NZ's 3G Shutdown: What They're Not Telling You

You’ve probably seen the news. By the end of 2025, New Zealand's 3G network will be switched off for good. The official advice is simple: to see if your phone is ready for the switch, text ‘3G’ to 550. You’ll get a message back letting you know if your device needs an upgrade.

This is all part of a global move to repurpose the 3G spectrum for faster, more efficient 4G and 5G networks. For most people in the cities with a recent phone, this will be a non-event. But here at The IT Bear, we’ve been digging a bit deeper. And it turns out, there’s a bit more to this story than just texting a number.