Things to know about our 3G Network Shutdown

Enter your phone’s IMEI number below. This is a 15-digit number that can be found by dialling *#06#, in your device settings, or printed on your phone.

Note: Ensure there are no spaces between the numbers, and when typing your IMEI number don't include the word 'IMEI'.

Note: While your phone may support calls using VoLTE (Voice over 4G), we cannot guarantee emergency calls will go through if your phone was not purchased from an authorised New Zealand reseller.

We recommend contacting your reseller or the device manufacturer directly to confirm whether your phone supports both 4G calling and emergency calls over the 4G network.

Note: This IMEI checker may also be used for devices other than mobile phones. For more information see Other types of device you should check

In NZ, there are three mobile network operators (2degrees, Spark, and One NZ) that use Radio Access Network (RAN) tech for their services. Over time, this technology evolves and improves, and we refer to this as different generations or ‘G’s. Currently, mobile networks in NZ have a mix of third, fourth, and fifth generation technologies, called 3G, 4G, and 5G. Most new phones work with 3G, 4G, and 5G, but some older phones only work with 3G. As newer tech rolls out, older generations, like 2G and 3G, get phased out to make way for faster networks.

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! Many mobile operators worldwide are starting to or have already shut down their 3G networks to make room for improvements to 4G and 5G networks.

A ‘4G capable’ device is one that supports calling, texting, and data services over the 4G network. If your device is not fully 4G capable it will not work as it should now that 3G has been switched off. This includes the ability to:

• Make phone calls
• Send or receive messages
• Make emergency calls to ‘111’ on the 2degrees network
• Use data or connect to the internet

The 3G shutdown won’t just affect mobile phones, other connected devices like tablets, routers, smart doorbells, security cameras, and lighting systems may stop working if they rely on 3G. Devices that only use Wi-Fi are fine, but if your device uses mobile data or can make calls, you’ll need to check if it supports 4G.

Here are a few ways to check if your device can connect to 4G:

• Find the make and model number, typically found on the device itself or, in some cases, within the companion app used to control it. Then use our IMEI device checker.
• Check the user manual or the manufacturer’s website to see if it supports 4G.
• Contact the manufacturer or your provider if you’re unsure. They will be able to confirm if you need to upgrade to stay connected.

Note: If you’re a larger business, now is the time to act. To understand your device specs, contact your provider, or get in touch with your Account Manager for support. 

If you tried to make a call and heard a message about your phone being impacted by the 3G network shutting down, that was a pre-call announcement from 2degrees designed to let you know that you needed to take action to ensure full 4G connectivity.  Follow the steps on this page to ensure you stay connected. 

All of our mobile sites have existing 4G coverage and we’re actively working to enhance that coverage across New Zealand.  

Overall, the 3G network shutdown is not expected to have resulted in significant changes in our coverage. However, there may be changes to coverage at a limited number of specific locations due to differences in the technologies. 

If you still use a phone that relies on 3G for services, including voice (including emergency 111 calls), and don’t upgrade it, your ability to connect will be impacted.

Mobile operators in some countries like the USA and Australia, are either starting to or have already shut down their 3G networks.

From 28 October 2024, all 3G networks in Australia have shutdown. Without an up-to-date phone, you won't be able to use voice services while roaming. To avoid any issues, check your phone is VoLTE roaming capable before your trip.

Find out which overseas countries have VoLTE when roaming.

Some phones support 4G calling but not in areas where low band spectrum is used which is primarily in rural areas. We’d recommended upgrading to a fully 4G calling capable phone or you won't be able to make or receive calls in these areas following the 3G Shutdown.

In addition, a small number of phones support 4G calling but are unable to make 111 emergency calls over the 4G network.  This is an issue where phones have not been correctly configured by the device manufacturers to connect to emergency calling over 4G in New Zealand.  We’d recommended upgrading to a fully 4G calling capable phone to ensure you are able to make 111 emergency calls.

For those on our Vulnerable Consumers Registration, no action is required at this time. Our dedicated care team will provide assistance and ensure that the phone you’ve been provided with is good to go.

If you have any questions, get in touch with our team by email at vulnerableconsumer@support.2degrees.nz or give us a call on 0800 022 022.

If you're concerned your alarm may be impacted, please check with your current device provider to ensure it’s up to date and compatible with 4G.

The 3G shutdown impacts all customers on the 2degrees network, no matter which brand they're with. The information on this page applies to everyone on our network. If you're with another brand that is powered by 2degrees and you need assistance you’ll need to reach out to your provider if you have queries or issues.

VoLTE stands for Voice over Long Term Evolution (LTE) which is another name for 4G. VoLTE allows you to make high-definition (HD) calls from a mobile using our 4G network. Learn more about VoLTE here.
 

No. The presence of a VoLTE toggle alone does not guarantee full 4G compatibility. A fully 4G-capable device (calls, texts, and data over 4G) requires both:

1. Device certification
2. Correct device-side configuration

Some devices may display the toggle but still fall back to 3G for calls, including emergency calls. This means your ability to make calls (including emergency calls to 111) after the shutdown may be affected. Use the IMEI checker to confirm your device’s status.

WiFi Calling (also known as VoWiFi) lets you make and receive calls, texts, and multimedia messages using a suitable WiFi connection, even if there’s no mobile coverage. It’s can be handy in areas with poor reception or when travelling overseas. Learn more here.

However, WiFi Calling doesn’t replace VoLTE, which is still essential for using mobile networks after the 3G shutdown.

If you’re using a Xiaomi phone you’ll need to enable VoWiFi (also known as Wi-Fi Calling) to make and receive calls over a WiFi network.

• Open the Phone app on your Xiaomi
• Dial: *#*#869434#*#* 
• A pop-up should appear saying ‘VoWiFi carrier check was disabled’ 
• Go to Settings > SIM cards & mobile networks 
• Select your active 2degrees SIM 
• Scroll down and toggle ON the option for Make calls using Wi-Fi 
• Set network preferences to Prefer Wi-Fi 
• Ensure the VoWiFi icon is visible on your device to confirm activation

If you need a hand simply call Customer Care on 0800 022 022 or visit your nearest 2degrees store and our staff can help you out.