Source: Radio New Zealand
Spark said it will be proactively blocking mobile phones unable to make emergency 111 calls once its 3G network shuts down on 31 March. 123RF
Spark says it will be blocking phones unable to call emergency services on 111 after its 3G shutdown.
All three main mobile operators – Spark, 2degrees and One NZ – are shutting down their 3G networks and upgrading their sites to either 4G or 5G.
This means some devices, not just phones, but also things like medical, security alarms and vehicle trackers will cease working with the network. Phone calls, including to 111, will not work.
On Wednesday, Spark said it will be proactively blocking around 300 mobile phones that can make standard calls, send texts, and access data over 4G, but will be unable to make emergency 111 calls once its 3G network shuts down on 31 March.
It said these devices were not sold by Spark, and most of the impacted models are from the ASUS range.
Some of the phones can remain connected if a software update is completed. However, phones that are not updated, or do not have a software update available to them, will be permanently blocked from Spark’s network on 31 March.
“These mobile phones are unique in how they are impacted by the 3G shutdown. They can send texts, make regular calls, and access data, but they have not been correctly configured by the device manufacturers to connect to emergency calling over 4G,” Spark chief customer officer Greg Clark said.
“We believe this presents a significant safety risk. Customers using these phones could mistakenly assume their device is fully functional when it isn’t, particularly if it’s later sold, gifted, or handed down. It will only be once they try to call 111 that they will realise there is an issue, and by then it could be too late.”
Clark said the company has been monitoring Australia’s 3G shutdown and learned from its experience to block devices unable to call emergency services.
He said Spark has been contacting affected customers who need to upgrade.
To find out if your phone will work, you can text ‘3G’ to 550 for free, which will let you know if your device can use 4G. If it says you cannot, you will need to investigate further.
Some phones may need to change their settings, while others may need to be replaced.
For phones bought overseas that were having trouble connecting to 4G, telcos advise customers to try downloading the latest software. If this doesn’t work, customers may need to replace the phone.
Devices with no software update available that will be blocked from 31 March:
- ASUS ROG Phone 5S
- ASUS ROG Phone 6
- ASUS ROG Phone 6 Pro
- ASUS ROG Phone 6 Ultimate
- ASUS ZenFone 7 ZS670KS
- ASUS ZenFone 8
- ASUS ZenFone 9
- ASUS ROG Phone
- ASUS ZS672KS
Devices with software update available (will be blocked if this is not actioned before 31 March 2026):
- ASUS ROG Phone 7
- ASUS ROG Phone 8
- ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
- ASUS ROG Phone 9
- ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro
- ASUS ZenFone 10
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
