Shut down of overseas 3G roaming partner networks

As overseas roaming partners continue to shut down their 3G networks, you will need a VoLTE roaming capable device in the following destination countries and dates as 3G coverage will no longer be available:

  • USA - from April 2024
  • Taiwan – from 1 July 2024
  • Singapore – from 1 August 2024
  • Australia - from 28 October 2024

How to check your phone’s VoLTE roaming compatibility

If you have purchased your phone directly from One NZ, check to see if your phone supports VoLTE and VoLTE roaming.

If you have purchased your phone from another New Zealand retailer, you will still need to check it against our list..

  • If your device is VoLTE capable, but not VoLTE roaming enabled (e.g. iPhone 8 and older, Samsung S10 and older) – it is likely that you will be able to send/receive TXTs and use 4G data. You will however not be able to make or receive calls while roaming (see FAQ below for alternative options).
    • Note: Ensure VoLTE is enabled in your device settings. Once VoLTE is enabled, if your device is also VoLTE roaming capable, this will be automatically enabled.
  • If your device is VoLTE and VoLTE roaming enabled – you’re all good to go.
  • If your device is NOT on the list, it is unlikely you will be able to connect to a roaming partner’s network in the mentioned destinations above, and therefore you will not have access to roaming services.

If you are still experiencing any sort of issues with making or receiving calls or TXTs while roaming, make sure your phone’s software/operating system is up to date.

Ensure you are VoLTE roaming ready

As more of our roaming partners continue to shut down their 3G networks, make sure you can access full roaming services while overseas by:

  1. Enabling VoLTE and VoLTE roaming on your phone.
  2. Updating your phone to the latest software/operating system.
  3. Consider upgrading to a VoLTE roaming capable phone. Check out a range of phone options here.

If you did not purchase your phone direct from One NZ, you may not have the correct network settings, which could cause connectivity issues. Please contact our team on the numbers in the FAQ section below to help with troubleshooting.

FAQs

I followed the advice above, but I can’t make a phone call, what do I do?

If you can’t make a phone call, try calling via an app (e.g. Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, Facetime, Facebook Messenger) or enable Wifi Calling in your settings which will allow you to make a call using Wifi. You may be charged additional costs for using Wifi Calling depending on your home mobile plan entitlements.
For example, if you’re on a Prepay or Pay Monthly plan and call a NZ number using Wifi Calling while roaming overseas, this will come out of your plan allowance. If you Wifi call a US number while in the US, you will be charged the standard cost of calling a US number, like you would at home.

I’m connected to an overseas roaming network and my data has stopped working after making a call or sending a TXT, what do I do?

In many countries network operators have shut down their 3G networks but have left their 2G networks active.

Older handsets which don’t support VoLTE roaming will connect to 2G networks for calls and TXTs , and they will also use 2G data for a short period after.

Your phone will automatically reconnect to 4G for data when the phone is idle. So, running multiple apps on your phone might impact the switch between 2G and 4G networks. We recommend that you close all your apps that you’re not using to help with this. Also, turning flight mode on and off on your device will get you reconnected to 4G data faster if you are having problems.

How can I get help with roaming?

You can free call the One NZ support team on +64 9 355 2007 or for Business customers +64 9 962 988.

Customer Impacting Events

Mobile & Wireless Broadband ›
Excellent Very Good Good Fair Low No Connection
Fixed Line (Fibre, DSL, HFC) Broadband & Landline ›
Excellent Very Good Good Fair Low No Connection
main_icn_Play_arrow main_icn_Chevron_down main_icn_Chevron_right main_icn_Chevron_left main_icn_Chevron_up
WEB main_icn_Menu main_icn_Close

Internet Explorer Not Supported

Please note that we do not support Internet Explorer. For optimal browsing we recommend Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.