Turning NZ’s 3G shutdown into an opportunity for IoT growth
As New Zealand enters the final phase of its transition from 3G to more advanced telecommunications networks, there is a growing urgency for businesses to adapt. Major carriers like Spark, 2degrees, and One NZ plan to shut down their 3G networks by the end of this year. This will transform the landscape for Internet of Things (IoT) devices and connected technologies.
Companies that embrace the 3G shutdown as a catalyst for growth, rather than a setback, can cultivate resilience and readiness for the next wave of technological advancements. This will prepare them to thrive in the evolving digital ecosystem.
As the shutdown deadline approaches, NZ businesses that fail to prioritise this transition may face significant challenges, including loss of connectivity, increased operational costs, and a diminished competitive edge.
M2M One NZ, a leader in IoT connectivity, has successfully managed this transition for many businesses. We have worked with clients on various projects, including emergency alert infrastructure, water sensing, and asset tracking on farms and in remote locations.
Adopting a strategic mindset
A key lesson learned from the Australian 3G shutdown is the importance of adopting a strategic mindset to navigate this transition. Equally crucial is having the right technology partner who can assist with sourcing new hardware and help turn this transition into an opportunity for future growth.
Ultimately, businesses should focus on long-term success by embracing the 3G shutdown as a catalyst for growth and partnering with the right technology provider to navigate the evolving digital landscape.
In New Zealand today, different companies are at various stages of transitioning to 4G LTE. Those who haven't seriously considered their strategy should start right away. Drawing from our Australian customers, who were perhaps unprepared or underestimated the impact, we aim to provide reliable advice to all our customers and those seeking support and planning.
It's important to note that this transition isn't just about upgrading technology. It's about positioning your organisation for long-term success and scalable solutions that can adapt to change.
To upgrade effectively, companies need a clear understanding of their operational requirements now and into the future. Key questions to ask include:
- If a company mainly uses battery-powered devices, low-power consumption will be a key requirement for the solution they choose.
- If they must track mobile assets through remote regions, they will require devices that retain connectivity in these areas.
Partnering for success ensures a smooth transition
Analysing business requirements and designing a solution that meets those needs is a complex task. Planning a scalable, wireless strategy requires deep technical understanding and involves many variables that impact the final design of the solution.
M2M One NZ recently partnered with Christchurch-based Automatic Fire Alarm Monitoring (AFAM) to transition their national fleet of IoT devices. The heart of their innovative technology is a CTU that wirelessly notifies fire services, agents, and building owners in the event of an incident.
AFAM's CTUs had previously utilised 2 and 3G connectivity, but with thousands of buildings equipped with their technology, upgrading presented logistical and technical challenges.
Over a six-month period, AFAM worked closely with M2M One NZ to determine and test the best technologies. Key criteria included simplicity of implementation and future proofing. AFAM chose to operate their new CTU on a CAT M1 network combined with dual SIMs.
Post-implementation, Kieron Telford, Managing Director at AFAM, expressed gratitude for their close working relationship with M2M One NZ. He emphasised that their deep IoT expertise had been crucial to the success of the transition, resulting in the deployment of a standardised, future-proof solution that would simplify operations for AFAM and reliably perform for their customers for many years after 3G is shut down.
Focusing on long term success
The reality in New Zealand today is that different companies are at various stages in their transition to 4G LTE. For those who have yet to give serious thought to their strategy, it is imperative that they start right away. By referencing our key learnings from our Australian customers who perhaps were unprepared, or underestimated the impact to their business, we would like to ensure all our customers, or those looking for support and planning, are able to source that reliable advice.
An important point to make is that this transition is not just a matter of upgrading technology. It is about positioning your organisation for long-term success and scalable solutions that are adaptive to change.
