How WaterMetrics Can Help You Prepare for the NZ 3G Shutdown

Don’t let the 3G shutdown stop you

New Zealand’s 3G mobile network is being progressively shut down, region by region. For organisations relying on telemetry, sensors, and data logging equipment, this change presents a real and often underestimated risk: loss of connectivity, loss of data, and loss of visibility across critical infrastructure.

Many organisations are unaware that their systems depend on 3G connectivity until devices stop reporting or data gaps begin to appear.

WaterMetrics works with new customers to help identify exposure, assess risk, and plan a smooth transition from 3G to 4G, before disruptions occur.

Don’t let the 3G shutdown stop you. Talk to WaterMetrics about how we can help.

What is the NZ 3G shutdown?

Mobile network operators across New Zealand are retiring 3G services to free up spectrum for newer, more efficient technologies such as 4G and 5G. While this is a necessary evolution of the mobile network, it also means older devices that rely on 3G will no longer be supported.

Shutdowns are happening progressively by region. Once 3G is switched off in an area, any affected devices will immediately lose the ability to transmit data, regardless of whether the hardware itself is still functioning.

Official shutdown information is available via One NZ:

One NZ - 3G Shutdown ↗ Spark - 3G Shutdown ↗

Loss of real-time and historical data

When telemetry or monitoring equipment loses connectivity, data stops flowing. This means real-time visibility is lost, and historical data records may become incomplete or fragmented. Over time, these gaps can reduce confidence in reporting, trend analysis, and operational decision-making, particularly where continuous data is required.

Gaps in compliance and consent reporting

Many organisations rely on telemetry data to meet regulatory, consent, and reporting obligations. If devices go offline due to the 3G shutdown, required data may be missed or unavailable, increasing the risk of non-compliance and follow-up action. Reconstructing missing data after the fact can be difficult, time-consuming, or impossible.

Reduced visibility across remote or rural assets

For assets located in rural or hard-to-access areas, telemetry provides critical insight without the need for frequent site visits. Loss of connectivity removes this visibility, making it harder to detect issues early, respond quickly, or prioritise maintenance, especially where travel time and access are limited.

Increased operational risk and reactive maintenance

Without reliable monitoring, organisations are forced into a reactive approach. Problems are often discovered only after performance has degraded or failures have occurred. This increases operational risk, places pressure on teams, and can disrupt normal workflows as urgent issues take priority.

Unplanned costs from emergency replacements

When equipment fails unexpectedly, upgrades and replacements are often rushed. Emergency responses typically cost more than planned transitions, particularly when specialist equipment, technicians, or remote site access is required at short notice. Early assessment and planning can help avoid these unbudgeted costs.

Learn more about the NZ 3G shutdown

The NZ 3G Shutdown: Is Your Utility Infrastructure Future-Proofed?

The NZ 3G network is being switched off region by region, but many organisations are still unsure what this means for their telemetry, monitoring systems, and compliance obligations.

In this blog, WaterMetrics breaks down what the 3G shutdown is, why it’s happening, and the risks it presents to legacy 3G-connected infrastructure. It’s a practical, industry-focused overview designed to help utilities and rural operators understand whether they may be affected — and why early assessment matters.

Limited records of installed equipment

Over time, documentation can be lost or incomplete, making it difficult to know exactly what equipment is installed, how old it is, or which network it relies on.

Assumptions that connectivity will “just work”

Many organisations assume their devices will continue operating without change, not realising that older equipment may not be compatible with newer networks once 3G is switched off.

Mixed estates with multiple device types and vintages

Infrastructure is often built up over years using different devices, suppliers, and technologies, creating a complex environment where some assets are affected by the shutdown, and others are not.

No clear ownership of network compatibility

Responsibility for connectivity can fall between teams or suppliers, leaving no single point of ownership for assessing network risk or planning a transition.

Identify which assets rely on 3G connectivity

Understand the urgency based on regional shutdown timelines

Assess transition options from 3G to 4G/5G

Plan upgrades or replacements in a structured way

Maintain data continuity during the transition

Prepare your infrastructure for future network changes

Prepare before your region shuts down

Regional shutdowns are already underway, with more scheduled over the coming months. Organisations that act early are better positioned to manage risk, avoid unexpected outages, and maintain confidence in their monitoring systems.

If you haven’t yet assessed your exposure to the 3G shutdown, now is the time.

Don’t let the 3G shutdown stop you; talk to WaterMetrics about how we can help.

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