From the end of 2025, NZ will be shutting down 3G networks. It’s part of a global upgrade to 4G and 5G technology, to deliver a more reliable experience for users, and to future-proof mobile connectivity.
If you’re using a device that may not be fully compatible with the 4G and 5G network, you’ll need to upgrade before the 3G shutdown to stay connected.
If you’re still using a 3G device after the shutdown date, you will no longer be able to make or receive calls, send texts, or use mobile data. This includes emergency calls. To stay connected, you’ll need to upgrade to a compatible 4G or 5G-ready device.
Most 4G phones will work fine, but you may need to ensure you’ve downloaded and installed the latest device updates and enable 4G/5G data and voice calling (i.e. VoLTE) in your device settings.
Some older 4G phones may not have VoLTE calling. If so, you will need to upgrade your device to one that is.
We also recommend you enable WiFi calling or VoWiFi in your settings, which uses WiFi to help make phone calls.
Apple (iOS)
– Go to Settings
– Tap Mobile
– Tap Mobile Data Options
– Enable 4G Voice and Data
Android
– Go to Settings
– Tap Wireless and Networks / Connections
– Tap Mobile Networks
– Enable VoLTE calls
Please note: Samsung and Huawei smartphones will have VoLTE turned on by default when you are in a 4G network area. At such times, you will not find a VoLTE toggle in the settings menu of your smartphone.
Once the 3G network is shut down, your device will no longer work on the mobile network – not just ours but all NZ mobile providers, as all 3G networks are being shut down between the end of 2025 and March 2026.
Free text ‘3G’ to 550 to check if your device is compatible with the new networks. The reply will come from One NZ as they are our network partner.
* NOTE: the reply may say ‘visit us in store’, but this is the default text provided by One NZ to all network partners and refers to One NZ stores.
Rocket Mobile doesn’t have stores, so we can save money and pass the savings onto you. If you need more help, please contact us on Live Chat instead (the little pink circle with the speech bubble in the bottom right corner of this window).
Unfortunately we don’t sell devices. If you do need to upgrade, make sure you do the maths and don’t get sucked into a device deal that may actually work out costing more than staying with a better value mobile plan and buying the device separately outright.
Remember, you don’t necessarily need the latest and greatest to stay connected.
Visit 3Gshutdown.co.nz or digitalequity.nz/3g-shutdown for more details. You can also reach out to us on Live Chat if you still have any other questions.
What is it | How much | Do I have any other options |
---|---|---|
Voicemail | Calls to voicemail are FREE | Go for gold. And with unlimited talk and text on our plans, you can carry on connecting without worry. |
MMS PXT | Not available | If you are a serial PXTer you are better to send your messages via a messaging app like WhatsApp or Messenger instead. |
International calls & texts | $10 for 250 calling minutes and 50 SMS messages to use within 30 days with our International Add-on | You can also use an app like WhatsApp or Messenger to contact friends overseas while connected to WiFi or mobile data. If you're on Pay Monthly, if you call or SMS overseas outside of the International Add-on, you'll be charged per minute or per SMS at rates specific to that location. |
Roaming | For just $9 a day you can use your NZ data, minutes and SMS in our Daily Roaming destinations. | Our Daily Roaming Add-on is a pretty choice option. Otherwise you can stay connected via WiFi or a local SIM when you're travelling. |
Premium rate numbers | Calls/SMS messages to premium rate numbers (e.g. reply "yes" messages that are subject to additional charges) aren't available on our Pay Upfront plans. | To maintain our everyday low prices and remove bill surprises, our Pay Upfront plans don’t allow premium SMS or calls. That might mean for example that you need to call your dentist to confirm that appointment instead of replying by SMS |
Your unlimited Rocket Mobile plan is bundled with value, including unlimited mobile data at the speed you need, plus unlimited talk and text to NZ and Aus. There are also optional extras based on how you want to connect which are outlined here:
What is it | How much | Do I have any other options |
---|---|---|
Voicemail | Calls to voicemail are FREE | Go for gold. And with unlimited talk and text on our plans, you can carry on connecting without worry. |
MMS PXT | 10 free MMS/PXT per month to NZ mobiles then no more can be sent. | If you are a serial PXTer you are better to send your messages via a messaging app like WhatsApp or Messenger instead, using your unlimited data. |
International calls & texts | $10 for 250 calling minutes and 50 SMS messages to use within 30 days with our International Add-on | You can also use an app like WhatsApp or Messenger to contact friends overseas while connected to WiFi or mobile data. If you're on Pay Monthly, if you call or SMS overseas outside of the International Add-on, you'll be charged per minute or per SMS at rates specific to that location. |
Roaming | For just $9 a day you can use your NZ non-stop data, minutes and SMS in our Daily Roaming destinations. | Our Daily Roaming Add-on is a pretty choice option. Otherwise you can stay connected via WiFi or a local SIM when you're travelling. |
Premium rate numbers | Calls/SMS messages to premium rate numbers (e.g. reply "yes" messages that are subject to additional charges) aren't available on our Pay Upfront plans. | To maintain our everyday low prices and remove bill surprises, our Pay Upfront plans don’t allow premium SMS or calls. That might mean for example that you need to call your dentist to confirm that appointment instead of replying by SMS |