Telstra have the Sony Ericsson Cedar for $49 (including $10 credit) delivered on their prepaid phones site at the moment. This phone is top ranked by them for rural tick-ness (along with the much more expensive Blackberry Torch).
These are the only two phones that they say this about:
'Recommended for customers who want to maximise their coverage. This may be because they live or work outside of regional centres and towns, or in rural locations, or simply need a device with the maximum coverage capability'.
It's a pretty basic phone with smallish keys and (according to reviews) average audio quality. If handheld Next G coverage is your primary concern it might be worth it.
Telstra Next G
Made with casing that includes recycled plastics
Charger with energy saving standby mode
2 Megapixel camera
FM Radio and Media Player
Chat view Text messaging
doesn't seem to be on sale…
is this cheaper than at other places?