No. These maps are an estimate of the coverage you can expect to receive at the selected location. There are many factors that can affect the accuracy of this forecast, including: building density and construction, , user numbers, local conditions, hardware, software, download source and general internet traffic. Vodafone continually refines and updates its coverage estimate software to improve accuracy and welcomes your feedback on our Vodafone Community pages

3G phones can use both 3G and 2G networks to provide better reception, while 2G can only connect to the 2G network. 2G has slower download speeds than 3G. 2G GPRS download speeds are typically 10-40 kbps* and 2G Edge download speeds are typically 50-200 kbps*. 3G download speeds are typically 300Kbps – 3Mbps within major metropolitan areas*.

*Actual speeds achieved vary due to factors such as building construction, user numbers, local conditions, hardware, software, download source and general internet traffic.

The lights in the results of a location search are an estimate of the signal strength at a location and not a representation of the bars that can be seen on a phone (as signal strength will vary with each manufacturer and model and the actual experience will vary due to factors such as building construction, user numbers, local conditions, and hardware). More lights indicate predicted stronger signal strength. Typically, a single light will be sufficient to make and receive calls or connect to the internet, however the service may not be consistent (e.g. the call or internet connection may disconnect or be poor quality). Two or more lights should deliver a more reliable and consistent experience.

If you're using mobile broadband, you can improve your possible coverage with a WiFi enabled device. Our Pocket WiFi™ and Vodafone WiFi Sharing Dock are the perfect accessories for this, and allow you to improve your coverage by placing them in a location (e.g. a window) with the strongest existing signal to create a mini wireless network for up to 5 devices.

Standard Coverage represents the frequencies that are standard to all Vodafone devices (2G and 3G). For 3G devices including Mobile Broadband, this is 2100MHz. 3G download speeds are typically 300Kbps – 3Mbps within major metropolitan areas*.

*Actual speeds achieved vary due to factors such as building construction, user numbers, local conditions, hardware, software, download source and general internet traffic.

Regional Coverage is our 3G 900MHz network, which supports 900MHz compatible phones and mobile broadband devices. These devices support extended 3G coverage that takes you further than our Standard Coverage into selected parts of regional Australia. Slower download speeds are generally experienced within regional areas of typically 300Kbps – 1.5Mbps*.

*Actual speeds achieved vary due to factors such as building construction, user numbers, local conditions, hardware, software, download source and general internet traffic.

We're building a new 850 network (3G 850MHz) across 2011 and it should result in a better experience, improved coverage and faster data speeds if you've got a compatible device and you are within an 850 coverage area. See compatible phones ⁄ mobile broadband devices

We're rolling out a new 850 Network over the next 12 months. The areas represented as 'planned' are areas where new sites will be rolled out (subject to change and final approvals) and where customers may experience an improvement within the next 3 to 6 months. The locations are continuously being updated.

To improve the accuracy of our coverage maps, we've divided our coverage results to show what you can expect indoors as well as outdoors. Indoors will generally show a lower signal (fewer lights) as building materials generally reduce signal strength. As a general note, heavy building materials such as brick and concrete may particularly reduce signal strength.

Over the next year, our network build and improvement programs will deliver improved coverage to some areas where previously coverage may have been weak. Information on new sites being built are available on our website here. If this doesn't give you the information you need, our technical support team will be able to tell you if your area is scheduled for an upgrade in the next 2–3 months. Also they will advise whether upgrading to a different device may be able to improve coverage in your area.

We're providing regular updates about recently completed, new, planned and upgraded sites on our Network Status page.

Yes, it should because it will help redistribute the people connected to our network in the surrounding areas.

Please visit our Network Status page and check for your area.