Things to know about our 3G shutdown

Warehouse Mobile’s network is powered by 2degrees. As of February 2026, the 3G network in no longer avaliable so we can focus on enhancing 4G services and supporting the growth of 5G technology.

You might already be using 4G for voice calls, texts and data. If that's the case, you may still need to update your device settings. Not sure if your phone is 4G voice capable? To keep connected after the 3G shutdown you’ll need to check. There are 3 simple ways to check so choose the one that works for you. We recommend you double - check your device status using the methods below.

Am I impacted by the 3G shutdown?

How to check if your phone is 4g capable:

Text ‘3G’ to 550 to check if your phone is 4G capable
If you purchased your phone from The Warehouse, Warehouse Stationery or Noel Leeming, you can check our device list See 4G voice capable phones and roaming details
Use our IMEI checker This is a 15-digit number that can be found by dialling *#06#

What do I do if I don't have a 4G capable phone?

Depending on the exact impact the 3G shutdown will have on your phone, you may need to upgrade your phone to ensure you stay connected. We offer a range of affordable 4G and 5G ready phones instore or online.
Note:  Your old phone won’t work as it should after the shutdown, so please don’t pass it on to someone else. Drop off your unwanted phone in-store at The Warehouse, Warehouse Stationery or Noel Leeming so our team can recycle it safely and responsibly.

I have a 4g capable phone do I need to do anything?

Even if you have a 4G capable phone, you may still need to take one or two extra steps to be sure you keep connected after the 3G shutdown.

Update your software
First we recommend that you make sure your phone has the latest software update.
iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Software Update
Android: Go to Settings > Software Update
Switching on VoLTE in your settings
If you’ve checked your device is 4G voice capable, and your phone software has been updated, you may still need to switch ‘VoLTE’ on in your settings.
iPhone: Go to Settings > Mobile > Mobile Data Options > Voice and Data > Ensure 5G or 4G is ticked (dependent on phone capability) and that VoLTE toggle is enabled.
Samsung: Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks, ensure network mode is set as 5G or 4G auto connect (dependent on phone capability) and VoLTE calls are enabled.
Other Android: Go to Settings > Mobile networks > select SIM, ensure network mode is set as 5G or 4G auto connect (dependent on phone capability) and VoLTE calls are enabled.
Note: More detailed instructions including dual SIM settings can be found here.
If you've got a 4G calling capable device and you've switched on 'VoLTE' in your settings you're all set, there's nothing more to do!

3G Shutdown FAQs

What is 3g?

In NZ, there are three mobile network operators (2degrees, Spark, and One NZ) that use Radio Access Network (RAN) tech for their services. Over time, this technology evolves and improves, and we refer to this as different generations or ‘G’s. Warehouse Mobile’s network is powered by 2degrees.

Until January 2026, mobile networks in NZ had a mix of third, fourth, and fifth generation technologies, called 3G, 4G, and 5G. Most new phones work with 3G, 4G, and 5G, but some older phones only work with 3G. As newer tech rolls out, older generations, like 2G and 3G, get phased out to make way for faster networks.

Why are you shutting down the 3G network?

It's been a great run since 3G was introduced in 2009, but the future lies in the faster 4G and 5G networks. We've upgraded to make sure you're hooked up with top-notch connectivity! Many other mobile operators worldwide are starting to or have already shut down their 3G networks to make room for improvements to 4G and 5G networks.

Which services are impacted by the 3G shutdown?

A ‘4G capable’ device is one that supports calling, texting, and data services over the 4G network. If your device is not fully 4G capable, it will not work as it should after 3G is switched off. This includes the ability to:

Make phone calls
Send or receive messages
Make emergency calls to ‘111’ on the 2degrees network
Use data or connect to the internet.

What if my area only has 3G right now?

All of our sites have existing 4G coverage, and we're actively working to enhance coverage across New Zealand.

Can I still use my phone overseas?

Mobile operators in some countries like the USA and Australia, have already shut down their 3G networks.

From 28 October 2024, all 3G networks in Australia have shutdown. Without an up-to-date phone, you won't be able to use voice services while roaming. To avoid any issues, check your phone is VoLTE roaming capable before your trip. Find out which overseas countries have VoLTE when roaming.

Why does my phone support 4G calling but I’ve been told to upgrade?

Some phones support 4G calling but not in areas where low band spectrum is used which is primarily in rural areas. We’d recommended upgrading to a fully 4G capable phone or you won't be able to make or receive calls in these areas following the 3G Shutdown.

I confirmed my IMEI using the checker and my device is not recognised. What can I do?

If your device was not purchased from Warehouse Mobile, we cannot confirm or guarantee support for 4G Voice and you will need to contact your place of purchase or the device manufacturer directly.

Will my medical alarm or monitored security alarm work?

If you’re using medical or security alarms, they might still be relying on 3G technology. If you're concerned your alarm may be impacted, please check with your current device provider to ensure it’s up to date and compatible with 4G.

As a vulnerable person with a mobile provided by a Mobile Network Provider, what do I do?

For those with a Vulnerable Consumers Registration, no action is required at this time. Your Mobile Network Providers dedicated care teams will provide assistance and ensure that the phone you’ve been provided with is good to go. If you have questions, get in touch with your mobile provider.

What do I do if I need help?

If you need a hand simply call Customer Care on 0800 284800.

Terms and Conditions

$75 Value Handset Offer:
Minimum $5 top up applies. Combos auto renew with enough credit.  Offer available till 17.01.2027 or while stocks last. For new customers: Get $75 worth of value when you buy any eligible device: $25 Combo Pre-loaded SIM + $50 bonus credit. Existing customers eligible for $50 bonus credit offer only. Offers only available on eligible Warehouse Mobile devices: TCL OneTouch 4042s, TCL 403, Alcatel A11, TCL 603, Samsung Galaxy A07, and OPPO A5x. Customers must redeem the bonus credit offer by texting the code on their scratchy card to 801. Combo preloaded from activation of SIM. $25 Combo valid for a month. $50 credit is automatically applied upon voucher redemption and is valid for 365 days. NZ data usage only. Unused rollover data carries over for 365 days with active product. Voice minutes do not rollover. Calls to selected standard landline and mobile numbers in eligible destinations, excl. premium rate numbers. Calls rounded up to next min. Bonus credit cannot be exchanged for cash or transferred. See warehousemobile.co.nz for full T&Cs.

Data After Hours:
Offer valid till 17.01.2027. Fair Use Policy applies. $10 Combo excluded. Data After Hours (DAH) will be applied from 5pm every night and expires at 12am. DAH can be used anywhere in NZ, will not rollover and will automatically stop once your active Combo expires. Warehouse Mobile T&Cs apply.

International Calling Destinations:
Fair use policy applies. International destinations included in the mins allowance of all combos and talk packs. International Calling to 16 international destinations: International standard landlines and mobiles: Australia (excludes Australian External Territories including Norfolk Island), United Kingdom (excluding Overseas Territories and Crown dependencies), Canada (excluding Canada Northwest Territories), United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii, and territories/commonwealths including America Samoa, Guam), Germany, Israel, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Mexico, India, China, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea. See warehousemobile.co.nz for full T&Cs. 

Double Data Wolfie Bytes:
Fair use policy applies. Double Data available with every third eligible combo. Excludes $10 and $75 Combo purchases. Minimum $5 top up applies. Combos auto renew with enough credit. Combos: Valid for one month. Wolfie Bytes: Data reward based on third combo purchased. Each data reward is a one off allocation and is applied within 7 days of purchase. Unused rollover data carries over for 365 days with active product. NZ data usage only, see warehousemobile.co.nz for full T&Cs. 

Combos:
Our Combos are valid for one month and auto renew with enough credit. Our Packs are valid for 28 days. Minimum $5 top up applies. NZ data usage only. Unused rollover data carries over for 365 days with active product. Voice minutes do not rollover. Calls to selected standard landline and mobile numbers in eligible destinations, excl. premium rate numbers. Calls rounded up to next min. Bonus credit cannot be exchanged for cash or transferred. Talk your heart out to 16 international destinations: Includes standard landline or mobile numbers in: NZ, Australia, China, England, Scotland, Wales, the US, India, Canada, Germany, Israel, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea. Excludes Alaska, Hawaii and calls to premium rate numbers. See warehousemobile.co.nz for full Terms and Conditions. 

5GB Bring your number offer:
Minimum $5 Top Up applies. New customers joining Warehouse Mobile and porting number only. Data applied within 10 days of pack or combo purchase. Valid for 28 days from date of purchase. Any unused data will rollover for up to 365 days. Data can be used anywhere in NZ. Warehouse Mobile T&Cs apply.