Spark has confirmed it will close its 3G network on 31 March 2026, as the technology reaches its end of life. The move will free up limited radio spectrum to support the expansion of 5G and allow for continued investment in Spark’s 4G network across Aotearoa.
Since announcing its shutdown plan in 2023, Spark has been expanding its 4G network – building over 70 new 4G mobile sites and upgrading over 600 more – to further enhance New Zealand’s most reliable network, with the widest coverage experience. All 3G-only cell towers will be upgraded to modernised 4G and 5G technology, with majority of these upgrades already completed.
Spark set to close its 3G network on 31 March 2026
Spark’s Network and Operations Director, Renee Mateparae, says “We’ve been preparing for this change for a while now both at a network level, but also with our customers – ensuring they have access to the right information to support them during this transition.
“We are communicating directly to impacted customers and have invested in a nationwide joint industry awareness campaign across social, radio, and out of home. To make it easier for our customers to figure out what action they need to take, we’ve set up a device checker service. Customers can text ‘3G’ to 550, free of charge, to check if their device will work after the 3G network is switched off.
“We have also set up a dedicated customer phone line ready to answer queries on 0800 3G EXIT, and closer to shut down we will add a pre-recorded voice message that will automatically play when a customer uses a 3G-only device to make calls.”
With Spark’s 4G and 5G network reaching over 99% New Zealanders, the vast majority of Spark’s mobile customers will not notice any change. Only ~2% of Spark’s total network data traffic runs over 3G, and 3G voice calls have declined by 85% since 2019.
Mateparae adds, “Our 4G network already reaches more New Zealanders than 3G, and we’re upgrading all 3G-only towers to 4G and 5G technology, as well as building more towers and boosting capacity where we need to.
“That said, we do recognise that at the edges of the network, the 4G coverage might differ slightly compared to 3G, due to the nature of how these technologies work. So, we’ll be keeping a close eye on those areas and working with anyone affected to support them with connectivity options, which could include WiFi calling, external antennas, or satellite – which will be available to Spark customers in early 2026.
“We can also see that some customers are still connecting to 3G in areas where 4G is already available – often because they’re using older devices that don’t support voice calling over 4G and automatically fall back to 3G when making calls. In some cases, customers may already have a compatible device and just need to switch on 4G calling in their phone settings.
“All mobile devices currently sold by Spark can connect to 4G, meaning they do not rely on 3G for calling, texting, or data. We have options starting from as low as $89.00 for a basic phone, with a wider range of devices and new offers launching soon. We’re also offering select phones for just $1 per month when customers sign up to our $45 or above endless mobile plan on a 36-month interest free term.”
