With just days until its 3G network shutdown, Spark is urging customers to check their devices immediately—warning that phones relying on 3G won’t be able to make calls, including to emergency services, after March 31.
“We have now sent nearly 4 million notifications to our customers who are still using 3G devices, alerting them of the impending shutdown and what they need to do to stay connected,” Greg Clark, Chief Customer Officer at Spark, said.
“Most of our customers are already set up and won’t notice any change at all. With four full days left, we urge anyone still using 3G devices to take action before the network shuts down.”
Since announcing the shutdown last year, Spark has observed a major decline in 3G usage, as customers upgrade to 4G- and 5G-compatible devices.
At the time of this report, 3G makes up only 0.24% of Spark’s total network data traffic, with fewer than 1.6% of devices still relying on 3G or lacking 4G calling (VoLTE) support.
Over 150,000 Spark customers have already tried the free SMS or online device checker, with many opting to upgrade from older devices like the Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro and Spark Pocket 2.
Spark has employed a comprehensive, multi-channel strategy to reach customers who could be affected, including emails, texts, letters, pre-call notifications, and bill inserts.
The 3G support team has managed over 17,000 calls, guiding customers on how to maintain their connectivity. Additionally, Spark has collaborated with the Digital Equity Coalition Aotearoa to provide targeted support to at-risk and digitally excluded communities.
“If you have received a text message, letter, or email from Spark saying you are impacted by the 3G shutdown, we urge you to get in touch and make alternative arrangements before 31 March, particularly if you rely on this device to make calls to emergency services.
“Once Spark’s 3G network shuts down, there will be no 3G networks left operating in New Zealand – which also means any customers of other mobile network operators with 3G devices will no longer be able to call 111 by falling back on Spark’s network.
“We have a dedicated 3G support team ready and waiting to help customers switch to a 4G- or 5G-compatible device. It is best to speak to Spark or look on our website to know what device to switch to – as information online is often generic and not specific to how that device works on New Zealand mobile networks,” Clark said.