Vodafone accuses Telstra of mobile coverage claims – who’s telling the truth?
Vodafone alleges Telstra has overinflated the size of its mobile network by as much as 40% and asked for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to investigate further.
This news might be troubling for any Australian using the Telstra network.
Here's a simple recap of TPG-owned Vodafone's claims:
- According to Vodafone, Telstra has been 'misleading' customers for the past 15 years over the extent of its mobile coverage by as much as 40%.
- That's almost a million square kilometres where regular mobile phones won't work - about the same size as New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT put together.
- Until last month (16 April 2025), Telstra's website claimed "We've built Australia's largest and most mobile reliable network, covering 99.7% of the Australian population".
- It also stated, "Our mobile network covers more Australians over an area of 3 million square kilometres. That's 1 million square kilometres more than any other mobile network".
- However, as of 12 May 2025, the website was updated to "Covering 99.7% of the Australian population when using an external antenna" and "Our mobile network covers 1 million square kilometres more than any other mobile network".
- Vodafone says Telstra's claim overlooks that very few Aussies have this costly equipment, and that comparing its network as more than double Optus's and around three times Vodafone's isn't a like-for-like comparison.
- Vodafone and Optus base their network coverage claims on "outdoor coverage". This is the signal strength you would receive when using your mobile phone outdoors, without any special equipment.
- We've included images of Telstra's website before and after, as supplied by Vodafone - just scroll a bit to see them.
- The accusation is extended to Telstra's sub-brand Boost Mobile, which is the only small provider with access to the full Telstra network.
"This is alarming. It appears Telstra has tricked Australians into paying top dollar for coverage they simply can't get on a regular mobile phone," said Kieren Cooney, group executive consumer, data and analytics at TPG Telecom.
We are shocked that Telstra appears to have been overstating its coverage by so much for so long and we are calling on them to make it right.
"By overstating the coverage available to most Australians by such an enormous amount, Telstra and its resellers have no doubt retained customers or attracted customers that might otherwise have chosen Vodafone or other TPG Telecom brands such as TPG, Felix, Lebara and Kogan."
We've reached out to Telstra for comments and are waiting to hear back. We'll update you as soon as we learn more.
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What happens next in this Vodafone-Telstra clash?
TPG/Vodafone has flagged the case to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and is also thinking about taking legal action to make Telstra stop the behaviour and pay compensation.
According to ABC News, farmers and consumer advocates are also rallying for an ACCC investigation and want independent mapping of mobile coverage.
What does all of this mean for me?
Honestly, if you're using a SIM on the Telstra network and have had no issues, that's all that should matter.
This holds true even if you were on a mobile plan running on the Optus or Vodafone network.
"The real lesson from this stoush is that the only way you can check network reception where it matters to you is with someone else's phone on the network. Website claims won't get you very far. Don't stick with any provider just because you think they're the best - you could be missing out on a much better deal."
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