The 3G Shutdown Is Coming – Is Your Fleet Prepared or in the Dark?

Australia recently finalised its 3G shutdown, and New Zealand’s turn is just around the corner with all networks here scheduled to phase out 3G over the next year. This transition marks a turning point for fleet operators: those who fail to migrate will face operational blind spots, safety risks and serious compliance breaches.

At Teletrac Navman, we’ve seen this migration firsthand in the U.S. and Australia, and we know what’s at stake when businesses leave it to the last minute. If you haven’t already started considering the 3G shutdown and how it’ll effect your fleet, it’s critical to act now.

To help you on your journey to prepare your fleet and assets for the upcoming changes. Based on our experience helping countless organisations navigate this complex changes, here’s what you need to know.

Why you need to act NOW

Take inventory. Figuring out which parts of your business is going to be effected when the 3G network is switched off, helps you understand where you need to start. The end of 3G could impact every part of your business – from point of sale and the security, right through to your telematics in your vehicles and assets.

Without the connection to the network, your operation could be stuck in limbo. Tracking, safety alerts, and compliance tools cease to function, leaving your fleet in the dark. In New Zealand, where the road safety statistics are already concerning – 7.3 road deaths per 100,000 people, significantly higher than Australia’s 4.5 or Norway’s 2.1 – losing visibility of your fleet can create dangerous safety risks. Around 25 percent of New Zealand’s road deaths and serious injuries are work-related, a stark reminder of how critical safety monitoring is for fleet operators.

The key steps for a seamless 3G migration

1. Start early. The sooner, the better

We can’t stress enough the importance of starting early. Companies in Australia acted very late in the process and didn’t prioritise migration, only to face operational delays. It’s essential to evaluate your current fleet technology now and ensure you have a clear plan for replacing 3G-dependent devices with 4G-enabled solutions.

2. Inventory!

The first step here is to start an inventory of all your 3G enabled technologies in the business and begin working on migrating those to future-proofed versions. Think about your security systems and access gates, medical alert systems, point of sale, smart devices, and the telematics in your equipment and vehicles that enable you to view your assets in the fleet management solution, including any electronic RUC solutions.

3. Evaluate technology options

3G technology has been around since 2009. Since then fleet technology has evolved and innovated dramatically. This transition provides a valuable opportunity to assess what your fleet needs. Consider incorporating newer technologies like smart dashcams and advanced driver behaviour monitoring systems. Thinking beyond your current requirements is important for the future, helping you navigate seamlessly around challenges for improved safety, productivity and compliance capabilities. This is also an ideal time to integrate additional safety features or data-gathering tools.

Make sure any new device is compatible with New Zealand’s 4G network, particularly LTE Band 28, operating on the 700 MHz frequency. While the mobile networks, like Spark and One NZ, have a way for you to check if your smartphone is 4G or 5G capable, checking your telematics in your vehicles and assets can be just as easily confirmed by getting in touch with your provider, like Teletrac Navman.

4. Implementation is key

While a solid plan is the foundation, execution is where most migrations face challenges. Some questions to consider: Are you planning to tender the process? Is there a reliable supply chain in place? Can your existing provider support your timeline and needs? Can you effectively make all assets and vehicles available? In addition to internal planning, securing the right partners for hardware, training and installation is essential.

With a migration plan you can work with your provider, you can work through what you need to do to get the ball rolling. At Teletrac Navman, we have worked with fleets of all sizes across industries in the U.S., Australia and now New Zealand, ensuring their transition is as smooth as possible. Our experience means we know what works and what doesn’t, so you can avoid common pitfalls.

5. Prepare your fleet

Switching to 4G-compatible devices requires careful coordination. Vehicles, equipment and other tracked assets need to be taken off the road temporarily for installation, and key personnel may require additional training on new key features or systems added on.
For some fleets, installations can be done fairly quickly. Teletrac Navman provides flexible installation options with a network of technicians across the north and south island, including the availability of self-install options to minimise downtime. We also offer support to help train your team on using any new features, so they feel confident and prepared when the transition is complete.

6. Set deadlines and stick to them

Execution is where planning meets action. Set a good timeline and work toward each step of the process, from ordering new devices to scheduling installations. At Teletrac Navman, we’ll help you through the transition, so you can make the cutover with minimal to no disruption. Working with a trusted provider means you are supported every step of the way, and we’re here to ensure your fleet stays connected and compliant.

The cost of inaction

Failing to migrate to 4G can jeopardise your business and operation. Without active GPS tracking, emergency alerts, or data on driver behaviour, you’re effectively in the dark. Beyond real-time insights, is moving back to manual processes and the reliance of paperwork and spreadsheets to keep up again.

Yet, the consequences extend beyond logistical inconvenience. In New Zealand’s high-risk road environment, a lack of real-time monitoring increases the risk of incidents, which can lead to legal issues and reputational damage. If your business relies on GPS technolgies to dispatch or manage teams to deliver products or services to the community and industry at large, failing to migrate could leave you with no observation of field activities, creating gaps in fleet visibility and compliance.

This is why it’s essential to start planning now. Identify your preferred vendors, and engage them early to understand the migration timeline, available resources, and how to proceed. Migrating before the shutdown ensures you’re ahead of the curve.

How Teletrac Navman can help

Teletrac Navman has guided businesses through similar transitions worldwide, and we’re ready to support New Zealand fleets as 3G sunsets. Our experience with clients across multiple industries, from logistics to transport, agriculture and emergency services, ensures we have the expertise to manage this migration smoothly. From device checks to tailored migration plans, we offer end-to-end support, making sure your fleet remains operational, safe, and compliant.

As a final reminder, remember this: the 3G shutdown is happening, and it’s coming next year. The future you will thank you for not leaving your fleet go into darkness. Start your migration today with Teletrac Navman’s support and rest easy knowing you’re ready for a successful transition to a safer, more connected future. Contact our team to discuss your migration plan and learn how we can help you prepare for New Zealand’s network closures.

If you need help with your 3G transition to future-proofed telematics, get started with a conversation today.