Wondering which Aussie mobile network is really the best in the nation? Independent network tester P3 Communications has released the results of its 2017 Mobile Benchmark report - and the winner may surprise you.
Coming in at first place in both overall network quality and in voice - and upsetting previous winner Telstra - is Optus, scoring a rating of 887 out of 1000. In addition to nabbing the all-round number-one spot, Optus also tested high for data performance in small towns, although ultimately lost out to overall data quality to number-two Telstra.
With an overall score of 884, Telstra's second-place ranking is only three points behind Optus. However, both Telstra and Optus have a clear lead over third-place network Vodafone, which achieved a total score of 817 points.
P3's testing was undertaken in partnership with telecommunications magazine Connect, and was conducted between October 11 and October 24 in and between nine large cities and nineteen small towns across Australia. The test measured typical voice and data performance from each of the three Australian networks, with a combination of on-foot and driving tests that covered around 61% of the population.
The results
Voice
In P3's voice tests, all three networks performed exceptionally in the major cities, with reliably high rates of successful call connections. However, in less urban areas and on the open road, Optus edges ahead, scoring 96% for town drive-throughs, and 80% for on-road calls.
In comparison, Telstra scored 91% for small town performance and 78% on the road; Vodafone sits at 87% in small towns, and a meagre 49% in P3's open road voice test.
Data
In terms of data, both Telstra and Vodafone outrank Optus in major cities. Telstra scored 91% in city drive tests and 90% in walking tests, while Vodafone's drive and walking test results were 89% and 91% respectively. Coming in third place, Optus' city drive tests scored 88% for data, while walking tests of the network showed a 87% result.
However, in testing data strength in smaller towns, Optus ranks first with 91%, with Telstra at 89% and Vodafone at 79%. In data tests conducted when travelling between destinations, Telstra's score was 82%, Optus achieved 80%, and Vodafone's result was a disappointing 59%.
City by city
If you live in one of the five biggest Australian cities, here's the data and voice winners for each.
Sydney
Voice: Optus
Data: Telstra
Melbourne
Voice: Optus
Data: Optus
Brisbane
Voice: Vodafone
Data: Telstra
Perth
Voice: Vodafone
Data: Vodafone
Adelaide
Voice: Vodafone
Data: Vodafone
Which telco is right for me?
Overall? If you live in a major city, there's not a huge amount of difference between each network. But results may vary across suburbs, so it's always a good idea to ask around about coverage and black spots - or check your intended telco's coverage map - before making a jump to a new network.
If you're frequently on the road, or live outside the big metropolitan areas, you've got a little more to consider. Vodafone is making great strides in expanding and strengthening network coverage, but may not be the best option right now if you depend on a reliable signal and decent data speeds.
Editorial credit: / Shutterstock.com
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