{"id":"F2026L00381","name":"Telecommunications (Mobile Network Coverage Maps) Industry Standard 2026","slug":"telecommunications-mobile-network-coverage-maps-industry-standard-2026","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":107995,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2026L00381-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"Part 1","sectionType":"part","heading":"Preliminary","content":"# Part 1—Preliminary\n\n## 1 Name\n\n  This instrument is the Telecommunications (Mobile Network Coverage Maps) Industry Standard 2026.\n\n## 2 Commencement\n\n> Note: This instrument commences at the start of the day after the day it is registered.\n\n## 3 Authority\n\n  This instrument is made under subsection 125AA(1) of the Act and in accordance with the Direction.\n\n> Note: The Direction was given to the ACMA by the Minister under subsection 125AA(4) of the Act. The Direction can be accessed, free of charge, on the Federal Register of Legislation: www.legislation.gov.au.\n\n## 4 Application and purpose\n\n  (1) For the purpose of subsection 125AA(1) of the Act, this instrument applies to the section of the telecommunications industry consisting of:\n    (a) Mobile Network Operators; and\n    (b) Mobile Virtual Network Operators;\n  that supply Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Services.\n  (2) This instrument:\n    (a) deals with the preparation and publication of mobile network coverage maps by Mobile Network Operators and Mobile Virtual Network Operators that represent to the public, their customers and prospective customers, network coverage information about the Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Services which they supply or offer to supply; and\n    (b) is intended to give effect to the objectives set out in subsection 7(1) of the Direction.\n\n## 5 Definitions\n\n  (1) In this instrument:\n\n> 4G means fourth generation cellular telecommunications network technology.\n\n> Note: 4G uses technologies such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE) that conform to the ‘International Mobile Telecommunications’ or IMT framework developed by the International Telecommunication Union and implemented through technical specifications developed by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). More information about IMT and 3GPP could, at the time of making this instrument, be accessed, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int and from the 3GPP’s website at www.3gpp.org.\n\n> 5G means fifth generation cellular telecommunications network technology.\n\n> Note: 5G uses technologies such as New Radio (NR) that conform to the ‘International Mobile Telecommunications’ or IMT framework developed by the International Telecommunication Union and implemented through technical specifications developed by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). More information about IMT and 3GPP could, at the time of making this instrument, be accessed, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int and from the 3GPP’s website at www.3gpp.org.\n\n> Act means the Telecommunications Act 1997.\n\n> AMSA means the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.\n\n> Custodian has the same meaning as in the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999.\n\n> customer means a person who has an agreement with a Mobile Network Operator or a Mobile Virtual Network Operator for the supply of a Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Service.\n\n> Direction means the Telecommunications (Mobile Network Coverage Maps) Direction 2025.\n\n> emergency service organisation has the same meaning as in subsection 147(11) of the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999.\n\n> mobile network coverage map: see subsection 7(1).\n\n> Mobile Network Operator means a carrier or carriage service provider that operates a telecommunications network to supply Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Services.\n\n> Mobile Virtual Network Operator means a carriage service provider, other than a Mobile Network Operator, who supplies Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Services.\n\n> network coverage information, for a mobile network coverage map: see subsections 7(3) and (4).\n\n> NSW Telco Authority means the New South Wales Government Telecommunications Authority established by the Government Telecommunications Act 2018 (NSW).\n\n> Note: The Government Telecommunications Act 2018 (NSW) could, at the time of making this instrument, be accessed free of charge from the NSW legislation website at www.legislation.nsw.gov.au.\n\n> predictive coverage modelling assumptions means:\n\n    (a) the signal-strength coverage thresholds for 4G and 5G outdoor mobile phone coverage specified in Table 1 in Part 1 of Schedule 1; and\n    (b) the standardised modelling assumptions (methodology parameters and associated values) specified in Table 2 in Part 1 of Schedule 1.\n\n> Predictive Coverage Modelling Methodology: see subsection (2).\n\n> Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Service has the same meaning as in the Direction.\n\n> retail customer means a customer who is not a wholesale customer.\n\n> RF link budget calculation means the calculation of predicted signal strength using analytical techniques that account for gains and losses along the communications path from a radiocommunications transmitter to a radiocommunications receiver.\n\n> Web Content Accessibility Guidelines means:\n\n    (a) the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2, published by the World Wide Web Consortium; or\n    (b) guidelines published by the World Wide Web Consortium which are expressed to extend, replace or supersede the guidelines described in paragraph (a).\n\n> Note: The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 could, at the time of making this instrument, be accessed free of charge on the website of the World Wide Web Consortium: www.w3.org. The World Wide Web Consortium is commonly known as the W3C.\n\n> wholesale customer means a customer who is a carrier or carriage service provider.\n\n> Note 1: A wholesale customer, such as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator, may be supplied a Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Service by a Mobile Network Operator without being an end-user of the service.\n\n> Note: Example: A Mobile Network Operator supplies a Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Service to a Mobile Virtual Network Operator. The Mobile Virtual Network Operator is not an end-user of the Service, but supplies that Service to end-users,\n\n> Note 2: A number of other expressions used in this instrument are defined in the Act, including the following:\n\n    (a) ACCC (section 7);\n    (b) ACMA (section 7);\n    (c) carriage service (section 7);\n    (d) carriage service provider (section 87);\n    (e) carrier (section 7);\n    (f) communication (section 7);\n    (g) public body (section 7);\n    (h) radiocommunications device (section 7);\n    (i) radiocommunications receiver (section 7);\n    (j) radiocommunications transmitter (section 7);\n    (k) telecommunications network (section 7).\n  (2) In this instrument, a method for estimating the extent and quality of radiofrequency coverage provided by a telecommunications network in a geographical area is a Predictive Coverage Modelling Methodology if the method:\n    (a) involves the application of RF link budget calculations to predict signal performance; and\n    (b) generates predictive coverage maps;\n  under conditions defined in the method.\n\n## 6 References to other instruments\n\n  In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears:\n    (a) a reference to any other legislative instrument is a reference to that other legislative instrument as in force from time to time; and\n    (b) a reference to any other kind of instrument or writing is a reference to that other instrument or writing as in force or existing from time to time.\n\n> Note 1: For references to Commonwealth Acts, see section 10 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901; and see also subsection 13(1) of the Legislation Act 2003 for the application of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 to legislative instruments.\n\n> Note 2: All Commonwealth Acts and legislative instruments are registered on the Federal Register of Legislation.\n\n> Note 3: See also section 589 of the Act.","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"part","heading":"Name","content":"## 1 Name\n\n  This instrument is the Telecommunications (Mobile Network Coverage Maps) Industry Standard 2026.","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"2","sectionType":"part","heading":"Commencement","content":"## 2 Commencement\n\n> Note: This instrument commences at the start of the day after the day it is registered.","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"3","sectionType":"part","heading":"Authority","content":"## 3 Authority\n\n  This instrument is made under subsection 125AA(1) of the Act and in accordance with the Direction.\n\n> Note: The Direction was given to the ACMA by the Minister under subsection 125AA(4) of the Act. The Direction can be accessed, free of charge, on the Federal Register of Legislation: www.legislation.gov.au.","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"4","sectionType":"part","heading":"Application and purpose","content":"## 4 Application and purpose\n\n  (1) For the purpose of subsection 125AA(1) of the Act, this instrument applies to the section of the telecommunications industry consisting of:\n    (a) Mobile Network Operators; and\n    (b) Mobile Virtual Network Operators;\n  that supply Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Services.\n  (2) This instrument:\n    (a) deals with the preparation and publication of mobile network coverage maps by Mobile Network Operators and Mobile Virtual Network Operators that represent to the public, their customers and prospective customers, network coverage information about the Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Services which they supply or offer to supply; and\n    (b) is intended to give effect to the objectives set out in subsection 7(1) of the Direction.","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"5","sectionType":"part","heading":"Definitions","content":"## 5 Definitions\n\n  (1) In this instrument:\n\n> 4G means fourth generation cellular telecommunications network technology.\n\n> Note: 4G uses technologies such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE) that conform to the ‘International Mobile Telecommunications’ or IMT framework developed by the International Telecommunication Union and implemented through technical specifications developed by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). More information about IMT and 3GPP could, at the time of making this instrument, be accessed, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int and from the 3GPP’s website at www.3gpp.org.\n\n> 5G means fifth generation cellular telecommunications network technology.\n\n> Note: 5G uses technologies such as New Radio (NR) that conform to the ‘International Mobile Telecommunications’ or IMT framework developed by the International Telecommunication Union and implemented through technical specifications developed by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). More information about IMT and 3GPP could, at the time of making this instrument, be accessed, free of charge, from the International Telecommunication Union’s website at www.itu.int and from the 3GPP’s website at www.3gpp.org.\n\n> Act means the Telecommunications Act 1997.\n\n> AMSA means the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.\n\n> Custodian has the same meaning as in the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999.\n\n> customer means a person who has an agreement with a Mobile Network Operator or a Mobile Virtual Network Operator for the supply of a Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Service.\n\n> Direction means the Telecommunications (Mobile Network Coverage Maps) Direction 2025.\n\n> emergency service organisation has the same meaning as in subsection 147(11) of the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999.\n\n> mobile network coverage map: see subsection 7(1).\n\n> Mobile Network Operator means a carrier or carriage service provider that operates a telecommunications network to supply Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Services.\n\n> Mobile Virtual Network Operator means a carriage service provider, other than a Mobile Network Operator, who supplies Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Services.\n\n> network coverage information, for a mobile network coverage map: see subsections 7(3) and (4).\n\n> NSW Telco Authority means the New South Wales Government Telecommunications Authority established by the Government Telecommunications Act 2018 (NSW).\n\n> Note: The Government Telecommunications Act 2018 (NSW) could, at the time of making this instrument, be accessed free of charge from the NSW legislation website at www.legislation.nsw.gov.au.\n\n> predictive coverage modelling assumptions means:\n\n    (a) the signal-strength coverage thresholds for 4G and 5G outdoor mobile phone coverage specified in Table 1 in Part 1 of Schedule 1; and\n    (b) the standardised modelling assumptions (methodology parameters and associated values) specified in Table 2 in Part 1 of Schedule 1.\n\n> Predictive Coverage Modelling Methodology: see subsection (2).\n\n> Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Service has the same meaning as in the Direction.\n\n> retail customer means a customer who is not a wholesale customer.\n\n> RF link budget calculation means the calculation of predicted signal strength using analytical techniques that account for gains and losses along the communications path from a radiocommunications transmitter to a radiocommunications receiver.\n\n> Web Content Accessibility Guidelines means:\n\n    (a) the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2, published by the World Wide Web Consortium; or\n    (b) guidelines published by the World Wide Web Consortium which are expressed to extend, replace or supersede the guidelines described in paragraph (a).\n\n> Note: The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 could, at the time of making this instrument, be accessed free of charge on the website of the World Wide Web Consortium: www.w3.org. The World Wide Web Consortium is commonly known as the W3C.\n\n> wholesale customer means a customer who is a carrier or carriage service provider.\n\n> Note 1: A wholesale customer, such as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator, may be supplied a Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Service by a Mobile Network Operator without being an end-user of the service.\n\n> Note: Example: A Mobile Network Operator supplies a Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Service to a Mobile Virtual Network Operator. The Mobile Virtual Network Operator is not an end-user of the Service, but supplies that Service to end-users,\n\n> Note 2: A number of other expressions used in this instrument are defined in the Act, including the following:\n\n    (a) ACCC (section 7);\n    (b) ACMA (section 7);\n    (c) carriage service (section 7);\n    (d) carriage service provider (section 87);\n    (e) carrier (section 7);\n    (f) communication (section 7);\n    (g) public body (section 7);\n    (h) radiocommunications device (section 7);\n    (i) radiocommunications receiver (section 7);\n    (j) radiocommunications transmitter (section 7);\n    (k) telecommunications network (section 7).\n  (2) In this instrument, a method for estimating the extent and quality of radiofrequency coverage provided by a telecommunications network in a geographical area is a Predictive Coverage Modelling Methodology if the method:\n    (a) involves the application of RF link budget calculations to predict signal performance; and\n    (b) generates predictive coverage maps;\n  under conditions defined in the method.","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"6","sectionType":"part","heading":"References to other instruments","content":"## 6 References to other instruments\n\n  In this instrument, unless the contrary intention appears:\n    (a) a reference to any other legislative instrument is a reference to that other legislative instrument as in force from time to time; and\n    (b) a reference to any other kind of instrument or writing is a reference to that other instrument or writing as in force or existing from time to time.\n\n> Note 1: For references to Commonwealth Acts, see section 10 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901; and see also subsection 13(1) of the Legislation Act 2003 for the application of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 to legislative instruments.\n\n> Note 2: All Commonwealth Acts and legislative instruments are registered on the Federal Register of Legislation.\n\n> Note 3: See also section 589 of the Act.","sortOrder":6},{"sectionNumber":"7","sectionType":"part","heading":"Preparation of mobile network coverage map","content":"## 7 Preparation of mobile network coverage map\n\n  (1) A Mobile Network Operator must prepare a map (a mobile network coverage map) that provides a visual representation of the network coverage information of all Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Services using 4G or 5G that the Operator supplies, or offers to supply, to its wholesale customers and retail customers, in accordance with this section.\n  (2) A Mobile Network Operator must use:\n    (a) a Predictive Coverage Modelling Methodology; and\n    (b) the predictive coverage modelling assumptions;\n  to prepare a mobile network coverage map.\n  (3) A mobile network coverage map must include, or be accompanied by, clear, up-to-date and useful information about the service coverage levels, for each Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Service represented in the map, that can reasonably be expected in a given geographical area (network coverage information).\n  (4) Without limiting subsection (3), network coverage information includes:\n    (a) visual representations and plain language descriptions of coverage levels of Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Services, including:\n    (i) a map legend displaying the coverage level labels “Good”, “Moderate”, “Basic” and “No Coverage”; and\n    (ii) the coverage level information specified in Table 3 in Part 2 of Schedule 1; and\n    (b) any assumptions and limitations that affect the accuracy of the map, including the general mobile coverage map information set out in Part 3 of Schedule 1.\n  (5) Without limiting subsection (3), a mobile network coverage map must include, or be accompanied by, the network coverage information specified in subsection (4) for 4G and 5G.","sortOrder":7},{"sectionNumber":"8","sectionType":"part","heading":"Publication of maps and network coverage information","content":"## 8 Publication of maps and network coverage information\n\n  (1) A Mobile Network Operator must not publish, or otherwise make publicly available, a map that provides a visual representation of network coverage information of a Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Service using 4G or 5G that the Operator supplies or offers to supply, to its wholesale customers and retail customers, unless the map is a mobile network coverage map.\n\n> Note 1: A mobile network coverage map is a map prepared in accordance with section 7.\n\n> Note 2: This instrument does not prevent a Mobile Network Operator from publishing a map that provides a visual representation of the network coverage information of a Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Service that uses a network technology other than 4G or 5G.\n\n  (2) A Mobile Network Operator must publish a mobile network coverage map, including the network coverage information for the map, on the Operator’s website in accordance with subsections (3), (4), (5), (6), (7) and (8).\n\n> Note: A Mobile Network Operator may publish more than one mobile network coverage map.\n\n  (3) A mobile network coverage map, and the network coverage information for the map, must:\n    (a) first be published no later than 30 June 2026; and\n    (b) continue to be published on the Mobile Network Operator’s website after that date.\n  (4) A mobile network coverage map, and the network coverage information for the map, must be published prominently in a clearly labelled section of the Mobile Network Operator’s website that is:\n    (a) accessible by any person without provision of login or contact information; and\n    (b) easy to find.\n  (5) The network coverage information for a mobile network coverage map must be prominently displayed with the map, in a manner that allows a person to easily access the information when using the map.\n  (6) A mobile network coverage map must be published in a manner that provides the capability for enabling any of the following (the specified organisations) to extract the underlying geospatial map data contained in the map, for analytical purposes:\n    (a) an emergency service organisation;\n    (b) the ACCC;\n    (c) the ACMA;\n    (d) the AMSA;\n    (e) the Custodian;\n    (f) the Department administered by the Minister administering the Act;\n    (g) the NSW Telco Authority;\n    (h) a public body:\n    (i) that is not named in paragraphs (a) to (g); and\n    (ii) whose functions include the management or coordination of responses to emergencies.\n\n> Note: This subsection does not prevent Mobile Network Operators from allowing other persons to extract map data.\n\n  (7) For the purposes of subsection (6), it is immaterial whether a Mobile Network Operator has to take one or more steps, after the mobile network coverage map has been published, to enable a specified organisation to extract the underlying geospatial map data contained in the map.\n\n> Note: A Mobile Network Operator may, for example, verify that a person seeking to extract the underlying geospatial map data is, or represents, a specified organisation.\n\n  (8) A Mobile Network Operator must only publish a mobile network coverage map, and network coverage information for the map, that satisfies the Level AA or Level AAA Success Criteria as specified in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.\n\n> Note: Further information on the Guidelines and the Success Criteria for Levels AA and AAA could, at the time of making this instrument, be obtained from the World Wide Web Consortium’s website: www.w3.org.","sortOrder":8},{"sectionNumber":"9","sectionType":"part","heading":"Mobile network coverage maps and network coverage information must be kept up-to-date","content":"## 9 Mobile network coverage maps and network coverage information must be kept up-to-date\n\n  (1) This section applies if a Mobile Network Operator has published a mobile network coverage map and the network coverage information for the map.\n  (2) The Mobile Network Operator must:\n    (a) ensure that the mobile network coverage map and network coverage information are kept up-to-date; and\n    (b) as soon as practicable after becoming aware of a change to the network coverage information for a mobile network coverage map, update the map and information.\n  (3) Without limiting subsection (2), the Mobile Network Operator must:\n    (a) review the mobile network coverage map and the network coverage information for the map at least once every three months; and\n    (b) if, as a result of the review, the Mobile Network Operator becomes aware that the information has changed – update the map and information.","sortOrder":9},{"sectionNumber":"10","sectionType":"part","heading":"Giving access to maps and information to Mobile Virtual Network Operators","content":"## 10 Giving access to maps and information to Mobile Virtual Network Operators\n\n  (1) This section applies to a Mobile Network Operator if the Operator has a wholesale customer who is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator.\n  (2) The Mobile Network Operator must, as soon as possible after publishing a mobile network coverage map that relates to the Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Service using 4G or 5G that it supplies to the Mobile Virtual Network Operator, give the Mobile Virtual Network Operator:\n    (a) access to the map in a format that allows the Mobile Virtual Network Operator to publish the map in accordance with section 12;\n    (b) access to all network coverage information for the map; and\n    (c) such other assistance as is reasonably necessary to allow the Mobile Virtual Network Operator to comply with its obligations under this instrument.\n\n> Note: This instrument does not prevent a Mobile Network Operator from giving a Mobile Virtual Network Operator a map that provides a visual representation of the network coverage information of a Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Service that uses a network technology other than 4G or 5G.\n\n  (3) If the Mobile Network Operator updates the mobile network coverage map or the network coverage information for the map, the Operator must give the Mobile Virtual Network Operator access to the updated map or information as soon as possible after the map or information is updated.","sortOrder":10},{"sectionNumber":"11","sectionType":"part","heading":"Giving access to maps and information to other Mobile Network Operators","content":"## 11 Giving access to maps and information to other Mobile Network Operators\n\n  (1) This section applies to a Mobile Network Operator (the first Operator) if:\n    (a) the first Operator uses a network unit to supply a Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Service using 4G or 5G; and\n    (b) the use involves the carriage of communications directly from the network unit to the radiocommunications device of an end-user of the Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Service; and\n    (c) the use of the network unit is the subject of an agreement between the first Operator and another Mobile Network Operator (the second Operator); and\n    (d) under that agreement, the network unit may be used by each Operator in the manner specified in paragraphs (a) and (b).\n\n> Note 1: Both Mobile Network Operators mentioned in subsection (1) may be subject to the obligations in this section.\n\n> Note 2: Paragraph (b) means there is no other network unit that carries the communication between the network unit mentioned in the paragraph and the radiocommunications device of the end-user.\n\n  (2) The first Operator must, as soon as possible after publishing a mobile network coverage map that relates to the Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Service using 4G or 5G that it supplies using the network unit, give the second Operator:\n    (a) access to the map;\n    (b) access to all network coverage information for the map; and\n    (c) such other assistance as is reasonably necessary to allow the second Operator to comply with its obligations under this instrument.\n\n> Note: This instrument does not prevent the first Operator from giving the second Operator a map that provides a visual representation of the network coverage information of a Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Service that uses a network technology other than 4G or 5G.\n\n  (3) If the first Operator updates the mobile network coverage map or the network coverage information for the map, the first Operator must give the second Operator access to the updated map or information as soon as possible after the map or information is updated.\n\n> Division 2 Mobile Virtual Network Operators","sortOrder":11},{"sectionNumber":"12","sectionType":"part","heading":"Publication of maps and network coverage information","content":"## 12 Publication of maps and network coverage information\n\n  (1) A Mobile Virtual Network Operator must not publish, or otherwise make publicly available, a map that provides a visual representation of the network coverage information of a Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Service using 4G or 5G that the Operator supplies or offers to supply, unless the map is a mobile network coverage map.\n\n> Note 1: A mobile network coverage map is a map prepared by a Mobile Network Operator in accordance with section 7.\n\n> Note 2: This instrument does not prevent a Mobile Virtual Network Operator from publishing a map that provides a visual representation of the network coverage information of a Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Service that uses a network technology other than 4G or 5G.\n\n  (2) Subject to subsection (7), a Mobile Virtual Network Operator must publish:\n    (a) a mobile network coverage map of all Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Services using 4G or 5G that it supplies, or offers to supply; and\n    (b) the network coverage information for the map;\n  on the Operator’s website in accordance with subsections (3), (4), (5) and (6).\n  (3) A mobile network coverage map and the network coverage information for the map must:\n    (a) first be published no later than 30 June 2026; and\n    (b) continue to be published on the Mobile Virtual Network Operator’s website after that date.\n  (4) A mobile network coverage map, and the network coverage information for the map, must be published prominently in a clearly labelled section of the Mobile Virtual Network Operator’s website that is:\n    (a) accessible by any person without provision of login or contact information; and\n    (b) easy to find.\n  (5) The mobile network coverage map, and the network coverage information for that map, must be:\n    (a) substantially the same as the most recent map and information to which the Mobile Virtual Network Operator has been given access under section 10; and\n    (b) published with the name of the Mobile Network Operator that provided the access.\n  (6) A Mobile Virtual Network Operator must only publish a mobile network coverage map, and network coverage information for the map, that satisfies the Level AA or Level AAA Success Criteria as specified in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.\n\n> Note: Further information on the Guidelines and the Success Criteria for Levels AA and AAA could, at the time of making this instrument, be obtained from the World Wide Web Consortium’s website: www.w3.org.\n\n  (7) The obligation in subsection (2) does not apply to a Mobile Virtual Network Operator to the extent that:\n    (a) the Mobile Virtual Network Operator is a wholesale customer of a Mobile Network Operator; and\n    (b) the Mobile Network Operator has not complied with its obligations under section 10 in relation to giving the Mobile Virtual Network Operator access to a published mobile network coverage map and network coverage information for the map.","sortOrder":12},{"sectionNumber":"13","sectionType":"part","heading":"Mobile network coverage map and network coverage information must be kept up-to-date","content":"## 13 Mobile network coverage map and network coverage information must be kept up-to-date\n\n  (1) This section applies if a Mobile Virtual Network Operator has published a mobile network coverage map and the network coverage information for the map.\n  (2) The Mobile Virtual Network Operator must ensure that the mobile network coverage map and network coverage information are kept up-to-date.\n  (3) Without limiting subsection (2), as soon as practicable after a Mobile Virtual Network Operator is given access to an updated mobile network coverage map or updated network coverage information under subsection 10(3), the Operator must publish the updated map or information on the Operator’s website, in accordance with the requirements in subsections 12(4), (5) and (6).","sortOrder":13}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The instrument explicitly applies to Mobile Network Operators and Mobile Virtual Network Operators supplying Relevant Mobile Telecommunications Services and limits its substantive mapping obligations to 4G and 5G services (s.4, s.7(5)). The text states it gives effect to the Direction’s objectives but contains no internal provision that expands or narrows that stated application beyond these entities and technologies."},"complexity_factors":["Technical modelling requirements: mandatory use of Predictive Coverage Modelling Methodology and RF link budget calculations (s.5(2), s.7(2)).","Dependence on external, detailed parameters in Schedule 1 (signal thresholds and modelling parameters) which are referenced but not reproduced in the operative sections (s.5 definition of predictive coverage modelling assumptions; s.7(4)(a)(ii)).","Detailed publication and accessibility obligations, including WCAG Level AA/AAA compliance and prominent website placement (s.8(3)–(5), s.8(8), s.12(4)–(6)).","Frequent update and monitoring duty: mandatory review at least every three months and prompt updates when information changes (s.9(2)–(3)).","Data‑sharing and extraction obligations: requirement to enable specified public bodies to extract underlying geospatial map data and to provide access/assistance to MVNOs and other operators (s.8(6)–(7), s.10, s.11).","Inter‑party operational obligations: MNOs must supply maps and assistance to wholesale customers and MVNOs, including synchronization of updates (s.10(2)–(3), s.12(5)).","Cross‑references to other instruments and statutes (the Direction, the Act, and Schedule 1), increasing interpretive and compliance work (s.3, s.4(2)(b), s.6).","Specialist content and definitions (e.g. predictive coverage modelling assumptions, RF link budget calculation) require technical expertise and may impose costs to implement and validate (s.5).","Duplicated and repeated text in the instrument increases drafting ambiguity and may raise interpretive burden for implementers."],"plain_english_summary":"This standard requires mobile network operators (MNOs) and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) to produce, publish and keep up‑to‑date standardised 4G and 5G coverage maps using specified predictive modelling methods. Operators must publish accessible maps on their websites by 30 June 2026, provide geospatial data to listed public bodies, and share maps and assistance with MVNOs and other operators. The compliance costs fall on the operators; the instrument changes behaviour by imposing technical modelling, publication, accessibility and data‑sharing obligations."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":5,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation appears to be focused on its original purpose of standardising mobile coverage maps. The scope covers both network owners and resellers, which is consistent with ensuring consumers see consistent information regardless of which brand they purchase from. No significant scope creep is evident in the provided text."},"complexity_factors":["18 defined terms in section 5, plus 11 additional terms referenced from the parent Act","Cross-references to external documents: the Telecommunications Act 1997, the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999, a separate Ministerial Direction from 2025, NSW state legislation, and international technical standards (WCAG 2.2, ITU/3GPP specifications)","Nested conditional obligations with exceptions (e.g., section 12(7) provides an exception for MVNOs when MNOs fail to comply with section 10)","Technical methodology requirements referencing Schedule 1 tables (Tables 1, 2, and 3 mentioned but not included in the provided text)","Dual-layer regulatory structure: obligations differ between Mobile Network Operators (Division 1) and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (Division 2) with interdependent compliance chains","Specific technical definitions requiring domain knowledge (RF link budget calculations, radiocommunications transmitters/receivers, IMT framework, 3GPP specifications)"],"plain_english_summary":"This law requires mobile network owners and their resellers to publish standardised, accessible coverage maps—using Predictive Coverage Modelling and four uniform signal levels—so consumers and agencies can see where service is actually available. Resellers must show the network’s map and name the source. \n\nIt affects mobile operators, MVNOs, regulators and emergency services, and matters because it creates consistent, comparable coverage data for consumers and public safety."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/telecommunications-mobile-network-coverage-maps-industry-standard-2026","history":"/api/acts/telecommunications-mobile-network-coverage-maps-industry-standard-2026/history","analysis":"/api/acts/telecommunications-mobile-network-coverage-maps-industry-standard-2026/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/telecommunications-mobile-network-coverage-maps-industry-standard-2026/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/telecommunications-mobile-network-coverage-maps-industry-standard-2026/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/telecommunications-mobile-network-coverage-maps-industry-standard-2026/documents"}}