Spark New Zealand confirmed it will shut down its 3G network at end-March 2026, three months later than previously planned, and upgrade all 3G-only towers to 4G and 5G.
In a statement, the operator explained the move will free up spectrum to support the expansion of 5G service and allow for continued investment in its 4G network across the country.
Network and operations director Renee Mateparae said it is communicating directly with impacted customers and has invested in a nationwide joint industry awareness campaign. “To make it easier for customers to figure out what action they need to take, we’ve set up a device checker service.”
Less than 2 per cent of Spark’s total network data traffic runs over 3G, while 3G voice calls have dropped by 85 per cent since 2019.
Data from GSMA Intelligence showed the operator closed March with less than 81,000 3G connections, accounting for about 3 per cent of its 2.8 million total connections.
In early 2023, the operator, along with rival 2degrees, revealed plans to turn off their 3G networks by end-2025.
Last October, One New Zealand again delayed the switch off of its 3G network, first scheduled for mid-2024, to coincide with the termination of 2G services at end-2025.
Source: https://www.mobileworldlive.com/operators/spark-delays-3g-network-closure/