Resources & downloads 


Here you will find everything you need to help your community, customers or organisation prepare for the 3G shutdown. On this page we've put together free resources to use on your own channels and help share the message! 

Partner Toolkit  

Our comprehensive toolkit includes a fact sheet with key messaging, banners and posters, copy for newsletters and social media posts and FAQs.

What you can do: 

  • Share our key messaging with your networks, members and community. 

  • Use our resources in your newsletters, on your website, social media channels and in community spaces.  

  • Let us know if you need tailored support or have questions about the transition. 

The team at the NZ Telecommunications Forum (TCF), in partnership with New Zealand’s mobile operators, is committed to helping everyone stay connected throughout this change. If you need further information or would like us to present to your organisation, contact us on info@tcf.org.nz.

Key Messaging

  • From the end of 2025 New Zealand’s mobile operators will be shutting down their 3G networks. This will continue into early 2026.

  • Any 3G-reliant devices will no longer work after the shutdown, including for emergency 111 calls. This includes 4G phones that still use 3G for calling,

  • This is part of a global upgrade to 4G and 5G technology, to deliver a more reliable experience for consumers and future-proof connectivity. 

  • Free-text ‘3G’ to 550 today to check that you stay connected into the future  

  • Visit www.3Gshutdown.co.nz for free educational resources, or contact your provider directly for support through this transition.   

  • Some phones may need settings or software updated in your phone settings.

  • If you do have to replace your device be sure to ask retailers about 3G reliance.

  • Make sure you recycle your old devices for free via RE:MOBILE

Factsheet

Banners

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Social media

Post 1: 

📢 New Zealand is saying goodbye to 3G. Are you ready for the change?  
 
✅ FREE-TXT ‘3G’ to 550 to check you can stay connected 

Learn more > www.3Gshutdown.co.nz  

#3GShutdown #StayConnected #CheckYourPhone 
 
@TCF

Post 2: 

️⚠️️3G is shutting down in NZ at the end of 2025!  
Check your phone and devices now to make sure it’s compatible. 
 
✅ FREE-TXT ‘3G’ to 550 to see if your device is good to go or needs attention. 

🔄 Need help? Affordable phones and support are available, plus you can recycle your old phone for free. Help others get ready too - share this with friends and whānau! 
 
Learn more > www.3Gshutdown.co.nz  

#3GShutdown #StayConnected #CheckYourPhone 
 
@TCF 

Post 3: 
 
📱 Unsure if your phone will still work after 2025? 
 
✅ TXT ‘3G’ to 550 for a free device check. 
 
Stay connected as we move to faster, better networks! Help others get ready too - share this with friends and whānau! 

Learn more > www.3Gshutdown.co.nz  

#3GShutdown #StayConnected #CheckYourPhone 
 
@TCF

Newsletter copy

Teaser copy 

New Zealand is saying goodbye to 3G! Are you ready for the change? 
 
Free-text ‘3G’ to 550 to make sure that you stay connected. 
 
Check your phone now!  
 
Learn more > www.3Gshutdown.co.nz

Short form copy 

Prepare for the 3G Shutdown 

We’re helping spread the word about the upcoming 3G shutdown by sharing important information. 

From the end of 2025, beginning of 2026, New Zealand’s 3G mobile networks will shut down. We’re moving to faster, more reliable 4G/5G networks. This means any device that relies on 3G will no longer work. It’s important to check your phone and other devices now to ensure you stay connected. 
 
Take action today!  
Keep you and your whānau connected.  
Check your phone now!  

Free-text ‘3G’ to 550 to make sure that you stay connected. 
 
Need help? Affordable options and support are available, and you can recycle your old device for free! 
 
Learn more > www.3Gshutdown.co.nz

Long form copy 

New Zealand is saying goodbye to 3G. Are you ready for the change? Free-text ‘3G’ to 550 to make sure that you stay connected. It’s quick and easy to do today.  

We’re helping spread the word about the upcoming 3G shutdown by sharing important information with our communities and networks. Our goal is to make sure everyone knows about the changes, understands what it means for their devices, and has the support they need to stay connected. 

By working together and keeping people informed, we can help make this transition as smooth as possible for all New Zealanders. 

From the end of 2025,  beginning of 2026, New Zealand’s 3G mobile networks will shut down. We’re moving to faster, more reliable 4G/5G networks. This means any device that relies on 3G will no longer work, including non-phone devices. It is important to check your phone and other devices now to ensure you stay connected. 
 
The 3G Shutdown will see New Zealand’s mobile operators (2degrees, One NZ and Spark) shutdown their 3G networks to make way for a more reliable experience for consumers and future-proof connectivity.  

Why does this matter? 

  • 3G-reliant phones, tablets, alarms and business/IoT devices will no longer work after the shutdown. 

  • Most New Zealanders already use 4G or 5G devices, but if you’re unsure, it’s important to check your device now. 

  • Affordable, compatible devices are available, and support is available for those who need it. 

  • Recycle your old devices for free via RE:MOBILE. 

Take action today!  
Keep you and your whānau connected.  
Check your phone now!  
FREE-TXT ‘3G’ to 550 to check you can stay connected. 

Learn more > www.3Gshutdown.co.nz 

FAQs

Do you have questions? Find the answers and helpful tips you need to stay connected.

  • From the end of 2025, New Zealand’s mobile operators (2degrees, One NZ and Spark) will begin to shutdown their 3G networks. This will continue into early 2026. 


    Free-text ‘3G’ to 550 to check you can stay connected. 

  • 3G is old technology no longer fit for purpose. This is part of a global upgrade to 4G and 5G technology, to deliver a more reliable experience for consumers and future-proof connectivity.

    • 3G-reliant phones, tablets, alarms and business/IoT devices will no longer work after the shutdown.  

    • Most New Zealanders already use 4G or 5G devices, but if you’re unsure, it’s important to check.  

    • Some 4G phones still use 3G for voice calls and may require changes to settings to default to 4G networks. 

    • Free-text ‘3G’ to 550 to check your phone today and make sure you stay connected. 

  • Anyone using a 3G-reliant phone, tablet, medical alarms, security alarms, business equipment, vehicle trackers and other IoT devices. 
     
    Most New Zealanders already use 4G or 5G devices, but if you’re unsure, it’s important to check your device now.

    Free-text ‘3G’ to 550 to check your mobile device and make sure you stay connected. 

  • Free-text ‘3G’ to 550 to check the status of your phone. You will receive a text  message letting you know if your phone is good to go, or needs attention 
     
    Visit your mobile provider’s website or in-store for further support: 

  • You may need to update your settings or software or upgrade your device. If you do need to upgrade your device, affordable options are available. Ask mobile phone retailers specifically about 3G reliance. 

    Visit your mobile provider’s website or head instore for further support:

  • Some 4G phones still use 3G for certain services such as calling. It may be that your phone settings need to be updated to 4G or VoLTE. Some overseas models do not work on the New Zealand mobile networks.  description

  • To update your phone, make sure your phone’s software is updated to the latest version. Turn on 4G/5G in your settings: iPhone: Settings > Mobile > Mobile Data Options > Voice & Data > Select 4G/5G Android: Settings > Mobile networks > Enable 4G/5G For step-by-step help, visit your provider’s website or ask in-store: 

  • If your SIM card isn’t 4G capable, you may need a new one.  
    Your provider can help you transfer your number to a new SIM if needed.

  • Some imported devices may not work on New Zealand networks.  


    Free-text ‘3G’ to 550 to check.  
    If your device is incompatible, you’ll need to upgrade.

  • 3G-only devices won’t be able to make any calls, including 111, after the shutdown. It’s critical to check and update or upgrade your device so you can contact emergency services. FREE-TXT ‘3G’ to 550 to check you can stay connected.

  • Yes, recycle your old phone for free with RE:MOBILE.  Learn more: www.remobile.org.nz  

  • Any connected devices that rely on 3G will stop working after the shutdown.

     This includes some tablets, medical alarms, security alarms, and business/IoT devices. Please contact your equipment or service provider to confirm if your device is affected and what to do. 

  • Before the 3G shutdown, mobile operators are upgrading their networks to 4G and 5G across New Zealand, to keep you connected. In most cases, you’ll enjoy an even better mobile phone experience

  • 4G coverage will match or improve on existing 3G coverage. However, at the edges of the network, coverage may differ slightly due to how the technologies work. Mobile operators will monitor these areas closely and are committed to supporting affected customers. 

  • Contact your mobile provider directly. They have customer service teams ready to help resolve coverage issues and discuss solutions tailored to your needs: 

    • Visit your provider’s website for a coverage map:  

    • Or contact your provider’s customer service team for assistance.  

  • Visit your mobile provider’s website or contact them online or instore for further support: 

    • Spark - or call 0800 3G EXIT 

www.3Gshutdown.co.nz

- A message brought to you by the NZ Telecommunications Forum