TPG Telecom has publicly challenged Telstra over what it calls grossly inflated mobile network coverage claims, accusing the telecom giant of overstating its footprint by nearly one million square kilometres. TPG has asked regulators to step in and is also considering legal action.
At the center of the dispute is Telstra’s practice of including areas in its coverage map where service is only possible with the use of external antennas or powered repeaters. These devices can be purchased by users in remote areas to improve signal reception. TPG, campaigning under its Vodafone brand, argues this gives Telstra an unfair advantage in marketing, as it misleads customers into believing their mobile coverage is more extensive than it actually is.
In a statement, TPG alleged Telstra has misrepresented its network reach for over 15 years, potentially exaggerating its coverage by up to 40%. According to TPG, Telstra and its Boost Mobile brand have been presenting coverage maps that suggest service is available across an area roughly equivalent to the combined size of New South Wales, Victoria, and the ACT—despite the average phone being unable to access the network without additional equipment.
TPG’s Kieren Cooney called the situation “alarming,” claiming customers have been paying premium prices based on misleading information. Despite TPG’s repeated efforts to get Telstra to revise its advertised coverage, little has changed.
Telstra has responded with a blog post acknowledging its inclusion of areas that require antennas but defending the practice. Telstra executive Channa Seneviratne stated that there is no industry-wide standard for defining mobile coverage and that many rural users rely on external equipment to access services.