2degrees has fully shut down its 3G network, taking the outdated service offline and shifting mobile customers to faster 4G and 5G connections.
“We have been communicating with our customers and planning for this shutdown for more than 18 months now, and we’re pleased to retire the outdated technology so we can dedicate our focus and resources on modern 4G, 5G and satellite networks,” chief executive Mark Callander said.
The telco began decommissioning 3G on about 100 rural sites in December, followed by shutdowns in Palmerston North and Rotorua in January, culminating in a nationwide 3G closure last night.
“We have been communicating with impacted customers; however, it is understandable that some individuals may have waited until the last minute to upgrade their device.”
Callander said customers needing help with new devices or settings can drop by a 2degrees store or partner retailer for in-person assistance, check the website, or reach out to the 2degrees Care team.
“3G is a legacy technology that is being phased out globally. The next generation of mobile networks – 4G and 5G – are designed to support today’s usage requirements, including data-intensive activities such as streaming, video conferencing, and running multiple applications simultaneously.”
“3G is no longer capable of delivering the performance New Zealand requires. By retiring this legacy technology, we can focus on strengthening and expanding our 4G and 5G networks, which carry the vast majority of today’s mobile traffic, and also look to the future with satellite.”