New requirements for telcos to publish better, clearer and more consistent mobile coverage maps are on their way.
These rules will give Australians a way to compare coverage between mobile network providers and stop inconsistencies between existing coverage maps published by telcos.
Following a direction from the Minister for Communications Anika Wells, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has today published a new industry standard that mandates how mobile network operators publish their mobile coverage maps. Telcos must comply with the new rules by 30 June 2026.
Improved mapping will help Australians better understand what coverage they can expect wherever they are - and where they should be able to make a Triple Zero call if needed.
The new standard complements the work the Albanese Government is doing to improve the quality and accuracy of information available to Australians about their mobile services, with the National Audit of Mobile Coverage already underway.
This measure complements a separate new ACMA standard that broadens requirements for telcos to keep a register of network outages - further strengthening the sector's transparency and accountability.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, Anika Wells:
"People should know what they're getting when they sign-up with a provider and this improved mapping will make it easier for customers to make informed decisions about the communications services they rely on.
"There are longstanding problems with the quality and comparability of mobile coverage maps published by the telcos, and the Government is putting a stop to this mess.
"This will help to ensure telecommunications services are working for Australians and supports our ongoing work to strengthen access to and oversight of Triple Zero.
"This new standard is not set and forget. It is imperative that ACMA continue this important work to improve and refine coverage maps and rules over time, including to reflect new technologies, experience and data.
"This is a win for Australian consumers."
