009/07 27 February 2007

Audit of Telstra CDMA coverage complete

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan today announced that the first of two national coverage audits has now been completed as part of Telstra’s transition from CDMA to its new third generation (Next G™) mobile network.

“The Australian Government welcomes Telstra’s early upgrade to its ‘Next G™’ mobile network, which the carrier announced will see the world’s first 200km cell range and significantly higher speeds to extend the capacity of the network,” Senator Coonan said.

“However, the Government is also mindful of Telstra ensuring there is a smooth transition to the new network for its customers, particularly those living in rural, regional and remote areas.”

The Minister established a working group which is currently considering other issues relating to the transition, such as the information Telstra provides to customers, handset availability, coverage, and contractual matters. Telstra now has six handset choices for the Next G™ mobile network and has been providing its current CDMA customers with information on their options.

“An independent audit comparing Next G™ coverage with CDMA coverage is a key part of verifying Telstra’s public assurance that it will not shut down the CDMA network until Next G™ provides the same or better coverage and services,” Senator Coonan said.

“Even if this assurance is met, Telstra has stated that the CDMA network will not be switched off before 28 January 2008”.

The process for the independent coverage audit was developed in 2006 and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has now completed its audit of CDMA at a representative selection of nearly 100 sites across the country.

They include flat, mountainous and average terrain, wet rice-growing country and river flats. Sites include city and regional centres, but particularly focus on rural, regional and remote areas.

The field tests and analysis of CDMA coverage was the first of two national audits to be completed this year. The second national audit will test coverage of the Next G™ network and this will occur once Telstra advises that the new network is fully deployed. The timing of this phase is flexible and will begin once the new network is ready for testing.

Media Contact: Jane McMillan - 0438 690 305
www.minister.dcita.gov.au