Planning to become a "nomad". Apart from Telstra/Boost having the best coverage, which phones reputably pick up signal the best or stongest? I presume this has something at least to do with aerial quality.
If Android, prefer models with the least bloatware. Never used Apple but prepared to be convinced.
Best Phone Reception for Outback
Bill48 on 26/04/2021 - 12:33
Comments
for my boss, who lives in eastern suburbs, anything west of glebe is outback :P
They all work differently in different areas. None work perfectly everywhere.
We did a bit of a 'test' at Rawnsley Park, some Samsungs worked better in some areas than some others, and vice versa.. All were Telstra users.Your best arse covering backup is get yourself a Satphone if you want best coverage and keep your normal phone for general use..
https://www.telstra.com.au/coverage-networks/network-coverag…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz3rxv7kyyQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFJfrH6Pph4If you want complete coverage then a satellite phone service would be best for emergencies.
Make sure you have VoLTE working, and your phone supports all the necessary Bands…
your phone supports all the necessary Bands…
Like Slipknot.
Nickleback?
I actually lol’d at a JV joke…
If you are relying it for emergency, look into getting a Satellite phone sleeve that attaches to your phone. I think you can buy it upfront and get a PAYG plan where you only pay if you make calls.
Never knew about that. Thanks.
Something to consider is that Telstra network operators (Boost, ALDI etc) get the same coverage, often for a cheaper price. I work remote and most people think Telstra is their only carrier option.
Not all resellers use the whole network.
It's intentional kept secret/confusing!
As you say you are going nomad, so guessing you will be travelling for a longer time, so you can also boost your signal with these types of devices. As xuqi above says - so its worth looking at their first link for more details. Repeated here.
https://www.telstra.com.au/coverage-networks/network-coverag…
Only HF radio will give you guaranteed coverage wherever you are.
The good ones will let you make and receive telephone calls via HF, plus GPS tracking, email, etc., plus direct access to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Police in emergencies.
Some (not all) of them:
https://aussiehf.club/
https://austravelsafetynet.org.au/
https://www.hfradioclub.com.au/
https://vks737.radio/I have been out of the industry for a few years, so can't suggest one over the other.
Cup and string..
Telstra blue tick devices are the best. There are some random places where Optus is better, like the Gibb River Road in the Kimberly. But twists is definitely better overall.
We carry a pre paid satellite phone for emergencies, too. We put credit on it when we're going remote. But we can always call 000 from it even without credit. It's an Inmarsat phone.
twists = telstra. Bloody autocorrect.
If buying a phone, do so from a ‘regional town’, they will actually know which mobile works (not just because it says so on the box!
Have two SIM cards, as when I did the eastern half of Oz a few years ago, we found that Optus are putting up coverage for very specific locations (example Glen Helen NT, population 150? and Telstra had no coverage). Saying that when on the road, 2 km out of town and Optus would have zero… 6 km out of town and Telstra would have zero…. so for the next 200km you where travelling back in time to the 1980’s!Thanks everyone for really helpful advice.
Am I able to save this page along with the active links?
Depends what your definition of "outback" is. Check the mobile coverage maps.
If you're going to be in the middle of nowhere, it might be worthwhile investing in a satellite phone and/or UHF/VHF radios. Also learn to use it before you set out.