3G/4G Telecom Network Upgrade 5 Years Ago

In January 2021, the Norfolk Island Telecom (NT) was upgraded. The islanders and visitors have now enjoyed five years of the new network to 3G/4G, which was previously a 2G system until early January 2021. The changes brought the telecommunication system into the 4^th generation and gave the Norfolk Island community and visitors access to internet and mobile phone services around Norfolk Island. The year before the Telecom Network upgrade, during 2020, the project involved the technicians setting up new poles across the island and installing the transmitters and equipment which now transmit the systems across Norfolk Island.

The big changes were the upgrade of the internet and mobile services in many areas, instead of needing to be home or to find hotspots which was required with the old system. But there are still valleys and remote spots which may not have access to the 3G/4G network.

Norfolk Island mobile phone users were required to update their mobile phone sim cards to new sim cards which kept the staff at Norfolk Island Customer Care very busy. The new 4G network system went live on the 12 January 2021. Customers now have a choice of phone and internet package plans which are purchased online via the web Self-care Portal and a mobile Self-care App. A credit top-up using your debit or credit card is available 24/7 using either the new NT mobile app or the online web self-care. Alternatively visit Customer care.

Some locals needed to update their phones in 2021, it depended on what make and model of phone or modem they already had. If the mobile phone supports, the spectrum bands of the 4G (Band 28) and 3G (Band 8) then there was no need to upgrade phones from the old 2G system.

https://www.ni.net.nf/support/frequently-asked-questions

https://www.ni.net.nf/

Mobile Plans - Norfolk Telecom

I checked on the Norfolk Island Regional Council NIRC internet page link and read that you can purchase a new SIM from: • Customer Care at the Bicentennial Complex, 39 Taylors Rd, Burnt Pine, Norfolk Island, near the NI Information Centre and the Liquor Bond on Taylor’s Road.

Check the internet links above for up-to-date information for the new system. Here are a few of the details I have read during the past months.

The new billing system has a web self-care module so all customers will be able to self-manage many parts of their account online.

Norfolk Telecom will continue to offer landline service in future.

The best option for tourists will be to buy the new Tourist SIM packs. Visitors will be able to either roam using their overseas SIM or buy a special NT Tourist SIM pack, which will offer data, voice, and SMS for the short time they are on the island. As well as offering inbound international roaming we will also offer special SIM-packs designed specifically for tourists who would typically be visiting the island for a about a week.

You can contact us using any of the following channels if you have any questions – we look forward to hearing from you:

email us at customercare@nirc.gov.nf,

call us on +6723 22244 or free call 0100, or

visit us at the Customer Care office at Bicentennial Complex, 39 Taylors Rd, Burnt Pine, Norfolk Island.

Five years since the Telecom Network upgrade, I am sure many locals use roaming data and more relaxed phone plans. I still remember the excitement five years ago when I first used the new data roaming plans and could video call my family from Emily Bay and sunset BBQs.

Thank you to the Telecom technicians and support staff who assisted with the upgrade five years ago getting the new 3G/4G system up and running for the Norfolk Island community and visitors.

Betty Matthews

16 January 2026