3G shutdown: check your phones

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#3382158 9-Jun-2025 17:52

The above article also suggests that IoT devices will likely fall over.

Not good news for me.

The guy who installed our security system wont call me back regarding upgrading the 3G module for a 4G one, despite this being discussed at the time of installation.

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#3382190 9-Jun-2025 20:41

kiwifidget:

Premium NZHerald article:

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

Delayed until March 31, 2026

This would be covered under CGA, pretty much if you've brought a phone within the last couple of years from any NZ retailer, you'd be well within your rights to demand a remedy if it stopped working come the 1st of January.

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#3382209 9-Jun-2025 21:12

@coffeebaron would I have to wait until it stopped working before invoking the CGA or can I preempt it?

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#3382315 9-Jun-2025 22:34

nztim:

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)

I have an iPhone SE (3rd generation, 2022 model) for my work phone - 4G should be all good, but does a VoLTE indicator appear in the status bar with these (a la Samsung)?

coffeebaron

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#3382331 9-Jun-2025 23:47

kiwifidget:

@coffeebaron would I have to wait until it stopped working before invoking the CGA or can I preempt it?

Yes probably wait til it stopped working. Then take it in and say it's got a fault, it's no longer making calls.

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#3382360 10-Jun-2025 08:26

alavaliant:

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?

I am sure an iPhone will be fine, there are not different software variants, that been said it should be tested at an off-peak time

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nztim

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#3382364 10-Jun-2025 08:43

quickymart:

I have an iPhone SE (3rd generation, 2022 model) for my work phone - 4G should be all good, but does a VoLTE indicator appear in the status bar with these (a la Samsung)?

No there is no VoLTE logo like on Android, perform the hotspot test I showed you on the previous page to confirm

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#3382365 10-Jun-2025 08:47

I have just found out the 550 test is horribly unreliable, rather than actually testing VoLTE all it does is compare the phones Make, model, and sub model against a known list phones that are compatible

That means you may have a compatible phone, but the phone is not in the database listed as being compatible

This same test was used to determine whether to block or not to block phones in Australia

What a shambles

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#3382368 10-Jun-2025 08:51

freitasm: ... Another way to check is by sending a message to 550, cointaining "3G" (without the quotes). ...

This does not appear to work by simply moving the SIM card to another device & trying again. 😖

I moved my One NZ SIM to another device & the reply SMS states the same model as my handset that I removed the SIM from.

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#3382372 10-Jun-2025 09:10

LOL

2dm.co.nz/3g-shutdown tells me to use their IMEI checker which in turn tells me to go to 2dm.co.nz/3g-shutdown

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#3382383 10-Jun-2025 09:27

There is an app in the app store (and also appears to be in the google play store) it's not free but is dirt cheap

It runs all the tests on the network including VoLTE support with your Carrier (note this doesn't answer the 111 question)

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#3382394 10-Jun-2025 10:15

nztim:

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)

This is great info, thanks. Is there any downside in enabling VoLTE on an iPhone 8 now? i.e. rather than waiting till absolutely required when 3G is switched off?

Linux

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#3382440 10-Jun-2025 12:27

Earbanean:

nztim:

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)

This is great info, thanks. Is there any downside in enabling VoLTE on an iPhone 8 now? i.e. rather than waiting till absolutely required when 3G is switched off?

@Earbanean Not having VoLTE enabled now makes zero sense!

VoLTE higher bit rate on calls and faster call setup time

Earbanean

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#3382462 10-Jun-2025 13:50

Linux:

@Earbanean Not having VoLTE enabled now makes zero sense!

VoLTE higher bit rate on calls and faster call setup time

Thanks. Sounds like I need to check my kids' phones then.

richms

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#3382477 10-Jun-2025 14:21

Earbanean:

This is great info, thanks. Is there any downside in enabling VoLTE on an iPhone 8 now? i.e. rather than waiting till absolutely required when 3G is switched off?

Have had no additional calling issues with volte vs 3g for outgoing. Incoming seems more reliable.

Its the wifi calling that delivers the problems IME.

Richard rich.ms

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