3G shutdown: check your phones

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freitasm

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#319858 9-Jun-2025 08:50

Since 3G is being shutdown by local networks by end of 2025, this is a reminder to check your phones for compatibility with the 4G/5G standards.

Older phones, phone with old firmwares, 3G-only phones and some imported phones may not comply with the requirements for a 4G/5G-only world.

The phone needs to support the VoLTE standard to be able to make phone calls.

If you noticed that the network icon on your phone switches from 4G/5G to 3G when placing a voice call, then you need to check that your phone supports 4G/5G networks, is set to use 4G/5G or have updates available.

Another way to check is by sending a message to 550, cointaining "3G" (without the quotes). You will receive a reply with its current status.

3G-only phones won't connect to any network after the 3G shutdown. 4G phones without VoLTE support will not be able to make voice calls (although it may still be used for data-only).

You can find more information here: https://www.tcf.org.nz/digital-living/understanding-the-3g-shutdown

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#3381916 9-Jun-2025 09:12

I texted 550 using my iPhone 11 Pro Max, purchased in the US. If I understand the reply correctly, it seems my phone uses the 3G network for voice calls, despite being set to use voice over 4G in the iPhone settings. That's most unfortunate — the phone is still in fantastic condition and does everything I need it to. I was planning to use it until it malfunctioned. It looks like I have no choice now but to buy a new phone. Can anyone recommend a company in NZ that offers a reasonable price for used iPhones that can be operated overseas?

freitasm

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#3381917 9-Jun-2025 09:14

While I see the temptation on a second hand phone, I'd be cautious of any second hand iPhone bought overseas. It's too easy for stolen phones to be sold online.

In any, I suggest you create a new thread to find more about where to source a phone.

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nztim

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#3381918 9-Jun-2025 09:16

Pointers for Apple Users

If you have an iPhone 11 or above VoLTE is on by default and cannot be disabled
If you have an iPhone 6s to iPhone 10 you need to enable VoLTE under Mobile Data settings, it is not on by default
If you have an iPhone6 or older you need to replace the phone (or just keep using it as a data only device)

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muppet

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#3381919 9-Jun-2025 09:16

I bought my daughter a phone from here - it didn't say "4G/VoLTE" when I bought it, so I emailed them to ask and they confirmed it is 4G/VoLTE enabled (and now the product page specifically calls it out)

What alarms me a little though is that 2Degrees texted her to the other day to say "Your phone isn't VoLTE compatible".

Does anyone know how 2D check this? I assume they are just looking at IMEI or similar, not actually verifying if the phone has ever made a 4G call? (Apologies if I am taking this thread in a direction it's not supposed to go, please delete this post if so)

nztim

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#3381920 9-Jun-2025 09:18

Metamorphic:

I texted 550 using my iPhone 11 Pro Max, purchased in the US. If I understand the reply correctly, it seems my phone uses the 3G network for voice calls, despite being set to use voice over 4G in the iPhone settings. That's most unfortunate — the phone is still in fantastic condition and does everything I need it to. I was planning to use it until it malfunctioned. It looks like I have no choice now but to buy a new phone. Can anyone recommend a company in NZ that offers a reasonable price for used iPhones that can be operated overseas?

Update the software, iPhone 11 is fully supported, you may need enable VolTE (if its old software)

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Metamorphic

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#3381921 9-Jun-2025 09:19

freitasm:

In any, I suggest you create a new thread to find more about where to source a phone.

I don't want help buying a new phone. I want help selling my American purchased iPhone to an overseas buyer, since it will still work just fine in the U.S. and other countries. Are there companies in NZ that hoover up used phones in NZ and ship them overseas? I am well aware that such a service can also facilitate the sale of phones stolen in NZ, but that's certainly not the case with my phone.

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Metamorphic

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#3381922 9-Jun-2025 09:20

nztim:

Update the software, iPhone 11 is fully supported, you may need enable VolTE (if its old software)

The phone's software is fully up-to-date. The problem might be cropping up because of different LTE bands used in the US / NZ, perhaps?

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#3381923 9-Jun-2025 09:22

Metamorphic:

The phone's software is fully up-to-date. The problem might be cropping up because of different LTE bands used in the US / NZ, perhaps?

It won't be that, can you A Number of the Phone... Settings > General > About

Tap on Model Number it will change to an A Number

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Metamorphic

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#3381924 9-Jun-2025 09:23

nztim:

Metamorphic:

The phone's software is fully up-to-date. The problem might be cropping up because of different LTE bands used in the US / NZ, perhaps?

It won't be that, can you A Number of the Phone... Settings > General > About

Tap on Model Number it will change to an A Number

A2161

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#3381926 9-Jun-2025 09:30

Metamorphic:

A2161

Ahh! it Lacks Band 28 for rural towers

That doesn't answer the VoLTE question..... to answer that hotspot your phone to your laptop and get a constant ping running to say 8.8.8.8 (ping -t 8.8.8.8)

Then call your phone from another phone or dial 0800 000 000 from your phone

if the ping drops you are going over 3G if the ping keeps running you are going over VoLTE

Also B28 is now used in the US as well, so you are SOL selling back to the US

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Metamorphic

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#3381998 9-Jun-2025 10:36

nztim:

Metamorphic:

A2161

Ahh! it Lacks Band 28 for rural towers

That doesn't answer the VoLTE question..... to answer that hotspot your phone to your laptop and get a constant ping running to say 8.8.8.8 (ping -t 8.8.8.8)

Then call your phone from another phone or dial 0800 000 000 from your phone

if the ping drops you are going over 3G if the ping keeps running you are going over VoLTE

Also B28 is now used in the US as well, so you are SOL selling back to the US

Those are great instructions, thanks! Pinging works while making the call. If I understand correctly, that means my phone will not work in areas of New Zealand where band 28 is a requirement, but otherwise will continue to work next year in areas where band 28 is not required. The issue of band 28 aside, from reading some earlier posts you've made, it seems you are confident that the phone's firmware will have been automatically updated to allow it to work as expected on New Zealand other bands?

Incidentally, this website indicates band 28 is not used in the US. I guess you are seeing something different?

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#3382113 9-Jun-2025 13:57

Metamorphic:

If I understand correctly, that means my phone will not work in areas of New Zealand where band 28 is a requirement, but otherwise will continue to work next year in areas where band 28 is not required.

That is correct, if you are in a B28 only area then you will have no signal at all and your phone will simply show no service

In other areas you will be able to make VoLTE calls

This is all of course assuming that the NZ Government doesn't rogue and introduce laws that mandate that all devices not 100% compatible must be blocked like the Australian shambles

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#3382115 9-Jun-2025 14:03

Metamorphic:

Incidentally, this website indicates band 28 is not used in the US. I guess you are seeing something different?

Let me dig out my source on this one

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#3382121 9-Jun-2025 14:37

I feel that perhaps it should be noted in this thread as well. That as far as I understand it. A phone supporting VoLTE calls in NZ, isn't guaranteed to support making emergency calls via VoLTE. - The emergency call handling isn't handled the same as regular calls. So older/imported phones that aren't officially supported in NZ. May try to drop to 3G in the special case of making a 111/emergency call.

I am yet to hear of any option for testing if an old phone will work reliably for making emergency calls over VoLTE (short of making an emergency call - which you SHOULD NOT DO unless you have a real emergency). So it's possible some phones that test as making regular VoLTE calls ok. Might catch you out if you at some point after 3G shutdown you need to call 111.

Not really sure what else to say there as it seems to be a rather unclear situation as to how to tell other than doing research into the specific model of phone you have?

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#3382155 9-Jun-2025 17:42

Premium NZHerald article:

Spark delays 3G shutdown, Commerce Commission fields multiple complaints about retailers still selling 3G devices

Delayed until March 31, 2026

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