Mobile service...

Hi Jill.

We have always stuck with Telstra.

They market (as do Optus) phones that are designed to work better in more remote areas eg. the bush. Telstra calls them "Blue Tick" phones and they have a better antenna installed in them.

Have a look at the following website for more info.

https://www.whistleout.com.au/MobilePhones/Guides/telstra-blue-tick-best-phones-for-the-bush

Cheers,

Mike

I have a Telstra and my wife has an Optus plan, it covers most areas where there is service. The entire Oodnadatta Track is only Optus funnily enough. Michael

Boost has identical coverage to Telstra, other than 5G which is only in the city CBD generally.

Also a Telstra phone less than about 4 years old, on Telstra or Boost will also make or receive calls on any wifi service.
VoWiFi

Essentially there are only two networks worth considering Jill. Telstra (/Boost - which is full Telstra network) has the best overall coverage but in a few remote and country areas (and some parts of our cities) Optus fills the gaps or may have a stronger signal.

For emergencies, phones will use whatever network is available (dial 112 or 000).
ACMA Emergency Call Info

Both OPTUS and Telstra have network maps showing their coverage.

If you're worried or want maximum coverage you could carry a second (OPTUS) SIM or a backup phone.

Telstra. No contest.

You will be surprised sometimes when you find coverage.

I have a dual sim phone, both a Telstra and an Optus sim. That's the best you can do. I'm surprised at the number of times I've had to call someone back on the Optus sim because the Telstra one was dropping out. Telstra is best, but if there is a black spot, Optus have been smart enough to plug the gap in a lot of places. BTW, I hate dealing with Optus at any level so I use Moose Mobile for better support and cheaper plans and they use the Optus network.

On my 1st trip 20 plus years ago, I had optus, it only worked in or close to towns
Since then, I been solely telstra and you can often get reception in out of the way locations
Last year, I was in Maree SA (Birdsville track) and they only had optus but Telstra commissioned 5g the week I left

there are many places on the black top where you have very poor service. I drove from Tin Can Bay 50 kms to Rainbow beach. only had service close to each town

When we arrived in Australia for our 10 month trip last year, we asked around, and bought a Telstra SIM. No problems, but nothing to compare against, I guess. We have a satphone too for emergencies (never used it, at least not in Australia).

You can check coverage on the Telcos webpages. If there is no coverage you can check Dept. of Communications mobile black spot page to see if there is planned coverage.

Thanks everyone. I really appreciated your efforts in responding. We’re already Telstra customers but had been recommended Boost as a possible alternative. Interesting one of my responses mention this mob too. I tried to ring them....and like all call centres at the moment they won’t talk to you. Cheers. Happy travelling this great country when we’re all allowed!

Yes - Telstra or Boost. Forget Vodaphone unless you are on a populated beach or live within half a kilometre of the coast. I recently did a solo trip from Cairns to Maralinga and return. Route via Winton, Birdsville Lyndhurst, then Porta Gutter, Ceduna etc. First reception I got after leaving Cairns was Port Augusta, it did also work at Ceduna and surprisingly Iron Knob also. Glad I did not need assistance. That was the last straw, diched the 12 month contract early at a loss as it was useless. Got a 12 month pre-paid with Boost for $150. Organised it on-line.

Saw no more Warren, it is what we have come to expect of bureaucracy. Lots of examples of stupidity in Government.