The 3G farewell is coming.
As the 4G and 5G rollout across Aotearoa increases momentum, it’s now time to look ahead and prepare to farewell the 3G network.
By the end of March 2025, when you'll be able to access 4G everywhere you currently have a 3G signal (or 5G, where it's available), we will switch off the 3G network.
Everything you do now on 3G will be significantly better on 4G, and even more so on 5G!
There's still plenty of time to make the move, though, and we'll be with you every step of the way.
What can I do now?
1. Check that you can make 4G or 5G calls
Firstly, the most important thing is to check whether your phone can make mobile voice calls using 4G or 5G, also called “VoLTE”. Most smartphones have this capability except for older ones and there are some others that will work in NZ but not when you visit countries that have also shutdown their 3G networks.
Check your phone’s VoLTE capability on our devices list.
VoLTE/VoLTE roaming capable devices
2. Check your phone’s software and VoLTE setting
- If your phone has VoLTE support then great, but we’d still recommend that you make sure you have enabled your phone’s latest software update.
- Then check that 4G/5G data is enabled in your phone settings as well as 4G voice calling/VoLTE.
- VoLTE roaming capabilities will be important depending on your travel destination. Most of our overseas roaming partners are shutting down their 3G networks. Learn more about overseas 3G roaming networks.
3. If your phone is not listed on our VoLTE capable devices list
It is likely due to one of the following reasons:
- It is likely that you have a 2G or 3G phone that won’t be able to make any mobile voice calls, send text messages or use mobile data after our 3G shutdown so you’ll need to upgrade it to a 4G or 5G phone.
- You have an older 4G phone that can use 4G for data but it can only make voice calls on 3G, so you’ll need to upgrade this phone to keep making mobile voice calls including emergency calls.
- You have a 4G/5G phone that hasn’t been tested and approved by One NZ. It may still work and again we’d recommend loading the latest phone updates and checking that 4G/5G data is enabled in your phone settings along with 4G voice calling/VoLTE. However, we cannot guarantee that your phone will work perfectly on our 4G/5G network for all services and if you have any concerns then we’d recommend you upgrade your phone to one of our approved models.
4. Options for upgrading your phone
- If you have a One NZ pay monthly mobile plan, consider buying a new phone interest-free. Check out your phone options.
- If you have a One NZ prepay plan, check out the range of capable phones to find one that's right for you.
Are you a Business customer? Find out how switching off 3G will affect you.
Frequently asked questions
Network and coverage
Why are you switching off the 3G network?
To see if 4G or 5G are already available in your area, simply use our network coverage map.
When will the 3G network be switched off?
What happens if I don't upgrade my mobile before March 2025?
The 2G network provides an inferior experience, with very slow data speeds, low call quality and less network coverage around Aotearoa. Then, when the 2G network shuts down at the end of 2025, your phone will stop working altogether on our network.
What services will be affected when 3G switches off?
Most 4G/5G phones will work fine but there are a couple of things to bear in mind:
- You may need to ensure you have downloaded and installed the latest phone updates and then enabled 4G/5G data and 4G/5G voice calling (also called “VoLTE” in your phone settings).
- Some older 4G phones may not work for 4G/VoLTE voice calling although 4G data and text/SMS will probably continue to work. Again, ensure you have downloaded and installed the latest phone updates and then enabled 4G/5G data and 4G/5G voice calling (also called “VoLTE” in your phone settings).
Some wireless modems for wireless and rural broadband will be impacted and we will contact you directly to outline your options here.
What should I do if I can't connect to the 4G network in my area?
What if my area only offers 3G right now?
Will my phone work for the upcoming Starlink Satellite to Mobile service?
We are still testing which mobile phones will work best for this service and will provide more details closer to launch, however it is likely that older 4G phones that don’t support 4G/5G voice calling VoLTE and VoLTE roaming will also not work with the Satellite to Mobile service – another reason we recommend upgrading to a newer phone.
Mobiles and devices
Will my phone still work?
Most 4G/5G phones will work fine but there are a couple of things to bear in mind:
- You may need to ensure you have downloaded and installed the latest phone updates and then enabled 4G/5G data and 4G/5G voice calling (also called “VoLTE” in your phone settings).
- Some older 4G phones may not work for 4G/VoLTE voice calling although 4G data and text/SMS will probably continue to work. Again, ensure you have downloaded and installed the latest phone updates and then enabled 4G/5G data and 4G/5G voice calling (also called “VoLTE” in your phone settings).
How do I check if my device is 4G or 5G VoLTE capable?
If you’re unsure what model your device is, you’ll find this information in your phone’s settings.
Will I need a new SIM card?
My phone isn’t connecting to 4G. What should I do?
- Check if your phone is 4G-capable. A list of 4G and 5G-capable devices is available here.
- Ensure your phone’s software is up to date and the VoLTE service has been enabled in your device settings. If needed, you can access instructions for enabling VoLTE here.
- Update your device settings to connect to 4G using these user guides.
- Check you're in an area with 4G coverage using our network coverage map.
Having issues connecting to 4G?
Contact us
I need to upgrade my mobile phone but don’t want an expensive device. What can I do?
What is VoLTE?
Will my Wireless Modem or Homephone Wireless device be affected?
- 3G only data modems with or without landline calling.
- 4G data modems that use 3G for landline calling (if they are only used for data then no changes are required).
- Homephone Wireless 3G devices used for landline calling.
Don’t worry if you have one of these devices, we will be contacting you soon to let you know exactly what will happen.
Roaming