Vodafone has made allegations against Telstra, claiming the telco has been misleading customers about its mobile network coverage for over a decade.
*This article compiled with the assistance of Google Gemini AI with fact checking by A.Ritenis
Vodafone has made allegations against Telstra, claiming the telco has been misleading customers about its mobile network coverage for over a decade. Specifically, Vodafone alleges that Telstra overstated its geographic coverage by up to 40%, which translates to nearly one million square kilometers, roughly the size of New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory combined.
– Misleading Coverage Claims:
-Telstra’s website previously claimed its network covered 99.7% of the Australian population and 3 million square kilometers of land. However, Vodafone argues that these claims are based on using a special external antenna and powered repeater, which most customers don’t have.
– Unfair Comparison: Vodafone claims Telstra’s coverage claims are not comparable to other telcos, as they use different methods to measure coverage. Vodafone and Optus base their claims on “outdoor coverage,” which reflects the signal strength customers would typically receive without special equipment.
– Impact on Consumers*: The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) supports Vodafone’s allegations, stating that if true, regional consumers who paid for Telstra’s services believing they had reliable coverage might feel “betrayed”.
Telstra’s Response:
– Updated Website Claims: Telstra has updated its website to clarify that its 99.7% coverage claim requires an external antenna.
– Defense: Telstra argues that its coverage claims are not misleading, stating that many customers in regional areas benefit from using external antennas to maximize their coverage.
Investigation:
– ACCC Involvement: Vodafone has requested the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to investigate Telstra’s coverage claims. The ACCC has confirmed it’s considering the claims but hasn’t confirmed an investigation.
References/Sources used in this Post which was compiled with the use of Google Gemmin AI
https://aapnews.aap.com.au/
