When upgrading to a new Next G™ mobile, it's important that the Next G™ mobile and accessories you select are suitable for your location and match your existing phone style and car kit. This will help ensure similar coverage performance.
Like any other mobile network, Next G™ mobile telephone coverage depends on where you are, the mobile you are using and whether it has an external antenna attached.
The 'Blue Tick' symbol identifies handsets recommended for rural handheld coverage. It's displayed in Telstra Shops and Dealers and on this website to help you choose the right mobile to get the best coverage for your specific location.
Choosing the best Next G™ mobile and accessories for your needs
It's important to understand that different mobile phones have different capabilities and how each mobile phone performs on the network is dependent on both the network coverage and the particular device.
There are some important factors to consider when choosing a Next G™ mobile phone and/or accessories:
- whether you need to maximise your coverage experience
- where you will be using your mobile phone - metropolitan areas, regional areas or rural areas within the Next G™ network coverage area and
- whether you will be using it in:
- handheld mode or
- in a car with either:
- a directly coupled car kit with an external antenna or
- a patch lead with an external antenna.
Definitions of coverage areas
| Metropolitan areas | Greater Sydney, greater Melbourne and greater Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, Canberra and Hobart. |
| Regional areas | Those areas in and immediately around major regional centres and towns. |
| Rural areas | Those areas outside metropolitan and regional areas, within the Next G™ network coverage area. |
Handsets recommended for rural handheld coverage
To help you select the right mobile phone for your needs, Telstra
has a number of Next G™ mobiles that are recommended for rural handheld
coverage. These mobiles are recommended if you want to maximise your
coverage experience and are identified with the 'Blue Tick' symbol.
- see our range of Next G™ mobile phones
- see our range of pre-paid Next G™ mobile phones
Accessories that help maximise coverage
| If you use an external car kit
or antenna with your current device you should make a 'like for
like' upgrade to ensure that you can use an external antenna or
car kit with your new Next G™ device. Please note: Some hands free solutions do not provide an external antenna and therefore do not assist with improving coverage. |
| Directly-coupled car kits Directly-coupled car kits allow the phone to be directly connected to an external antenna on the outside of the vehicle. This provides significant additional coverage for Next G™ mobile phones and is important if you are using the service in some parts of the Next G™ network coverage area, such as rural and remote areas or along major highways. Even when you are in an area where handheld coverage is possible, an external antenna solution may also improve the coverage performance of your phone. To get the best reception, it is recommended you use a car kit that enables the antenna to connect directly into the phone ('directly-coupled' car kit). Please note: Not all car kits enable the direct connection of the antenna to the phone. |
| External Antennas A range of external antennas are available for maximising signal quality and range on vehicles. Antennas range in size and types and can improve coverage in the areas noted:
Antennas are most effective when directly connected to the phone via car kit or patch lead. Not all phone models will accept a car kit or patch lead. It is recommended that your antenna is installed on a car roof as this provides sufficient height and stops the car from blocking the signal. By simply getting an antenna outside of a car you may gain an increase of around 10 times in signal strength. See your local Telstra Shop or Telstra Dealer for assistance with picking the best antenna option for you as well as help with installation. |
| Patch Leads Patch leads are a cost effective alternative to a car kit and connect your mobile phone directly to an external antenna. This is a great option if you are changing vehicles because it means you don't have to purchase multiple car kits. Please note: Not all Next G™ mobile phones have directly-coupled car kits and patch leads available. Please visit your local Telstra Shop or Telstra dealer for assistance in choosing the best solution for your coverage needs. |
Next G™ network coverage
If you want to find out about the coverage in your area visit our coverage maps.
Like all mobile networks, to make sure you get the most from the Next G™ network, you need the right mobile phone and accessories. For more information about things to consider when choosing a Next G™ mobile phone, download Next G™ network coverage and you (PDF, 295KB). This is also displayed at Telstra Shops and Telstra dealers.
Coverage feedback (bright spots and black spots)
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