Some older Stahlcar GPS tracking devices were designed to operate on the 3G mobile network.
Mobile providers in New Zealand are now shutting down the 3G network nationwide, and the majority of this shutdown has occurred over the last month or two. As a result, devices that rely on 3G connectivity can no longer connect to the mobile network.
If your GPS tracker has recently stopped uploading its position, this is often a strong indication that the unit is a 3G model affected by the network shutdown.
Another quick test you can perform is to call the SIM card number inside the tracker. If the phone rings once and then hangs up, this confirms the tracker itself is still operating normally but can no longer transmit location data because it relies on the 3G network.
This change is being implemented by New Zealand mobile network providers and is outside of Stahlcar’s control.
More information on the 3G shutdown can be found here:
https://one.nz/3g-shutdown/
Why Your Tracker Has Stopped Reporting
GPS trackers rely on the mobile network to send location data to the tracking platform.
Older devices that operate only on 3G mobile networks can no longer transmit this data once the network is switched off.
This means the tracker itself may still power on, but it will no longer be able to communicate with the tracking platform, so location updates will stop.
The Solution – Upgrade to Our New 4G GPS Trackers
Modern GPS tracking devices now operate on 4G mobile networks, which will continue to be supported long term in New Zealand.
Stahlcar now supplies updated 4G based GPS tracking units, designed to replace the older 3G models and provide continued tracking support.
Our current 4G tracking options include:
• Stahlcar A1 4G – OBD plug-in tracker for cars and vans
• Stahlcar MT1 4G – hardwired tracker for motorcycles, trailers and equipment
• Stahlcar C036 4G – plug-in tracker with integrated USB charging
These newer units offer improved connectivity, reliable tracking performance and continued compatibility with modern mobile networks.
Alongside the transition to 4G hardware, the tracking platform provider has also introduced a small platform maintenance fee for continued access to the tracking system.
Each new tracker includes 12 months of platform access from the first activation, after which access can be renewed directly within the tracking app.
Reade more on this change here: https://www.stahlcar.nz/pages/platform-update
Current renewal pricing:
• 1 year – $3 USD
• 3 years – $4 USD
• 5 years – $6 USD
• 10 years – $8 USD
Accounts with multiple devices automatically receive a 20% discount.
The platform maintenance fee has been introduced by the tracking platform provider, not by Stahlcar. The payment is made directly inside the tracking app, and Stahlcar does not receive any portion of these fees.
Upgrade Discount for Existing Customers
To assist customers affected by the 3G network shutdown, we are offering 10% off our 4G GPS tracking units.
Use the discount code:
4GUPGRADE
at checkout to receive the discount.
Customers with multiple tracking units are welcome to contact us for specialised upgrade pricing.
Thank You for Your Support
We apologise for any disruption this change may cause.
The shutdown of the 3G mobile network and the introduction of the platform maintenance fee are both decisions made by external providers and are outside of Stahlcar’s control.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support, and we remain committed to supplying reliable GPS tracking solutions for New Zealand vehicles.
Thank you for choosing Stahlcar.