CDMA/Next G coverage complaints to spike on Tuesday 29th April?

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Thursday, 24 April 2008 08:55

Opinion and Analysis

With the Australian CDMA network due to close by midnight on Monday the 28th of April, concerns still swirl that the Next G network isn’t providing adequate coverage for soon to be ex-CDMA customers. What should affected users urgently do?

An article in the Donnybrook-Bridgetown Mail newspaper has quoted Federal Member for Forrest, Nola Marino as saying she was “still receiving complaints from people in her electorate – particularly Donnybrook, Balingup, Nannup and Bridgetown” from new Next G users who feel they aren’t receiving equivalent coverage.

According to the article, Ms Marino has “called on Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Stephen Conroy, to show the evidence that Telstra has met its contract requirements.”

Although the Next G network provides mobile phone coverage in hundreds of places where CDMA and GSM coverage was not previously available, it would seem that some areas with previously adequate CDMA coverage are still experiencing Next G coverage issues.

Telstra say that the $60 million per year it will save from no longer having to run the CDMA network frees up money to spend on further improving the new Next G network to expand and enhance its coverage.

Given that squeaky wheels are often recipients of grease, it’s important to let Telstra know of any problems you may be having in coverage with Next G and to continue communicating with Telstra until you feel your problems are solved.

To that end, the Donnybrook-Bridgetown Mail article quotes Ms Marino “urging all South West residents who have an unresolved issue to contact Telstra’s free hotline on 1800 888 888, and if the issue remains unresolved, the Federal Communications Department should be contacted on 1800 883 448.”

So, does Ms Marino really believe Telstra has kept its word to help affected consumers? Please read onto page 2.