What Happens When 3G Switches Off?

11 Feb

For those living, working, or traveling in regions with no or limited 3G connectivity, the 3G shutdown raises serious concerns about digital access, equity, and safety.

This week Paul Brislen, CEO of the New Zealand Telecommunications Forum, highlighted in The Post how 3G revolutionised mobile connectivity when it launched in 2006. It gave us video calls, mobile email with attachments, and even helped birth the iPhone’s app ecosystem. However, as Brislen notes, 3G just doesn’t meet today’s demands. All three mobile network operators—2degrees, One NZ, and Spark—are decommissioning 3G to make room for faster, more reliable 4G and 5G services.

While this shift promises significant improvements in network performance, it also leaves behind those who rely on 3G—not just for mobile phones, but for other critical systems like medical alarms, moisture sensors, and building security systems.

The Digital Divide at Risk of Widening

Not everyone will benefit equally from this upgrade. The 3G shutdown will disproportionately affect rural communities, low-income households, and older adults who may not have 4G-capable devices or easy access to technical support. Brislen points out that affordable 4G-capable phones are available for as little as $100 at local supermarkets, but even that cost can be prohibitive for some.

What’s more concerning is that coverage in remote areas is already inconsistent. While telcos plan to replicate and even expand the 3G footprint with 4G and 5G, we must ensure that no community faces reduced coverage during the transition. Network operators have committed to “over-build” rather than under-build, but some fine-tuning won’t be completed until 3G is fully turned off.

The Nomad Work Visa brings another layer to this conversation. As New Zealand positions itself as a hub for digital nomads, reliable and widespread network coverage becomes essential. These new digital workers will expect seamless connectivity across the country—not just in cities and tourist hotspots.

Ensuring Digital Equity - Call to Action

Given the risks, we urge telcos and the government to extend support to those who need it most. Here’s what should be done:

Extend 3G Coverage in Vulnerable Areas: Until full 4G and 5G coverage is achieved in rural and underserved areas, maintaining 3G as a backup would help bridge the gap.
Subsidise Upgrades for Vulnerable Communities: Offering device upgrade subsidies for low-income households could help ensure no one is left without basic communication services.
Prioritise Infrastructure in National Digital Strategies: Robust and inclusive infrastructure should be a cornerstone of our digital equity efforts, with rural areas receiving the same attention as urban centres.

Devices Beyond Phones

The 3G shutdown also affects a wide range of connected devices beyond mobile phones. Brislen notes that 3G ushered in the era of the Internet of Things (IoT), with devices like security cameras, moisture sensors, and personal medical alarms using 3G chips for communication.

If these devices aren’t tested and upgraded, they’ll stop working when the network is turned off. The good news is that telcos are working closely with device providers to ensure customers are notified and given upgrade options. But for many small businesses and households, this transition will still require effort, time, and resources they simply may not have.

Sustainability and Recycling

With the 3G shutdown, many older devices will become obsolete. Instead of throwing them away, New Zealanders can drop off their old handsets at one of the hundreds of Sustainability Trust or RE:Mobile recycling points around the country. Recycling these devices ensures toxic materials like heavy metals don’t end up in the environment, while valuable components can be repurposed.

Time for Action

The 3G shutdown is not just a technical milestone; it’s a digital equity issue. As we move toward a more connected future, we must ensure that no one is left behind. By expanding infrastructure, offering support to vulnerable communities, and promoting sustainability, we can turn this challenge into an opportunity for a more equitable and inclusive digital landscape in Aotearoa New Zealand.

DECA will be writing to Ministers with the asks above and working across the industry to encourage support for our most vulnerable communities.

You can also read more here - 3G Closure - or here - Telecommunications Forum, understanding the 3G Shutdown.