The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has introduced new standards that will see a million square kilometres wiped from Telstra's coverage map.
The new rules mean that areas with signal strengths below -115dBM are declared as not having usable services, and as such, can't be shown on coverage maps. Telcos will also have to classify other coverage in one of three categories: good, moderate, or basic.
During consultation, Telstra argued that the standards should allow it to show areas with strengths as low as -122dBM as having usable coverage on its maps. Group Executive for Global Networks and Technology, Shailin Sehgal, says that more than 1.5 million Telstra customers use coverage below -115dBM each month. He also noted the potential for customer confusion as a result of the new rules.
"If a map says ‘no coverage’ but a customer can still call, text or get online nine out of ten times, there’s a very real risk of confusion," wrote Sehgal in a blog on the Telstra website.
While Telstra will need to change how it presents its coverage maps, Sehgal noted the actual coverage isn't changing.
"No sites have been switched off," wrote Sehgal. "No coverage has been removed. Telstra’s network remains vastly larger, with over 2,000 more mobile sites than any other network across Australia. Our coverage advantage in regional and remote areas is even larger. The only thing that has changed is what will be shown on a comparable map."
ACMA itself note that areas shown as "no coverage" may still have some connectivity, but said that service in these areas is expected to be "limited, inconsistent, or non-existent".
At this stage, it is unclear if Telstra will be able to continue to use its current 99.7% population coverage claim. A spokesperson told WhistleOut that the telco is currently working through the standard, and isn't unable to make a call on this yet.
ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said the introduction of standardised coverage maps will make it easier for consumers to compare telcos.
"Mobile providers make available network coverage maps, but they are measured and presented differently," said O’Loughlin.
"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."
A TPG Telecom spokesperson told WhistleOut the new coverage map standard is a "win for consumers".
"Coverage should mean your phone actually works, not that it might show a bar of signal that can’t support a call," said the spokesperson. "Consumers rely on coverage maps to understand whether their phone will actually work, particularly when travelling in regional areas. Clear, enforceable standards mean Australians can trust coverage claims."
Optus also welcomed the news.
"The new standard will give consumers and communities the ability to confidently compare mobile service reach across providers," an Optus spokesperson told WhistleOut.
Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone must update their coverage maps by June 30.
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Alex Choros
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