Optus 3G network coverage claims irk Telstra

In an angry tirade, Telstra Country Wide Group Managing Director, Geoff Booth, challenged Optus to have its 3G network coverage ‘independently audited’ to back up claims that it now reaches 85 percent of Australia’s population.

Booth went on to say that the numbers ‘proved Optus was not going head-to-head with Telstra and in all likelihood never would be.’

"We suggest Optus considers putting its hand up for a thorough, independent audit of its coverage and coverage maps, much like the one our Next G network underwent ahead of the closure of the CDMA network, to see how its claims stack up against reality," Booth said.

Booth claimed the ‘reality’ is that Optus’ 3G network is ‘miniscule in comparison’ to Telstra Next G – and that Optus can only hope to cover 98 per cent of the population in 2009, something that Telstra already claims to have achieved.

But Optus has responded to iTNews, saying it is 'on track to reach 96 percent of the population by end 2008 and 98 percent by 2009'.

"Telstra is threatened by the fact that Optus’ 3G mobile network is rapidly expanding," an Optus spokesperson told iTNews.

"While Telstra is busying itself issuing media statements, Optus is getting on with the job of bringing real choice and competition to more Australians."