New Zealand’s nationwide 3G shutdown on December 31 is set to disable connectivity for thousands of older agricultural machines, prompting Case IH to recommend immediate upgrades for customers operating equipment built before 2023. These models rely on legacy 3G modems for telematics, remote support, data transfer and machine monitoring. Without an update, several digital functions will stop working, including MyCaseIH connectivity, AFS Connect data syncing and remote diagnostics used by dealers.
Case IH New Zealand has launched a transition program aimed at preparing farms for a 4G and 5G-based future, offering subsidized hardware replacements to keep machines connected after the network switch-off.
What components must be upgraded to maintain Case IH connectivity
Most machines manufactured prior to 2023 use 3G telematics modules integrated into the AFS Connect platform or earlier-generation systems such as AFS Pro displays paired with older modems.
The critical components requiring replacement include:
- Modems and telematics control units that operate exclusively on 3G.
- AFS Connect communication modules installed on tractors, combines and sprayers.
- Early Fleet management devices used for remote machine monitoring.
- Service support modules enabling remote dealer diagnostics.
Upgrading these units ensures continued access to cloud-based data, over-the-air software improvements, fleet tracking and remote alerts. Without the upgrade, machines will still operate mechanically but will lose all digital connectivity.
What upgrade solutions Case IH is offering farmers
Case IH dealerships across New Zealand are providing several modernized telematics packages, heavily subsidized to encourage rapid migration before the cutoff date.
These include:
- 4G LTE telematics modules that plug directly into existing AFS systems.
- New-generation AFS Connect units with faster data transfer and enhanced GNSS compatibility.
- Dealer installation kits that streamline retrofitting for pre-2023 tractors and combines.
- Connectivity bundles for mixed-fleet farms integrating Case IH with non-CNH machines.
Dealers note that many farmers using older displays such as the AFS Pro 700 can keep their cab screens but must update the modem behind the system. Newer models equipped with AFS Pro 1200 already support 4G but may require firmware updates or connectivity checks.
How the upgrade enhances machine insights and operations
Beyond preventing a communication blackout, the shift to 4G enables higher data throughput, unlocking additional functionality that was limited on 3G:
- Faster field data uploads for mapping and prescriptions.
- More reliable two-way communication with cloud platforms.
- Enhanced dealer remote service access.
- Improved performance of FleetOps, machine utilization analytics and alert management.
- Better stability for guidance and precision-farming integrations.
For farms using multiple connected vehicles, the upgrade significantly improves operational visibility across the entire fleet.
Case IH encourages early scheduling as year-end approaches
Dealers are asking customers not to wait until December, as demand for upgrades increases closer to the shutdown date. Inspections, installation and testing are being scheduled now to ensure no machine loses telematics functionality in the new year.
Farmers are advised to contact their local Case IH dealer to confirm whether their machine’s serial number requires a modem replacement.
About Case IH
Case IH is a global manufacturer of agricultural machinery and a core brand of CNH. Known for its Axial-Flow combines, Magnum and Steiger tractors, and advanced precision farming technologies under the AFS Connect platform, the company supplies equipment to farms in more than 160 countries.
