iphone on nextg in regional areas?

Probably because its so new.

If the phone is purchased from Telstra and sold as Next G compatible then it will work wherever the Next G network operates.
External aerial will always assist with better reception.
Ask Telstra if the phone has provision for connecting a external aerial.

I'm interested in this as well. My choice is currently between an E51, iphone or maybe a 6120 or E71.
I read one post on whirlpool which mentioned the iphone getting a slightly better signal from a THB cradle.
I don't think any of these phones have a direct external aerial connection but most can benefit from one of the "inductive" (?) cradles.

As the iPhone is sold by carriers other than Telstra then your are not on NextG but on 2G or 3G which are completely different when it comes to coverage. Your carrier will be Optus or someone other than Telstra so check their website where they will have coverage maps. Having attended a presentation by Optus the other day on their network rollout and coverage for the next couple of years then I can say it will improve but not off the main roads. But that is about as much as Telstra provide anyway.

For example Hawker in the Flinder Ranges is one of the few places where NextG phones will work and if you drive out of town around 20 minutes then you will have no signal. That is why we always have our satellite phone in the car.

Regards

RobAck

Not all NextG phones have equal reception - that's why they're recommended for different areas -

- Mettropolitan
- Regional Centres
- Away from Regional Centres.

Those with the Blue Tick can work in the most remote areas.

IMO the "Blue Tick "feature is not worth too much consideration.

Basically, it identifies mobile phones that provide "direct coupling" to an external aerial.

Some phones, such as the Nokia 6120 use an inductive coupler built in to the car cradle to provide conection to an external aerial. The loss through this type of connection is marginable and the phone is an excellent performer in regional areas in my experience and from comments read on this forum.

Even though a phone may be "directly coupled" via a patch lead to the aerial, does not guarantee a superior performer to an inductive coupled device. The phone itself may still be a lemon, but because it has direct coupled capability, it will be given a blue tick by Telstra.
What rubbish.
In fact the more important issue is where the external aerial is located on the vehicle, to give the best reception and transmission capabilities.

Bill.