Telstra’s Coverage Could Reduce by an Area Equivalent to NSW

Telstra faces a significant reduction in its claimed mobile coverage area, losing approximately 1 million square kilometers under proposed regulations from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). This loss equates to an area larger than New South Wales (NSW). The new Mobile Network Coverage Maps Standard 2026 mandates that telecommunications providers display areas where a smartphone can reliably make voice calls, which may restructure how coverage is reported across the industry.

Proposed Coverage Changes and Industry Reactions

The ACMA’s proposal introduces uniform signal-strength thresholds, replacing a more lenient approach that allowed companies to define their own coverage parameters. Notably, Telstra is the only major carrier opposing these changes. Rival companies, including TPG Telecom and Optus, support the stricter standards, emphasizing the need for more accurate coverage maps.

• TPG Telecom’s Position: A TPG Telecom spokesperson highlighted that Telstra’s definition of coverage often misleads customers, stating, “Only Telstra is fighting against this proposal for accurate maps.”
• Issues in Coverage Reporting: TPG’s independent testing in regional Queensland revealed failures in Telstra’s claims of “full coverage,” with many locations unable to support basic calls despite showing a signal.
• Consumer Concerns: Carol Bennett, CEO of the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network, labeled the findings as a “consumer protection failure,” stressing the importance of accurate maps for safety and planning.

Telstra’s Coverage Claims

Telstra claims to have an outdoor handheld coverage area of around 2.17 million square kilometers, which is 1 million square kilometers shorter than previously represented. This discrepancy stems from changes implemented in December 2025 when the company rebranded its “external antenna” coverage to “full coverage,” misleading many consumers.

Financial Implications and Future Investments

The proposed changes might also deter Telstra from investing further in its network infrastructure. The company warns that reduced coverage representation could impact its financial commitments, which have already totaled $12.4 billion towards its mobile network by the end of FY25, with $4.7 billion directed specifically to regional areas.

• Investment Concerns: Telstra expressed worries that the proposed standards could minimize its considerable network investments and lead to confusion among customers about actual coverage.
• Competition and Future Mapping: Telstra additionally noted that rival companies are advocating for standards that might mislead consumers regarding coverage reliability.

Next Steps and Regulatory Timeline

The ACMA is currently reviewing submissions from various stakeholders and is expected to finalize the coverage mapping standard by June 30. In parallel, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is investigating Telstra’s coverage claims and practices, aiming to ensure transparency and accountability in mobile service delivery.

As these changes unfold, Telstra’s future strategies and the overall landscape of mobile coverage in Australia may undergo significant transformation. Accurate representation of coverage remains crucial for consumer trust and safety, particularly in emergency situations.