Freedom. For life.

Looks like you're in the US. See phones and networks for the US.

The landline switch-off in New Zealand

Switching off: 2028. Chorus has brought its nationwide copper retirement forward to 2028. Landlines move to fibre or wireless (4G) calling, which needs power in the home. Source

What changes

  • Chorus (24 August 2026): "brought forward its nationwide copper retirement date to 2028"; fewer than 1,000 copper connections remain in fibre areas and 43,000 where fibre isn't available. Source
  • Under the Copper Withdrawal Code, Chorus can only withdraw copper where fibre is available, and new landline technologies rely on power in the home. Source

Who and what is at risk

  • The Commerce Commission notes new landline technologies "rely on power in the home and may not work during power outages". Source
  • The TCF says fibre and fixed-wireless landlines may fail in a power cut; providers must tell customers at least yearly and explain how to protect the household. Source

Help and protections

  • Chorus must give at least six months' written notice before withdrawing copper, plus two reminders; if you order fibre in that time it must be installed before copper goes (Copper Withdrawal Code, in force 5 April 2024). Source
  • The Commerce Commission's 111 Contact Code requires providers to offer registered vulnerable consumers (at particular risk, with no way to call 111 for 8 hours in a power cut) an alternative way to reach 111. Source

A home phone that doesn't need the line

Home phones with a SIM card make calls over the mobile network instead. See the ones sold in New Zealand that we've confirmed on each network.

Or carry a plain mobile: other simple phones, each checked against your network.