Proposal to make mobile coverage mapping standard

The draft standard published on 28 January 2026 contained an error in Table 1 of Schedule 2. The minimum 4G and 5G signal‑strength coverage threshold for 'Good’ coverage in line 1 (column 2) should be –95 dBm, not –85 dBm as previously shown. This error has now been corrected, and the draft standard is consistent with the figures proposed in the consultation paper.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused. 

The Telecommunications (Mobile Network Coverage Maps) Direction 2025 requires the ACMA to determine a standard about the way that mobile network coverage maps are produced and published. 

The standard is to be determined by 31 March 2026, and take effect from 30 June 2026. 

We have prepared the draft Telecommunications (Mobile Network Coverage Maps) Standard 2026, which requires mobile network operators (MNOs) to adopt a harmonised approach to modelling and presenting coverage. The draft standard proposes: 

1. A consistent set of coverage categories (good, moderate, useable and none) with accompanying consumer-facing descriptions that explain the level of service that can generally be expected. 
2. Defined signal-strength thresholds for 4G and 5G outdoor handheld coverage, based on RSRP and SSRSRP values. The proposed values are informed by international practice and findings from the National Audit of Mobile Coverage. 
3. Standardised modelling assumptions, including parameters relating to receiver characteristics, propagation environment and minimum mapping resolution, to improve comparability across operators. 
4. Mandatory caveats explaining key factors that influence mobile connectivity and the limitations of predictive coverage modelling. 
5. Requirements for publication, including accessibility considerations aligned with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2.  

The draft standard also requires MNOs to provide maps to Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) and for MVNOs to publish those maps on their websites. 

We welcome your feedback on the draft standard and questions set out in the consultation paper. 

Click on the 'Upload submission' button at the top of this page to send us your views. Details for submissions by post are in the consultation paper. 

We welcome your feedback by 5 pm (AEDT) on Sunday 1 March 2026.