Spark customers are getting ready for the telco’s nationwide 3G shutdown on 31 March 2026, with 3G voice usage declining 70% since Spark announced its shutdown date in June last year.
Spark 3G shutdown in numbers
3G data usage down 50% and only 0.25% of Sparks total network data traffic
3G voice usage down 70%
4G data usage up 17%
5G data usage up 37%
Over 110,000 Spark customers have used the free SMS device checker
Over 10,000 Spark customers have checked their device compatibility online
Basic phones start from $59, smartphones from $79, and 3G device deals for up to $80 off a range of smartphones at Spark
Top unsupported devices upgraded: iPhone 6 and Huawei Y5
Device most commonly upgraded to: Galaxy A06 5G
To support customers through the transition, Spark has sent over 2 million notifications via emails, texts, letters, pre-call announcements, and bill inserts – providing clear guidance on the change and how to transition to 4G and 5G networks. Spark’s dedicated 3G customer support team has also successfully handled more than 7,000 calls, giving advice and helping customers take the necessary steps to stay connected.
Alongside direct communications, Spark has partnered with the Digital Equity Coalition Aotearoa (DECA) to support at-risk and digitally excluded communities through the transition. Spark has also invested in a mass awareness campaign with the Telecommunications Forum (TCF), spanning radio, print, small-format out-of-home, and digital channels.
The campaign includes resources in multiple languages, a guide for seniors developed with Age Concern, and an educational series delivered with Consumer NZ, ensuring all New Zealanders have the information they need to stay connected as 3G is switched off.
Michael Molony, General Manager of Network Evolution at Spark says, “Building a network requires constant futureproofing. It’s been almost 17 years since we first launched our 3G network and now it’s time to say goodbye. Shutting down a network takes years of planning, from upgrading sites and reallocating spectrum, to testing critical services and working closely with our customers to ensure a smooth transition.”
Molony continues, “We have been proactively communicating with customers for several years, and thousands have already taken action as 3G usage continues to decline – with now just 2% of all devices on our network, including IoT, still relying on 3G. However, there are still some customers who need to either change their device settings or upgrade their device to stay connected.
“If no action is taken ahead of the shutdown on 31 March, these customers won’t be able to access their data, send texts and make calls – including to emergency services. We encourage customers not to wait until the last minute, and to check with family and friends who may be affected by texting ‘3G’ to 550 for free.”
Marie Silberstein, Communications Lead at DECA, says, “We’re proud to work in partnership with Spark to support communities through the 3G shutdown. Our teams are working hard to reach whānau and community groups, particularly those who may need extra support, and to share clear information about what’s changing and how people can stay connected.”
Customers don’t need the latest high-tech phone to stay connected. Spark offers device options that suit all budgets and has a range of special deals for anyone with a 3G-only device that requires an upgrade.
From this month, Spark customers using phones that rely on 3G will receive more frequent pre-call announcements about the shutdown. Each time they make a call, Spark will play a message telling them whether their phone needs to be updated or replaced, depending on what the device they’re calling on can support. Spark will also increase communications to customers via texts, emails, tele-messenger (outbound calls made by Spark), and social media posts to ensure impacted customers are aware of the change they need to make to stay connected.
To check if a phone needs upgrading, send a text message to 550 with the message ‘3G’, and it will send a text back with further information specific to that device. For further support, Spark customers can call a dedicated 3G phone line on 0800 3G EXIT (343 948).
