3G Shutdown is Coming ...... Check your mobile devices!

Posted by Powertec on 23 Jul, 2024

As you have probably heard the mobile network operators are shutting down their 3G service

By shutting down 3G they can repurpose the spectrum to offer better coverage, speed and reliability on their 4G and 5G mobile network.

When is the 3G shutdown occurring?
New Zealand

Spark - towards end of 2025
One NZ - from 31 March 2025
2degrees - towards end of 2025

Australia

Vodafone - already shut down
Telstra - 31 August 2024
Optus - from September 2024

What will happen on the shutdown day?
From the shutdown date we will see a gradual turn off of 3G towers in some areas or an instant disconnection in others. The mobile operators plan for 4G was to cover all the areas that 3G currently covers. However, there are some people that are still in a 3G only service area or have older devices that are not compatible with 4G. After shutdown some operators will be able to increase the power of 4G to cover larger distances, something they were not able to peviously do due to the possible interference on 3G services.

What Powertec devices will be affected?
3G only products sold 4-8 years ago that may still be in operation including:

Ericsson W25
Ericsson W35
Cel-Fi RS250
Cel-Fi RS218
Matrix GFX11 3G
Matrix GFX11 E 3G
Matrix GFX44 3G
Matrix GBR21 EG
Matrix GBR42 EG
Matrix GE E1 3G Gateways
Matrix GE VoIP 3G Gateways
Matrix VGFX 8404 3G
Matrix VGFX 8422 3G
Sendquick SMS Gateways with 3G modems
Robustel 3G Routers
Netcomm 3G Routers
Sierra Wireless 3G Routers

For specific information on Cel-Fi please visit the Cel-Fi 3G Information Page

What other 3G devices will be affected?
If your mobile device does not support 4G or 5G, then it will need to be upgraded.

Common 3G only devices could include:
Mobile phones, tablets, broadband modems, IoT sensors and modems, watches, lift gateways, emergency phone gateways, tracking devices, vehicle telemetry, alarm dialers, medical alert devices, SOS devices, fire alarms, EFTPOS machines, farming equipment and security systems