In New Zealand, 3G network shut down by the end of March 2025

Forums › New Zealand Mobile and Wireless › In New Zealand, 3G network shut down by the end of March 2025

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#3308132 12-Nov-2024 15:01

From 2Degrees in New Zealand

"In our quest to constantly improve our network, sometimes we need to wave goodbye to older technology. We, along with other mobile operators in NZ, are shutting down our 3G service towards the end of 2025. It's been a great run since 3G was introduced in 2009, but the future lies in the faster 4G and 5G networks. We're upgrading to make sure you're hooked up with top-notch connectivity!

You might already be using 4G for voice calls, also known as VoLTE in your network settings. If that's the case you're all set—no extra steps needed. Can’t see VoLTE on your phone? Read on to learn more about what this means and what action you need to take."

2Degrees NZ: Things to know about our 3G shutdown

Phones Compatible with VoLTE & WiFi Calling

old3eyes

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#3308143 12-Nov-2024 15:30

Will we see this again in 15 years when 4G is shut down. Is there a version of VoLTE for 5G??

Regards,

Old3eyes

Behodar

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#3308146 12-Nov-2024 15:35

old3eyes:

Is there a version of VoLTE for 5G??

VoNR. I'm not sure whether any of the NZ providers have it.

richms

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#3308153 12-Nov-2024 15:49

old3eyes:

Will we see this again in 15 years when 4G is shut down. Is there a version of VoLTE for 5G??

The good thing with the move from circuits to packet is that the packets can be over anything. I expect they will have some way to stuff it up tho as its a telco product and those seem to be very problematic with how they let every operator do their own things.

Richard rich.ms

toejam316

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#3308154 12-Nov-2024 15:51

Behodar:

old3eyes:

Is there a version of VoLTE for 5G??

VoNR. I'm not sure whether any of the NZ providers have it.

VoNR requires 5G SA I believe, and I do not believe any provider in NZ currently has a production 5G SA network. I would be surprised if the big 3 operators all weren't developing their 5G SA solutions though. I'm sure VoNR will follow pretty quickly.

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ajw

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#3308183 12-Nov-2024 16:13

Behodar:

old3eyes:

Is there a version of VoLTE for 5G??

VoNR. I'm not sure whether any of the NZ providers have it.

Voice over new radio requires a stand alone 5g network all NZ mobile MNO's run non stand alone networks.

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stuartmac

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#3308250 12-Nov-2024 20:11

Australia seems to be a cautionary tale of how to do it wrong. The issue is the Australian govt mandated that every telco must ensure a handset can make emergency calls before they can provide ANY service.

It appears a telco will only make that assurance for handsets they sold. Not for brands or models they did not sell (whether a retailer or another telco), nor for handsets sold overseas. So they block unless the IMEI is in the range of models they sold.

To me what should have been done is you land in Australia as a tourist or whatever, you connect to a network, the network sends you a text stating you must now ring a "test" emergency number (same technology as the 000 number - but not an emergency call). If the call is successful your handset is enabled, otherwise the telco blocks.

Or even if they allowed emergency calls via whatsapp, so handsets could contact emergency services with only 4G data service.

It is nuts that there is no way of Australian Govt provides no "test" emergency number. They just put all the onus on the telcos.

Surely we in NZ can avoid the Australian debacle.

Technofreak

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#3308257 12-Nov-2024 20:24

I guess I'll save on my roaming fees in Australia and just rely on WiFi based connections when I go there. No point in having roaming if I cannot gaaurantee being allowed to connect to a mobile network.

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Oblivian

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#3308266 12-Nov-2024 20:49

Technofreak:
I guess I'll save on my roaming fees in Australia and just rely on WiFi based connections when I go there. No point in having roaming if I cannot gaaurantee being allowed to connect to a mobile network.

Don't be so sure of that.

Yes, your phone can connect to Wi-Fi for data purposes. However, blocked devices won’t be able to make or receive voice calls over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) including emergency calls, use mobile network data, or send and receive SMS messages

https://www.telstra.com.au/support/mobiles-devices/3g-closure

Technofreak

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#3308269 12-Nov-2024 21:01

Oblivian:
Technofreak:

I guess I'll save on my roaming fees in Australia and just rely on WiFi based connections when I go there. No point in having roaming if I cannot gaaurantee being allowed to connect to a mobile network.

Don't be so sure of that.

Yes, your phone can connect to Wi-Fi for data purposes. However, blocked devices won’t be able to make or receive voice calls over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) including emergency calls, use mobile network data, or send and receive SMS messages

https://www.telstra.com.au/support/mobiles-devices/3g-closure

I wasn't planning on VoWiFi, I don't curently have that now anyway. Just using voice calling over WhatsApp or Skype etc. Everythinhg else just WiFi data as works now.

Either way no point in trying to roam.

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RunningMan

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#3308271 12-Nov-2024 21:02

That would be for a Telstra AU SIM, not an NZ SIM.

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PolicyGuy

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#3308317 13-Nov-2024 02:25

I am in Sydney a.t.m.

My Spark-supplied, Spark-connected Oppo A78 5G works fine

I get the "VoLTE" indicator everywhere and occasionally the "5G" indicator too.
If I go into aircraft mode and turn on Wi-Fi where I have Wi-Fi coverage, I don't get VoWiFi as I would in NZ (or on an Air NZ flight!).
As far as I can see, this is working as expected

Linux

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#3308322 13-Nov-2024 05:58

@PolicyGuy SparkNZ restrict / block WiFi calling outside of NZ

Oblivian

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#3308324 13-Nov-2024 06:47

And oppo isn't on the broad hitlist.

Sony, redmine, xiaomi, and EU/Asia Market devices however are a different story.

If they can't verify it's settings capabilities (not traditional au/nz market) = TAC/IMEI block.

alasta

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#3308375 13-Nov-2024 08:48

So if a New Zealander travels to Australia with a normal iPhone or Samsung then it will work? There is nothing on OneNZ's web site about Australia having a blanket ban on NZ handsets, so it sounds like this is something that would affect tech enthusiasts rather than a typical consumer?

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