Spark Completes 3G Network Shutdown

Tuesday, 31 March 2026, 9:56 am
Press Release: Spark

This morning Spark completed its nationwide shutdown of the 3G network, marking the closure of all 3G networks in New Zealand.

Customer Director, Greg Clark says the shutdown follows years of preparation to ensure customers could move to faster, more reliable 4G and 5G technologies.

“Our teams have been working for several years to prepare for this change. We’ve upgraded all 3G-only cell towers to 4G or 5G, built over 120 new towers since announcing our shutdown date in June last year, and sent more than 4 million notifications to customers.

“In addition, we’ve invested in an industry wide mass awareness campaign and partnered with Digital Equity Coalition Aotearoa (DECA) to provide on the ground community support,” said Clark.

Shutting down 3G allows Spark to continue investing in its modern 4G and 5G mobile network, supporting faster speeds, improved reliability, and the growing data demands of everyday life.

“Since its introduction in the early 2000s, 3G transformed mobile communication. But over time, usage has shifted from mainly voice calls to data-heavy activities like streaming, gaming, video calls, and online content sharing – demands that 4G and 5G networks are far better equipped to handle. In just the past decade, mobile data demand has surged by 544%.”

“Customers who are yet to take action are encouraged to contact us on our dedicated 3G support team on 0800 343 948, or visit a local store – our teams are ready to support. For any customers who we can still contact, for example via their email address, we will continue to do so and remind them of their options.”

All phones currently sold by Spark are 4G or 5G capable, with options starting from $59.

To keep customers safe, Spark announced earlier this year that it will be proactively blocking around 300 individual mobile phones that were able to make standard calls, texts and use data over 4G, but could not make emergency 111 calls on the 4G network due to manufacturer-imposed limitations.

Customers can visit spark.co.nz/3G-shutdown, visit any of our 55+ stores or contact Spark’s dedicated 3G team directly on 0800 343 948.

Notes

New Zealand’s mobile network operators have an agreement where 111 calls will be carried by any available 4G or 5G mobile network, regardless of who the customer’s provider is.

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