Mobile network coverage maps standard

Under the standard, providers must publish mobile network coverage maps using:

• a predictive modelling methodology
• common coverage levels and descriptions. 

Providers must also clearly publish the assumptions and limitations in their maps. 

The standard requires them to ensure their mobile network coverage maps and information are current by reviewing them at least once every 3 months. If they become aware the information has changed, providers must update their maps and information.

Before the standard, providers used different assumptions and ways to present network coverage information. This made it hard for consumers to compare maps and understand the level of service that could be expected.

You can now compare coverage information across providers more consistently. This is because all providers must now follow the same set of rules when they create their map and information.

Under the standard, providers must publish maps showing their 4G and 5G mobile coverage across Australia using 4 standardised coverage levels:

• good 
• moderate 
• basic 
• no coverage.

These coverage levels are intended to provide an indication of the level and quality of coverage you might reasonably expect in a geographic area. The maps:

• provide general guidance only
• do not guarantee that you will always be able to connect, or that you will experience the quality of connection shown.

Each coverage level is summarised below.

Good: You can expect a high-quality user experience with seamless connectivity and performance.

• Voice: Very reliable connection with clear call quality. 
• SMS: Messages send and arrive quickly with a high success rate.
• Data: Fast and stable data suitable for HD video (streaming, and video calls) and online games.  

Moderate: You can expect a stable and consistent user experience with minimal disruptions to connectivity and performance.

• Voice: Reliable connection with clear call quality.
• SMS: Messages generally send and receive reliably. 
• Data: Suitable for everyday activities tasks like browsing and email. Supports higher-bandwidth applications such as video (streaming and calls) and online games.    

Basic: You can expect an adequate user experience with occasional disruptions to connectivity and performance.

• Voice: Generally reliable but some calls may fail or drop.
• SMS: Messages generally send and receive, but delivery may occasionally be delayed.
• Data: Basic browsing and email usually work, but speeds may be slow. Higher-bandwidth applications like video (streaming and calls) and online games may not perform as well as at other coverage levels.  

No coverage: There is no, or only very limited, predicted coverage in these areas. You should not expect or rely on any service. Any connection you may receive would be incidental, highly inconsistent and temporary, with very poor performance.

• Voice: Most call attempts are likely to fail. 
• SMS: Messages unlikely to be delivered.
• Data: Unreliable or unavailable.

Under the standard, the predictive coverage modelling methodology has certain assumptions and limitations:

• The mobile network coverage map shows where you are likely to be able to connect to a mobile network when outdoors and at ground level.
• The map provides general guidance only. It does not guarantee that you will always be able to connect, or that you will experience the quality of connection shown.
• The map does not apply if you are indoors or in a vehicle. Indoor coverage depends on building construction and where you are located inside the building.
• The map does not apply to phones or devices that are not properly configured or that are incompatible with the mobile networks.
• Not all network features and data speeds are possible on all phones or devices.

If, after considering the above limitations, you continue to have coverage issues, you may wish to contact your provider. 

If you have been unable to resolve a complaint with your provider, you can contact us about their compliance with the standard.