Vodafone has announced its plans to discontinue 3G services, with the effective sunset date set for December 15, 2023, in Australia and New Zealand. This change is a significant step in the evolution of mobile networks, and we at Particle are committed to helping you navigate this transition smoothly.
Australia’s Transition Plan:
- Key Shutdown Dates:
- Optus: Planned shutdown in September 2024
- Telstra: Planned shutdown in June 2024
- Vodafone: Planned shutdown on December 15, 2023
- 2G/3G Device Operations: Devices will continue to operate until late 2024, albeit with potential service degradation.
New Zealand’s Transition Plan:
- Key Shutdown Dates:
- 2degrees: Expected 3G shutdown in late 2025.
- Spark: Expected 3G shutdown in late 2025.
- Vodafone: Expected 3G shutdown starting August 2024, with 2G concluding by the end of 2025.
- 2G/3G Device Operations: These devices will remain operational until late 2025.
Planning for the Future: Steps to Take
To ensure uninterrupted service and a seamless transition, we recommend the following steps:
- Proactively Plan for Device Replacement or Decommission: This is crucial to avoid disruptions post-sunset dates.
- Recommended Replacement Device: The B524, with LTE Cat 1 connectivity, is our top recommendation for customers in this region.
Device Support and Recommendations
For a detailed overview of device support and recommendations, please consult our official documentation: Australia and New Zealand 2G/3G Sunset.
Recommended SKUs for Replacement:
- B524MEA, B524MTY for LTE Cat 1/3G/2G (Europe, EtherSIM)
- ONE524MEA, ONE524MTY for Tracker One LTE Cat1/3G/2G (Europe, EtherSIM)
- T524MEA, T524MKIT, T524MTY for Tracker SoM LTE CAT1/3G/2G (Europe, EtherSIM)
Summary and Next Steps
This sunset marks the end of an era and the beginning of a more advanced and efficient phase in cellular technology. To mitigate any potential issues, we urge our customers to review their current devices and plan accordingly. Our team is here to support you through this transition.
For further assistance and detailed information, please visit our website or contact our customer support.
