Coverage can depend on your service provider and handset. In Australia, mobile phone services reach about 99 per cent of the population, but cover only 25 per cent of metropolitan and rural areas due to the large Australian landmass.

Coverage amongst mobile providers is estimated as follows:

Telstra
In major metropolitan areas most Telstra customers use the Telstra GSM network. It serves around 96 per cent of the population and uses a GPRS network to provide internet services. Telstra's 3G network offers faster digital services to about 50 per cent of the population but only in certain parts of Sydney, Melbourne, Geelong, Brisbane and Gold Coast, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra. Telstra's Next G™ network is the fastest and biggest national mobile broadband network in Australia, and reaches 99 per cent of the population. The reception can depend on your area and handset.

Optus
The Optus Mobile Dual Band network provides 3G services to 96 per cent of the Australian Population. It is expected to reach 98 per cent following the completion of the Optus network expansion.
 
Vodafone Hutchison Australia
3Mobile's 3G Broadband Zones reach 96 per cent of Australians in major cities. Outside these zones, 3 Customers can use 3G Roaming Zones as well as Telstra's GSM Network. The Vodafone network serves more than 90 per cent of the Australian population. Its 3G network reaches 94 per cent; the GSM (2G) network reaches nearly 94.52 per cent, and the GPRS (2.5G) network covers 92 per cent.

Other
Smaller providers resell mobile services from the major competitors. AAPT and Dodo Mobile use the Vodafone network, and Virgin Mobile use the Optus Network. Your particular handset can also determine coverage signals; for example, Telstra’s blue tick appears on phones which can operate in areas of minimal coverage. For remote areas an external antenna and a satellite phone can give wider coverage.