Telstra's Next G reception in regional areas

[Joseph Hanlon]

Hi everyone,

There's no doubt that the shutting down of Telstra's CDMA network is the biggest event in mobile technology in Australia in recent times, and it's certainly stirred up enough controversy.

We're looking for feedback from members in regional areas of Australia affected by the shutdown to report on their experiences of switching to the Next G network.

We want to hear about all experiences; whether you are struggling for reception on the Next G network, experiencing complete black spots in some regions, as well as positive stories where your mobile phone reception may have improved or where you've had success with particular phone models, especially those on Telstra's 'blue tick' list.

Leave a post in this thread and be sure to tell us the region you are from, the Next G phone model you are using, and a comparison of your experience on the CDMA network.

We're hoping to map the areas of greatest disturbance and collect a list of common-sense tips and tricks and we need your help to do it!

[canberra_photographer]

Well, I don't live in a rural area, I live in Canberra. My work however does take me out of the metro areas often and into the wilderness... literally on occasion. So given no one's said anything yet, I'll get things started.

Firstly in Canberra. Despite being the nation's capital (or more realistically a city born of a rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne), Canberra is often treated no better than a regional center by major businesses. Luckily Telstra has decided to give use decent coverage in the suburbs and surrounding areas.
However, I did have trouble with signals in areas of harsh topography and away from major centres, areas around Queanbeyan and Captains Flat and in the Brindabellas. Areas where sporadic CDMA coverage exists yet nextG does not.. Perhaps the different frequency of nextG (which I though made the signal more robust) is a little more affected by topography.

In regional centres and on the major highways around NSW, I find coverage to be as good as with CDMA or sometimes better. But stray too far, heck even a little way from a major town like Cooma or Goulburn and away from the major highways like the Hume and Federal and you're on your own.

Overall, I've being pleased with coverage from nextG in metro areas and major regional centres. But coverage outside of these areas is spotty.

[Bullfrog]

Well it seems there are for and against. CP I would not doubt you for a minute with your experience however across the Nullabour in places like Ceduna from the WA border then in Streaky Bay where CDMA reception was reasonable befoe Next G reception lacks badly which to me proves Telstra's promise that Next G is just as good if not better than CDMA is nothing but a joke.

[Peter L]

Hi, This is how i see it. 3G has improved the quality of reception in rural SA as compared to the GSM/CDMA systems. The quality of the handsets and facilitites that are now provivded i.e weather, news finance were never available as I recall on CDMA and there does not appear to be anywhere near tha number of call drop outs with 3G. I got sick and tired of continually buying and paying for the installation of car kits and bought a $30 external aerial and patch lead and it is perfect for when I am travelling. I am not that important that I need to contacted 24/7 so on the occasion that I miss a call it is not difficult to return a call at a later time. I beleive I rule the phone, the doesnt rule me!!

[smallpond89]

I have another question for everyone out there that that still has CDMA, has there been any decline in your CDMA reception?
I've heard from some people that they have been losing CDMA coverage where they used to have it. Still, that's just word of mouth.

[boatsmart519]

Gday,Ihave a CDMA phone that works just fine I live @ Shute Harbour Central Queensland Two Gentalmen That Live above me both have next G phones Both of them Have to go out side to get any sort of reception .Now tey are telling me Ihave to buy a new phone for three times the price ,worse reception because tey are shutting down CDMA Ithought this was a democratic socity.

[alan westerman]

Why has my CDMA reception gone backwards(almost non existent)?Next G does NOT work at King Ash Bay NT(gulf of Carpentaria),just ask the numerous visitors who come here.Telstra's advertising "service where you want it when you want it" is a blatant lie.I've let my wallet do the talking,I've unsubscribed.I'll sign up with another carrier,when they can acctually provide a SERVICE, that I pay for.Vodafone & Optus I'm ready & waiting.I don't even use their landline phone service,if i can avoid it,i have Voip.

[sambo505]

Ihave both a CDMA and NextG phone and still cant get any reception unless i drive about 15kms ,about the CDMA reception getting worse this is true! I have noticed that i cant get reception in places I could just 1 month ago.When you buy a pre-paid NextG phone Teltsra has taken out the data suits????? whats the point of that? now I have to pay more money just to get the CD and cable .I bought the LG TU500 outright whats the point of being on a plan when you cant get any reception?.My CDMA is a LGTD6100 which in my opion was a better phone all round and came with all the dada suite,chargers and even car chrager for at least $100 less .So far Next g is a complete flop here( Dorrigo north coast NSW) about 90kms from Coffs Harbour inland.One last thing the new LGTU500 is NOT compatable with Vista!!!! go figure eh? Boo Telstra bring on the competition PLEASE

[sambo505]

fogot to mention the LG TU500 had the blue rural tick! what a joke

[Telstrasux]

I live on the Gold Coast QLd, I'm in a Next G Zone. I can't get a reception of Next G inside my house . I have to step outside to make a phone call or send to an sms. Most of the time it's in Roaming mode and calls cost me 49cents per 30 sec.
I dread to think what more westerly areas will be charged. The zones are too small for Telstra to cut the other Option.
They do what they want anyway we have no say, even as a share holder.