Sarah over at our sister site Lifehacker had this up yesterday, but the new Rudd Government isn’t satisfied that Telstra’s NextG network provides adequate coverage for rural Australia. So what do they do? They step in to postpone the telco’s proposed shut-off date for their CDMA network.
So if you are a bushy not prepared to make the move to NextG, you now have until April 28 (it was supposed to shut down on January 28) to enjoy making mobile phone calls before your already limited coverage disappears faster than you can say, “hello” into a now-useless mobile phone.
On a side note, I can’t help but think that this move by the government is going to strain their relationship with Telstra over their proposed new broadband network.
[Lifehacker — Thanks Sarah!]
Quixand
January 23, 2008 at 10:59 AM
No strictly true.
The NextG network in itself is actually providing as good or better (generally better) coverage throughout Australia than CDMA.
The issue as I understand it is that the handsets some remote customers use are not up to the task, having been designed for city use rather than country, where their smaller internal antennas don’t function as well.
Using the correct (blue tick for country areas) handsets, and external antennas where necessary as many CDMA users currently do solves this issue.
The delay is to resolve these issues with small number of customers, and transition those who have chosen to stay with CDMA despite its imminent closure.
And yes, I do work for Telstra :-)
Report PermalinkJohn
January 23, 2008 at 2:13 PM
yep that’s exactly right and if you are having probe with the NextG you can call 1800 888 888
Report Permalinkkevin
January 23, 2008 at 2:15 PM
Yeeaahhh righht! That “small number” is about 680,000 isn’t it?? And, yes, I don’t work for Telstra.
K
Report PermalinkJosh
January 23, 2008 at 4:15 PM
well my farming parents were only able to get a signal from one of 2 hills on our farm. Now they’ve switched over to NextG they’re getting reception all over.
Even though it does work though, handing over Telstra to a private company which now controls pretty much the entire Australian telephone infrastructure is the dumbest move since the Iraq war, Telstra are trying to jack the price of ADSL some $30 a month for new faster plans they’re trying to launch.
Report PermalinkQuixand
January 23, 2008 at 5:57 PM
I’m sorry Kevin, did something I say offend you in some way? As far as I can see, I presented the information I know. I don’t know exactly how many CDMA customers remain. Most people don’t.
Please leave your sarcasm at the door. Thanks.
Report PermalinkRooBoy
January 23, 2008 at 7:53 PM
I’ve used Vodafone and Optus in Australia and they both have crap coverage compared to Telstra.. yes they are cheaper plans, but you get what you pay for.. I would love a better cap plan.. well ANY cap plan with Telstra, but I woulf rather pay a premium and know I can make/receive calls when I need to. Optus and Vodafone just can’t compete for coverage.
Report Permalink