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3G Network Shutdown

Don’t wait, act now.

Spark have announced the shutdown of 3G towards the end of 2025
Without action, systems you rely on to run your business may not work after this date.

What types of applications are at risk?

There are many types of IoT applications impacted with 1000’s of customers affected –
and more than 100,000 devices/unit nationally. These include:

3G Shutdown Checklist

When evaluating your current solution and architecture, you must consider:

Backend

Does your backend need development to work over 4G (eg Circuit Switch Data calls not supported on 4G)?

Modems

What hardware/modems are you going to choose, ports, speed, functionality?

Antennas

Most antennas purchased for 3G will not be compatible for 4G.

Coverage

3G and 4G coverage are different – will you applications be covered?

Power Supplies

The power and connector requirements may be different – How many devices are impacted?

Data Plan

It is likely a new SIM plan will be required for your devices. What is the best new plans for your environment?

Next steps

There are many IoT applications impacted with 1000’s of customers affected and more than 100,000 devices/unit nationally. These include:

Start a dialogue Connect with one of our #IoTexperts today, to start the process of scoping your risks, needs and opportunities. Identify needs With your current position established, taking the future perspective a detailed design which considers the possibilities for upgrading/ migrating your IoT environment can begin. Audit your devices A deep scan and inventory audit of your existing environment provides the necessary foundations to establish your current position and to plan effectively. Set a timeline 2025 seems a long way away, but if you have to organise a truck roll to 10,000 end points to perform an upgrade, then starting early is important.

Why act now?

Avoid hidden surprises

3G has been functioning well for a long time. Doing an audit now of you environment is important to understand the extent of the 3G assets that you need to upgrade.

Avoid a rush

2025 seems a long way away, but if you have to organise a truck roll to 10,000 end points to perform an upgrade, then starting early is important.

Capture economic benefits now

The solutions we can offer can immediately transition your environment to a lower ongoing cost base, meaning that it makes sense to act now instead of waiting for the switch of 3G in 2024.

FAQs

What is happening?

Spark NZ have announced the progressive shutdown of 3G towards the end of 2025.

Who is impacted?

There are 1000’s of customers effected and more than 1,000,000 devices/units effected nationally

What does this mean?

Any customer using a 3G modem will need to upgrade their modem/communication medium by 2025

This may mean changes to backend systems, New Modems, Sims and Plans, Antennas, power supplies.

What are the main considerations?
Start planning now – it could take up to 4 years to complete a rollout (Budget,Design, Test, Rollout)

• Budget – Secure budget to fund the upgrade

• Testing – Test and validate solutions

• Development – Backend software may require development

• Tenders – Run and Award tender process for supply

• Physically the time taken to upgrade the units

What specific items should I be thinking about?
• Backend: Does your backend need development to work over 4G (egCircuit Switch Data calls not supported on 4G)

• Modems: What hardware/modems are you going to choose, ports, speed, functionality

• Antennas: Most Antennas purchased for 3G will not be compatible for 4G.

• Coverage: 3G and 4G coverage are different

• Power Supplies: The power and connector requirements may be different

• Data Plans: Its likely a new SIM plan will be required

What are the main considerations?
Start planning now – it could take up to 4 years to complete a rollout (Budget,Design, Test, Rollout)

• Budget – Secure budget to fund the upgrade

• Testing – Test and validate solutions

• Development – Backend software may require development

• Tenders – Run and Award tender process for supply

• Physically the time taken to upgrade the units

Where can I get more information?

Get in touch – Start the conversation now with one of our #IoTexperts

Are you prepared?

Connect with an #IoTExpert today