Resources & downloads
Here you will find everything you need to help your community or organisation prepare for the 3G shutdown. We've put together key info and free support resources to use on your own channels and help share the message.
The 3G shutdown toolkit includes factsheets and key messaging, FAQs and how to guides, banners, posters, copy for newsletters and ideas for posting on social media.
The factsheet is now also available in New Zealand Sign Language as well as Māori, Samoan, Tongan, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Hindi, Arabic and Spanish.
What you can do:
Share our key messaging with your networks, members and community.
Use these resources in your newsletters, on your website, social media channels and in community spaces.
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 please contact us on info@tcf.org.nz.
Key Messaging
New Zealand’s 3G networks have now been shutdown.
Any 3G-reliant devices will no longer including for emergency 111 calls. This includes 4G phones that still use 3G for calling and may require settings or software updates.
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
If you do have to replace your device be sure to ask retailers about 4G compatibility.
Make sure you recycle old devices for free via RE:MOBILE.
Visit www.3Gshutdown.co.nz for free support resources, or contact your provider directly.
Factsheet
New Zealand Sign Language Video
Banners
Social media
Post 1:
📢 3G networks have now been shutdown in New Zealand. Check your device to stay connected.
✅ FREE-TXT ‘3G’ to 550 to check your mobile device.
Learn more > www.3Gshutdown.co.nz
#3GShutdown #StayConnected #CheckYourPhone
@TCF
Post 2:
️⚠️️3G is shutting down in NZ! Check your mobile phone and other devices now to ensure theyre compatable.
✅ 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 without 3G?
✅ 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
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 mobile device today!
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.
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New Zealand’s mobile operators (2degrees, One NZ and Spark) have now shutdown their 3G networks.
Free-text ‘3G’ to 550 to check whether your device is 4G compatable.
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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.
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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.
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Affected devices include 3G-reliant phones, tablets, medical alarms, security alarms, vehicle trackers and other IoT business systems.
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.
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You may need to update your handset settings or software.
Find out how to do this with the step by step technical video guide.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:
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Some 4G phones still use 3G for certain services such as voice calls or emergency 111 calling.
Many overseas models are not configured for New Zealand mobile networks and may require settings or software updates to be fully 4G capable. -
To update your phone, make sure your phone’s software is updated to the latest version. You can view the technical video guide here.
To 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 technical support, visit your provider’s website or ask in-store: -
If your SIM card isn’t 4G capable, you may need a new one.
Check with your provider directly. They 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.
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Yes, recycle your old phone for free with RE:MOBILE. Learn more: www.remobile.org.nz
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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.
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Before the 3G shutdown, mobile operators are upgrading their networks to 4G and 5G across New Zealand, to keep you connected. After the shutdown, you should enjoy an even better mobile phone experience.
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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.
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- A message brought to you by the NZ Telecommunications Forum