ACCC Warns Telcos Over Misleading Mobile Coverage Claims As New Map Rules Begin

The ACCC has put Australia’s mobile providers on notice over misleading coverage claims, as new rules force telcos to publish clearer and more consistent 4G and 5G coverage maps.

The new mobile coverage map standard, introduced by the ACMA, requires operators to publish consistent, standardised coverage maps across Australia.

The new maps assess 4G and 5G voice, SMS and data services using a standardised signal-strength model, with coverage ranked as good, moderate, basic or unavailable.

Telstra has disputed the baseline used for “no coverage” after its mapped footprint fell by about 860,000 square kilometres.

The maps must also be updated at least every three months to reflect changes in network coverage.

ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said the new standard was an important step because it would give consumers a more realistic picture of mobile service quality.

“This new Standard is an important step because it will provide consumers with coverage maps showing varying levels of coverage quality in different areas,” Lowe said.

“The maps will reflect where consumers can reasonably expect reliable service, rather than simply where a signal might be available.”

The competition watchdog said reliable coverage remained critical, particularly in regional, rural and remote Australia, where mobile services are often relied on for emergency access and essential communication.

While the new standard applies to coverage maps, it does not directly regulate broader geographical coverage claims used in advertising or promotional material.

However, the ACCC warned telcos that it expects those claims to align with their published coverage maps.

The regulator said it would consider whether future coverage claims matched the standardised maps when assessing complaints about potentially misleading conduct.

The ACCC has also closed its investigation into a May 2025 complaint from TPG Telecom about Telstra’s geographical coverage claims, including Telstra’s statement that its mobile network “covers more Australians over an area of 3 million square kilometres”.

The watchdog said it would not take further action at this time, citing technical complexity and evidentiary challenges, partly because the claims were made before there was a consistent way to assess mobile coverage.

Lowe said the regulator remained concerned about patchy service and coverage map accuracy.

“We will continue to consider providers’ claims about coverage and will take enforcement action where appropriate,” she said.