Telstra Accused of Decade-Long Mobile Coverage Deception

Australia's Telstra Faces Accusations of Misleading Mobile Coverage Claims Sydney, Australia – May 19, 2025 – A major dispute has erupted between two of Australia's largest telecommunication companies, Telstra and Vodafone, regarding claims of misleading mobile coverage information. Vodafone, owned by TPG, alleges that Telstra has overstated its network reach by approximately one million square kilometers for over a decade. This discrepancy, according to Vodafone, has resulted in many customers requiring costly additional equipment like specialized antennas to receive adequate service, incurring expenses of thousands of dollars. "Telstra has been untruthful with its coverage claims," a Vodafone spokesperson stated, highlighting the significant financial burden placed on consumers due to the inaccurate information. Telstra strongly refutes these accusations, asserting that any suggestion of misleading the public is entirely false. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the nation's competition watchdog, is currently reviewing the matter but has yet to make an official statement. This case underscores the critical need for transparency and accuracy in the telecommunications industry, ensuring that consumers receive reliable information about network coverage before committing to service plans. The outcome of the ACCC's investigation will be crucial in determining the validity of Vodafone's claims and the potential consequences for Telstra.