Telstra is facing criticism over its mobile coverage claims as new standardized map rules are introduced by ACMA. These rules aim to provide clearer information about 4G and 5G coverage across Australia, following allegations from Vodafone that Telstra misled customers about its network reach. Telstra claims the new maps will make it more difficult for customers to assess usable coverage.
Telstra claims new coverage maps will "make it much harder" for customers to gauge usable coverage. Telstra claims new coverage maps will "make it much harder" for customers to gauge usable coverage. ACMA has introduced new rules for standardised mobile coverage maps that will see mobile signals below -115 dBm labelled as "no coverage".
All telcos will have until June 30 to publish clear maps with 4G and 5G mobile coverage.Share article Telstra has defended its coverage as new rules are introduced to standardise mobile coverage maps across Australia. New rules for coverage maps were introduced today by the Australian Communications and Media Authority , following allegations from Vodafone that Telstra was "misleading customers" over the size of its mobile coverage. All telcos will have until June 30 to publish clear maps with 4G and 5G mobile coverage and state the coverage — good, moderate, basic or no coverage. For example, "good" coverage means consumers can expect a high-quality and seamless connectivity across voice, SMS and data communications. Telstra's rival telco, Vodafone, has previously alleged Telstra engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct for more than 15 years, by overstating the reach of its mobile network by as much as 40 per cent.Vodafone alleges rival Telstra misled customers on mobile coverage Vodafone accuses Telstra of "misleading" consumers over the extent of its mobile coverage resulting in an "unfair market advantage." Telstra's advertised claim that it had a "mobile network coverage area of 3 million square kilometres covering 99.7 per cent of the Australian population" had, until May last year, failed to state that the figure was based on consumers using an external antenna and booster. In comparison, Telstra's mobile coverage without using an external antenna is significantly less, around 1.9 million square kilometres, according to analysis of figures the telco has provided to the ACCC.New rules could 'make it much harder' Telstra argues Group executive of Global Networks and Technology Shailin Sehgal said the telco supported the "intent" behind the new rules but had issues with the fact that any mobile signals below -115 dBm would now be labelled "no coverage". "Every month, more than 1.5 million Telstra customers use this coverage as they live, work and travel through regional and remote Australia," he said."Nothing has changed about Telstra's network. No sites have been switched off. No coverage has been removed." Regional Australians have previously called on Telstra to invest in better phone and internet connectivity in the regions.Telstra is the only telco available in many parts of remote and regional Australia. Mr Sehgal says its network "remains vastly larger with over 2,000 more mobile sites than any other network across Australia"."The only thing that has changed is what will be shown on a comparable map. "Telstra supports a single, consistent standard that helps customers compare coverage across providers, but a standard that does not permit mobile network operators to show usable coverage could make it much harder for customers to access the information they need."Telstra CEO Vicki Brady defends claim the telco provides 3 million square kilometres of coverage without using an external antenna. In areas shown as having "no coverage", ACMA acknowledged people in some locations may still be able to make calls and send SMS, but overall service is expected to be very limited, inconsistent or non-existent. "We have taken a considered approach, consistent with international standards, so that maps are very clear about where network availability means your service will be usable and reliable, including in an emergency," chair Nerida O'Loughlin said.Telcos that breach the rules may face "enforceable undertakings, remedial directions and financial penalties", ACMA said in its announcement."People should know what they're getting when they sign up with a provider, and this improved mapping will make it easier for customers to make informed decisions about the communications services they rely on,""There are longstanding problems with the quality and comparability of mobile coverage maps published by the telcos, and the government is putting a stop to this mess. "This will help to ensure telecommunications services are working for Australians and support our ongoing work to strengthen access to and oversight of Triple Zero."She urged ACMA to continue to refine the map rules over time to include new technology.Ms O'Loughlin hoped the maps would help consumers make more informed decisions. "Mobile providers make available network coverage maps, but they are measured and presented differently," she said. "We know that consumers are frustrated that, as a result, they can't make any meaningful comparison between them. "These new rules will ensure every carrier is giving the public a like-for-like comparison of service coverage in any location across Australia."Optus, Telstra and TPG must also provide their partner companies with maps for use by their customers.
Telstra Mobile Coverage ACMA Vodafone Coverage Maps Consumer Protection
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