been already.
What other devices are affected?
Any connected device that relies on 3G will also stop working after the shutdown – this includes some tablets, medical alarms, security alarms, vehicle trackers and business/IoT (internet of things) devices.
People should contact their equipment or service provider to check if their device is affected.