The fact that Telstra is said to have a significantly superior mobile coverage in regional and remote areas of Australia than its competitors has long been one of its major selling points to grey nomads.
However, caravanners and motorhomers seeking to stay in contact while out in the bush may soon have other options. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has just released a discussion paper asking industry and consumers whether it should ‘declare’ domestic mobile roaming services
If it were to go ahead, it would force Telstra to let its competitors, such as Optus and Vodafone, use its mobile network in places where they don’t have coverage.
ACCC chairman Rod Sims said the inquiry would investigate what barriers stop other telcos from expanding into the country.
“Consumers are increasingly relying on mobile services and the issue of coverage and a lack of choice in some regional areas is a particular issue that has been raised by a number of groups,” he said. “There has been significant interest in the questions around access to mobile networks and mobile roaming.”
Not surprisingly, Telstra – which has spent a fortune on its mobile network in the regions – is not impressed.
“Declaring mobile roaming would stop coverage being a differentiator in the Australian market and therefore, remove the key rationale for investment in regional Australia for all operators,” said Telstra Group Executive Corporate Affairs, Dr Tony Warren, in a statement. “Where there is lack of choice of operators for regional Australians, it is the result of decisions by our competitors to not invest in those areas. Declaration would ensure there is no incentive for any operator to invest for competitive reasons in many regional areas.”
I am on Vodafone and some of our travels we don’t have coverage for quite are few days which is annoying but would love it to have coverage in the outback
It would be hard to see Telstra continuing to install new mobile towers in remote areas if they are forced to allow all other operators use their facilities. The losers will be the people in remote areas. Of course it costs more to use a provider with a better coverage. Why would people expect expect full “Telstra” coverage when they chose a cheaper plan?
Typical public servant thinking – Oh, you’ve spent millions developing a product and system that differentiates you from your opposition?
That’s fine – just give it to your competitors for nothing!
If you want coverage – support Telstra!
If you don’t want to support Telstra, don’t expect to get the coverage. Simple.
Until there is a huge public response to the poor telecommunication service across the length and breadth of this country, the telcos will continue to exploit the general population with poor service and huge charges for the minimum service. The large service providers depend on public apathy hence their success for minimal costs and contribution.
A bit of competition for Telstra and they might pick up their game.
Provided that the universal distress number is available to all, Telcos, other than Telstra, must either accept that they have limited coverage or either construct or rent bandwidth. Any move to claim that Telstra is acting anti-competitively would be a real stretch. I don’t love Telstra but natural justice must prevail.
What a Joke.
Telcos can’t even supply a service to many inner regional areas, let alone outback destinations….Sheesh !
I’ve used Telstra for over 40 yrs. Landline.
and from the old “brick” onwards.
We have always travelled. work and pleasure.
They are the only ones that have put their hands in pocket and forked out to give us “regional” service. Why should others make a profit from that.
Let THEM fork out and compete too.
In metro areas. the others (to a point) give all you want, and cheaper.
I tried but stick to Telstra for reliability mainly.
It’s always there no matter where I call
both here and O/S (family.
The few times I’ve had a problem. Telstra have fixed. with reimbursement when applicable.
My ADSL2+ has been playing up (area) for over 12 months.
Only true cure is NBN or satelite.
so they keep updating the line and only charging me 1\2 price for the bill till NBN here.
We’re just on the edge of a “blind spot”.
Alternative is a Sat service at ADSL2 pricing.
Nah. I’ll wait.
You can’t ask for better than that.
Regular short dropouts and keeps slowing down.
quick ph call fixes.10 min’s max.
I have a direct line to the person who does it for us.
Vodaphone has a handset on bottom of bay in Cooktown. Optus has a flat one under a railcar wheels in Vict.
If anybody wants TRUE service over Australia.
The ONLY way to get it.
is a mixed service handset and contract for Satelite. that operates on Mobile services when avail. Sat when not.
pricing to suit.
We are a big bit of dirt here. it will take a combined effort of all telco’s together (which ain’t gonna happen.
to get full cover all over.
Telstra doing. while others hoping they will be MADE to share.
which is wrong.
You want you pay. as in all stages of life
I know quite a few people on Telstra. None apart from one. have any real problems.
Niggles occasionally but fixed on a ph call.
Don’t understand why so many seem to.
Attitudes maybe?.
I always have a smile in my voice and face.
99% of time I get same back.
Just remember.
it’s the service you complaining about.
That person is just on a wage taking a message.
Could be YOUR daughter.
BE NICE, and have it returned..