New Zealand's 3G era ends, emergency call concerns remain

In this edition:

• Public safety highlighted as 3G closes
• Analysis: the case for handset certification
• One NZ builds rooftop solar for stadium network
• America cracks down on router imports

111 risk in focus as 3G shutdown ends

New Zealand’s 3G network switch-off is entering its final days with a focus on emergency calling.

Spark New Zealand says any remaining 3G phones will not be able to make emergency 111 calls after 31 March. It previously announced plans to block some devices that cannot support emergency calling over 4G.

One New Zealand has already completed its shutdown of both 2G and 3G.

The industry says only a small share of users remain on 3G. Yet gaps persist, often linked to incompatible or parallel-imported phones.

Public safety concerns

The final phase highlights a shift from network engineering to public safety and last-mile customer support.

One NZ chief technology officer Kieran Byrne says switching off the old networks will help meet the user demand for more mobile data: “By switching off the old technology and re-using the radio spectrum on 4G and 5G, we can boost speeds, increase capacity and make sure our network is ready to support New Zealanders with what’s next.”

He says One NZ has invested more than $100 million in mobile network improvements over the last year.

Analysis: 3G shutdown highlights digital divide and handset risks

Digital equity campaigners warned some users would be left behind by the 3G switch-off. Early signs suggest the numbers are small, likely thousands in a market of millions, but the impact falls on harder-to-reach and more vulnerable groups.

The shutdown also exposed an unexpected problem: device fragmentation. Industry estimates suggest as many as 30,000 handset variants are active on local networks.

Many affected phones advertise 4G but cannot make voice calls, including to 111. Most arrived as parallel imports or through non-telco retailers, beyond carrier control.

The experience points to a gap in oversight. New Zealand once addressed this with Telepermit, a compatibility gatekeeping system. It was not always consumer-friendly and reduced choice, yet the 3G shutdown suggests some form of lighter modern device certification could prevent costly mistakes.

Solar to power mobile at One NZ Stadium

One New Zealand has installed rooftop solar at its Christchurch data centre. It is the telco’s first major onsite renewable energy project. The system will help power network infrastructure serving the nearby One New Zealand Stadium.

The installation includes 142 panels and can generate up to 90kW at peak. On sunny days, this is close to meeting the combined demand of the data centre and adjacent mobile site.

One NZ says the project links sustainability with growing data demand. It aims to cut emissions and improve energy resilience as usage rises.

Spark teases satellite service

A web page in Spark’s online shop promises the company’s satellite-to-mobile service is on its way. Spark says customers will be able to “send and receive texts and use data on selected satellite-ready apps”. It qualifies this saying “You’ll need an eligible phone, SIM and plan.”

US bans foreign routers

America’s Federal Communications Commission has banned new foreign-made consumer internet routers on national security grounds.

In a policy update, the regulator said overseas-built devices pose “unacceptable risks”. It cited exploitation of security gaps for espionage, cyberattacks and intellectual property theft.

Existing routers can still be used. The rules apply to all new models sold in the US. Any device made outside the country must now secure approval before import or sale.

Manufacturers will need to disclose foreign ownership and outline plans to shift production to the US. Exemptions may be granted by security agencies, but none have yet been listed.

The move follows recent attacks on US infrastructure. Investigations linked incidents to China.

The decision could hit brands such as TP-Link. Even US firms that manufacture abroad are affected.

An exception is Starlink router, built in Texas by SpaceX.

In other news...

• Australia's under-16s social media ban — BBC
  Young Australians talk about their experiences.
• Spark tests 5G at Auckland music festival — NZ Herald (Paywall).
  Users get a dedicated lane.
• Meta and YouTube guilty of deliberately designing addictive products — The Guardian
  Plaintiff in US case awarded US$6 million damages
• Workers are drifting back toward the city — The Register
  Employees now live closer to offices even when they work from home.

Suzanne Stew to head Commerce Commission

Suzanne Stew is the new chief executive of the Commerce Commission. An announcement from the Commission describes Stew as “a senior public service leader with a strong background in business”. She starts on 4th May.

Stew has telecommunications expertise. She worked in the UK as an electronic product engineer where she was employed by British Telecom. In New Zealand she worked for TelstraClear before joining the public service.

Tait partnership tackles international markets

Tait Communications is working with Cybertel Bridge to target markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The deal focuses on integrating land mobile radio with broadband MCX technology. It aims to deliver secure, interoperable communications for critical sectors.

Cybertel will supply LTE and 5G capability alongside Tait’s digital mobile radio equipment. Tait says the partnership strengthens its global ecosystem and supports demand for resilient communications infrastructure.

UGC shows a new face

Telecommunications infrastructure specialist UGC has updated its brand identity. The company’s vehicle fleet has fresh designs while the rebrand includes adopting the slogan: Telecommunications That Power Communities. UGC says the changes go beyond the cosmetic to reflect a changed strategic focus and commitment to strengthening relationships with local businesses and organisations.

This time last year

The Commerce Commission began its review of fibre broadband regulations to keep pace with market changes, including growing competition from wireless and satellite. It also began examining mobile termination rate deregulation. And Apple updated its Maps to highlight Māori rohe and marae.

Five years ago:

Sky launched its all-fibre broadband service, initially only to the company’s satellite TV customers.

Ten years ago in Download Weekly:

Spark winner in NZ mobile spectrum owner shift
Spark purchased 70 MHz of the 2300 MHz band from Craig Wireless and Whoosh narrowing the spectrum ownership gap with Vodafone (now One NZ).

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