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Why Telstra, Optus and TPG mobile coverage maps now look different

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Australian telcos Telstra, Optus, and TPG must now publish standardized mobile coverage maps.
  • New regulations require them to use the same predictive modeling for 4G and 5G coverage quality.
  • The changes aim to provide consumers with a clearer and more accurate understanding of mobile reception, though experts suggest the standards could be stricter.

Residents in areas like Uranquinty, New South Wales, who have long struggled with poor mobile reception despite proximity to major cities, may soon see clearer information. Three major Australian telecommunication companies, Telstra, Optus, and TPG, are now mandated to publish standardized mobile coverage maps.

No, the maps say you have coverage, but the reality was different.

— Deb BewickA resident described the discrepancy between official coverage maps and actual mobile reception.

This new requirement, enforced by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), compels the telcos to use identical predictive modeling techniques to classify the quality of 4G and 5G coverage for voice, SMS, and data services. Failure to comply could result in enforcement actions. The standardized definitions range from "Good" (signal greater than or equal to -95 dBm) to "No coverage" (below -115 dBm).

Telstra wanted to keep its own map, ACMA has told them that they aren't able to do that.

— Anika WellsCommunications Minister Anika Wells confirmed ACMA's directive to telcos regarding map standardization.

Telstra has expressed concerns, particularly regarding the definition of "no coverage," arguing it could reduce the area they previously claimed to cover. The company suggested that some calls can still be made below -115 dBm. Communications Minister Anika Wells stated that telcos must adhere to their legal obligations for the benefit of consumers, emphasizing that they cannot maintain their own proprietary map formats.

They have legal obligations upon them and everyone else in the industry, and I expect them to comply for the sake of consumers.

— Anika WellsCommunications Minister Anika Wells stressed the importance of compliance for consumer benefit.

Associate Professor Mark Gregory from RMIT University's School of Engineering described the changes as a "50 percent win for consumers." However, he also noted that the standards remain quite generous by international benchmarks. Gregory suggested that lower figures for coverage quality might have provided an even better indication of actual reception. He also pointed out that the maps rely on predictive modeling software, not on-the-ground testing data, which can still be a limitation.

50 per cent win for consumers

— Mark GregoryAssociate Professor Mark Gregory assessed the impact of the new coverage map regulations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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