General News
12 July, 2026
Different maps, but the same coverage
TELSTRA says its mobile coverage of the region remains unchanged after new rules from last week requiring maps showing real service levels.
TELSTRA says its mobile coverage of the region remains unchanged after new rules from last week requiring maps showing real service levels.
The major telco says that while maps might look different, its network and coverage have not changed.
Loddon residents continue to question the strength of 4G and 5G service with stretches of Calder Highway and Loddon Valley Highway, some close to Bendigo, regularly down.
A Telstra spokesperson said: “Under the new standard, our predicted coverage footprint is more than 2.14 million square kilometres. By their own numbers, our competitor’s networks cover 1.2 million sq kilometres – Telstra’s network is more than 900,000 square kilometres larger than any other network under the new standard. That’s an area greater than the total size of New South Wales.
“Our updated coverage maps are now available on Telstra.com and can be searched by address or location. Customers can zoom in to see predicted 4G and 5G coverage in specific areas.
“Importantly, our network along the Calder Highway or anywhere else has not changed. If customers are experiencing a change in service, we encourage them to contact us so we can investigate. Mobile performance can vary based on factors such as the device being used, local conditions and how a device moves between coverage areas while travelling,” they said.
Mallee MP Anne Webster said the Coalition welcomed a new national mobile coverage mapping standard in force from last Wednesday which requires all telcos to publish clear, comparable 4G and 5G coverage maps based on real service levels.
Shadow minister for communications and digital safety, Senator Sarah Henderson, said for the first time Australians could better distinguish between where a phone might show a signal and where it can reliably make a call, send a message or access data.
“Under the definition of ‘usable coverage’, Telstra’s footprint reduces by as much as 860,000 square kilometres, roughly the size of New South Wales,” she said. “However, the Coalition is concerned the mapping might still be imperfect, as academic analysis suggests it relies on predictive modelling, not actual.”
Read More: Loddon Shire