Telstra faces serious backlash following claims that it has overstated its mobile network coverage for over 15 years. According to a statement released Monday by Vodafone Australia, a subsidiary of TPG Telecom, Telstra’s advertised coverage has allegedly been exaggerated by 40%.
Vodafone says the overstated figures amount to nearly one million square kilometers of land where consumers cannot realistically access Telstra’s mobile network with a standard mobile device.
The heart of the allegation lies in Telstra’s repeated claims of providing 99.7% population coverage. Vodafone argues that this number is misleading and does not accurately represent the experience of everyday users, especially in remote and regional areas.
Network Coverage Debate Escalates Between Telcos
Vodafone further alleges that Telstra’s coverage comparisons with other providers are based on data that do not reflect normal usage. The company says Telstra’s measurements are skewed because they factor in the use of external antennas, which most regular consumers do not use or have access to.
“This is not a fair comparison,” Vodafone stated, pointing out that the misleading data may have influenced customer decisions for over a decade.
TPG Telecom, Vodafone’s parent company, has taken the matter to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The company is also weighing legal action against Telstra to hold the telecom giant accountable.
In a response to MT Newswires’ request for comment, Telstra denied the accusations outright. A company spokesperson labeled the allegations as “completely untrue.”
Telstra Defends Its Numbers, Cites Antenna Use
The Telstra spokesperson explained that the 3 million square kilometer coverage figure includes areas where customers use external antennas, which are especially common in rural and remote communities. “Many customers in regional and remote areas benefit from using external antennas to maximise their coverage,” the spokesperson said.
Telstra said it is now clarifying its marketing language following the public claims, emphasizing that its coverage statistics are based on antenna-boosted signals rather than mobile phone usage alone.
Vodafone’s move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing battle between Australian telecom providers. With trust on the line, the outcome of this dispute could lead to stricter advertising standards and greater scrutiny from regulators.
For now, Telstra’s reputation and coverage claims hang in the balance, as both consumers and watchdogs await further clarification and possible legal developments.
