3G network shutdown and digital equity

Created: July 10, 2025 at 3:55 PM | Updated: April 7, 2026 | By NZ Navigator Trust

Aotearoa New Zealand is saying goodbye to 3G for mobile phones.

Does your organisation use old devices or work with people who rely on older technology and may be affected by this shutdown?

Aotearoa New Zealand’s 3G mobile networks will be shut down as part of a global upgrade to 4G and 5G technology.

Any devices that rely on 3G technology (phones, tablets, wearables, medical alarms, security or tracking devices etc) will no longer work after the shutdown - if a mobile phone relies on 3G for calling, it will no longer make calls or texts, including 111 emergency calls. 

The timing of the shutdown depended on the mobile network but 2degrees, Zeronet, One NZ, Spark and Skinny  all shutdown before 31 March 2026.

How can people check their provider's process?

Mobile provider's have information on their website:

• One NZ
• Spark
• Skinny

If more assistance is required, contact the provider's customer care team.

Re-cycle old devices

Re-mobile will give any old phones a new life - over 95% of the materials that make up these old devices will be reused.

The Sustainability Trust also recycles devices.

The NZ Telecommunications forum (TCF)  have shared a 3G Shutdown factsheet here.

What happens to those who are digitally excluded or will be when the 3G network is shut down?

The 3G shutdown is more than just a technical change, it's a digital equity issue.

Digital equity exists when everyone can access and effectively use digital technologies to participate in our society, democracy and economy.

The groups who have the most to gain from the digital world are often the ones who face barriers - families on low incomes, seniors, Māori, Pacific peoples, those with disabilities, those new to Aotearoa and our remote communities. 

With everything from banking to government services going online, people who are not able to access those services are increasingly disadvantaged.

The Digital Equity Coalition Aotearoa (DECA) have put together an informative 3G Shutdown Information Hub with lots of resources.

You can also read more about DECA's mahi on the affordable connectivity problem in Aotearoa New Zealand here.