ACMA Implements New Mobile Coverage Mapping Standards, Telstra Set for Significant Revisions
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has implemented new regulations to standardize how mobile coverage is mapped across the country. Effective June 30, all telecommunication companies must publish clear 4G and 5G mobile coverage maps, categorizing areas into "good," "moderate," "basic," or "no coverage" based on a uniform signal-strength threshold. This new standard is expected to significantly impact how mobile network operators, particularly Telstra, present their service reach.
Introduction of New Regulations
The ACMA's Mobile Network Coverage Maps Standard 2026 mandates a consistent approach for all telecommunications providers. A key element of the new standard defines any mobile signal below -115 dBm (decibel-milliwatts) as "no coverage."
This -115 dBm threshold is intended to ensure maps accurately reflect where a standard smartphone can reliably make a call and access services.
Telcos are required to update their maps at least quarterly and provide them to partner companies, including Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs).
Background and Rationale for the Standard
The introduction of these regulations follows historical concerns regarding the accuracy and consistency of mobile coverage claims.
Past Allegations
Vodafone previously alleged that Telstra had been misrepresenting its mobile network reach for over 15 years, potentially overstating it by up to 40 percent. Vodafone claimed Telstra's advertised coverage of "3 million square kilometres covering 99.7 per cent of the Australian population" did not specify its reliance on an external antenna and booster.
Analysis of Telstra's data provided to the ACCC indicated its coverage without an external antenna was approximately 1.9 million square kilometres, leading Telstra to subsequently update its website for clarity.
Stakeholder Concerns
Submissions to ACMA from emergency services, farming groups, state governments, and community associations highlighted discrepancies between claimed and actual mobile coverage. The Central Highlands Volunteer Ambulance Association warned that optimistic predictive modeling could lead to life-threatening delays. The National Farmers' Federation reported members' experiences did not match provider claims, while the Mt Tomah and Berambing Community Association alleged misleading conduct by Telstra, citing in-field tests showing inadequate signal where coverage was claimed.
Regulatory Stance
ACMA Chair Nerida O'Loughlin stated that the approach aligns with international standards, aiming to ensure maps clearly indicate where network availability provides usable and reliable service, including for emergencies. The Minister for Communications, Anika Wells, initiated the direction for these standards, noting they will help consumers make informed decisions by providing a consistent and comparable view of mobile coverage across providers.
Telstra's Position and Concerns
Telstra is expected to revise its claimed mobile coverage by approximately 1 million square kilometers under the new standard, an area larger than New South Wales.
Network Status
Telstra has maintained that its physical network has not changed, asserting that no sites have been switched off or coverage removed. A spokesman stated, "The only thing that has changed is what will be shown on a comparable map." The company emphasizes that its network remains larger than rivals, particularly in regional and remote areas, with over 2,000 more mobile sites.
Threshold Disagreement
While supporting the intent of standardized mapping, Telstra expressed concerns regarding the -115 dBm "no coverage" threshold. The company had advocated for a weaker cutoff of -122 dBm, arguing that its network remains functional at that level.
Telstra cited data indicating that over 1.5 million of its customers in regional and remote Australia rely on coverage at or below the -115 dBm threshold monthly, and approximately 57,000 emergency calls originate from these zones annually.
Potential Impacts
Telstra cautioned that preventing operators from showing usable coverage could hinder customer access to necessary information. The company also expressed concern that the stricter standard could deter future investment in regional network expansion. Telstra has invested $12.4 billion in its mobile network through FY25, with $4.7 billion allocated to regional areas. The company indicated it might seek alternative ways to communicate its coverage to customers outside the standardized maps if the standard proceeds unchanged.
Industry and Consumer Support
Other major industry players and consumer bodies have supported the -115 dBm baseline.
Industry Support
TPG Telecom, Optus, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), and the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) supported the -115 dBm baseline. An Optus spokesperson welcomed the ACMA's determination, stating it would allow consumers to confidently compare mobile service reach. A TPG Telecom spokesperson commented that "The ACMA says coverage should mean your phone works."
Consumer Advocacy
ACCAN Chief Executive Carol Bennett stated that findings of discrepancies highlight a "consumer protection failure" and underscore the need for accurate coverage maps, especially for safety and emergency planning in regional areas.
International Alignment
The -115 dBm threshold aligns with international precedents, such as Ireland's -115 dBm standard, while the United Kingdom employs a -105 dBm threshold.
Implementation and Further Actions
ACMA will continue to refine the rules as technology evolves. Providers who fail to comply with the new regulations may face enforcement actions, including financial penalties, enforceable undertakings, and remedial directions.
Separately, the government is conducting a national audit of mobile coverage, involving Accenture and Australia Post. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is also conducting its own investigation into Telstra's coverage maps and claims.