2degrees has completed its 3G shutdown in New Zealand.

In doing so, the carrier becomes the first telco to switch off its legacy network in the country.

2degrees kicked off its 3G switch off in December across 100 rural sites, before shutting down 3G services in Palmerston North and Rotorua in January.

The nationwide 3G shutdown was completed last night (February 2).

“We have been communicating with our customers and planning for this shutdown for more than 18 months now, and we’re pleased to retire the outdated technology so we can dedicate our focus and resources on modern 4G, 5G, and satellite networks," said Mark Callander, CEO, 2degrees.

“3G is no longer capable of delivering the performance New Zealand requires. By retiring this legacy technology, we can focus on strengthening and expanding our 4G and 5G networks, which carry the vast majority of today’s mobile traffic, and also look to the future with satellite.”

2degrees previously outlined plans more than two years ago to switch off its 3G service this year. The carrier launched its 3G service in 2010.

Domestic rivals Spark and One NZ are set to retire their respective 3G networks next month.