Australia's New Mobile Coverage Map Ratings Explained: Good, Moderate, Basic and No Coverage
By: Riza
Posted: 02 Jul 2026
Last Updated: 02 Jul 2026
Ever checked a mobile coverage map and wondered what it actually means?
You're not alone.
One provider says you have excellent coverage. Another says you're covered too. But in reality, you might still experience dropped calls, slow data speeds or patchy reception.
That's because, until now, mobile providers haven't always measured and displayed their coverage in the same way, making it difficult to compare networks fairly.
At Yomojo, we believe choosing a mobile plan should be simple. Understanding your coverage is just as important as finding the right data allowance or price, and these new standards give Australians a clearer picture of what to expect before they sign up.
So, what do Good, Moderate, Basic and No Coverage actually mean? Let's break it down.
Why are Australia's mobile coverage maps changing?
Coverage maps play a big role when choosing a mobile provider, but until now, some providers haven't always measured and displayed coverage the same way. This made it difficult to compare networks fairly.
Under new Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) rules, mobile providers must now use standardised coverage ratings, making it easier for Australians to compare mobile networks and understand what level of service they can realistically expect.
The four mobile coverage ratings explained
You don't need to understand signal strength or technical terms to know what kind of mobile experience to expect. The new coverage maps make it easier by using four simple ratings: Good, Moderate, Basic and No Coverage. Here's what each one means, along with the signal strength used to determine each rating.
Coverage Rating | What it means | Signal Strength |
|---|---|---|
 Good Coverage | Good coverage is exactly what it sounds like. In these areas, you can generally expect a strong and reliable mobile connection for everyday use. For most Australians, this is the level of coverage that delivers the best everyday mobile experience. | -95 dBm or stronger |
 Moderate Coverage | Moderate coverage still supports most everyday activities but may not be quite as consistent as Good coverage. However, your experience may vary depending on network congestion, your device, surrounding terrain and whether you're indoors or outdoors. | Between -95 dBm and -105 dBm |
 Basic Coverage | Basic coverage focuses on keeping you connected for essential communication. Activities that require faster data speeds, such as high-definition video streaming, large downloads or video conferencing, may be slower or unreliable. This level of coverage is more common in rural and remote areas where maintaining a connection is the priority. | Between -105 dBm and -115 dBm |
 No Coverage | No Coverage means there isn't enough signal for normal mobile services. Although a signal may occasionally appear due to changing conditions, it shouldn't be relied upon for everyday communication. | Below -115 dBm |
How are these ratings measured?
Each rating is based on mobile signal strength, using Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) for 4G and Synchronization Signal Reference Signal Received Power (SS-RSRP) for 5G.
By using the same standardised measurements, mobile providers can display coverage consistently, making it easier for Australians to compare networks and understand what level of coverage to expect.
Check your coverage before choosing a plan
At Yomojo, we believe choosing a mobile plan should be easy. That's why we welcome the new mobile coverage standards, which make it simpler to compare providers and understand the level of coverage you can expect before you sign up.
Whether you're at home, at work or travelling around Australia, knowing the difference between Good, Moderate, Basic and No Coverage can help you choose a plan that suits your needs.
Before choosing your next mobile plan, take a moment to check the latest coverage map for the places you use your phone most. With clearer and more consistent coverage ratings, you can compare providers with confidence and stay connected where it matters most.