Overview

• Vodafone, backed by TPG Telecom, claims Telstra overstated its mobile network coverage by up to 40% over 15 years, misleading customers about actual reach.
• The complaint alleges Telstra's advertised 3 million km² coverage and 99.7% population reach rely on external antennas, not standard mobile devices.
• Telstra has updated its marketing materials to clarify that its maximum coverage figures require external antennas, following Vodafone's allegations.
• The ACCC is reviewing Vodafone's complaint but notes a lack of standardized guidelines for measuring and reporting mobile coverage across the industry.
• Consumer advocates warn that misleading coverage claims may have caused regional and remote customers to overpay for services based on perceived network superiority.