Telstra has always been known to have the best coverage in Australia, as well as the highest prices. It is probably true that Telstra still has more coverage, but Optus has really started to catch up. On the Queensland east coast both on land and at sea we have found that we have been able to get Optus coverage in most places that we get Telstra. In some instances we got better Optus coverage than Telstra. It is really a matter of checking for each location, before you get there and when you arrive. Aus Phone Towers is an app that will allow you to see what towers are in the area you are interested in.
To get the best coverage you really need an external antenna. Most modems can have an antenna (or two) attached. You will need a patch lead to suit the modem and suitable external antenna. A quick google search will reveal plenty of options. We fitted a Black Hawk High Gain Marine antenna to the top of our mast. It is important to use high quality lmr400 cable when running long distances over about 5-10 metres. See http://www.blackhawkantennas.com.au/marine_antenna/
For internet we use a Netgear Nighthawk M1. This can be used with either Telstra or Optus. Whatever modem you gete it must support all the frequencies, especially 700Mhz as this has the longest range.
Outside of capital cities carrier aggregation doesn't seem to help much, but the unit provides reasonable speed anyway. Typically we get 5Mbs at the minimum if there is any coverage on 4G but 30 to 50Mbs is normal where there is good coverage near towns.
We have two data plans now. One with Optus and one with Telstra. For times when we have Optus coverage we will use the cheaper data from Optus. When we go out of Optus range to Lizard Island and beyond, the Telstra will be used. Telstra has started to become more competitive with data pricing. While still more expensive than Optus, they now offer plans that slow to 1.5Mbs when the data is used up. In some quick testing this has proven to be fine for watching Iview and standard definition Netflix. In a speedtest it seems to start fast and is then throttled back to 1.5Mbs. In reality, in many locations that have poor coverage it is difficult to get faster than 1.5Mbs anyway.
We have two data plans now. One with Optus and one with Telstra. For times when we have Optus coverage we will use the cheaper data from Optus. When we go out of Optus range to Lizard Island and beyond, the Telstra will be used. Telstra has started to become more competitive with data pricing. While still more expensive than Optus, they now offer plans that slow to 1.5Mbs when the data is used up. In some quick testing this has proven to be fine for watching Iview and standard definition Netflix. In a speedtest it seems to start fast and is then throttled back to 1.5Mbs. In reality, in many locations that have poor coverage it is difficult to get faster than 1.5Mbs anyway.
For a budget option, an Antenna, Patch lead and cheap modem with a $15 per month Telstra data plan will get you useable coverage in a lot of areas. Pull the antenna up the spreaders with a 5 metre cable. Or put the antenna and modem in a bag and pull it to the top of the mast.
For phone calls and data when there is no Optus coverage we also have Telstra phones with either Boost or Telstra plans. Boost provides exactly the same coverage as Telstra and is prepaid. A Boost plan at $20 per month provides unlimited calls and at plenty of data. Plans change all the time so it pays to keep an eye on them.
For a phone we have a Telstra Tough Max 3 an improvement on the last Tough Max 2 and the previous very ordinary Tough Max phone, it has an external antenna connector and has the 700Mhz frequencies. It is also can make calls on 4G know as VoLTE and also wifi calling. Wifi calling offers very good call quality and is almost seamless to the user. Switching the phone to flight mode and turning wifi back can be helpful when there is marginal coverage as it forces the phone to use wifi calling. It also saves the phone battery as it is not constantly searching for a weak signal.
For phone calls and data when there is no Optus coverage we also have Telstra phones with either Boost or Telstra plans. Boost provides exactly the same coverage as Telstra and is prepaid. A Boost plan at $20 per month provides unlimited calls and at plenty of data. Plans change all the time so it pays to keep an eye on them.
For a phone we have a Telstra Tough Max 3 an improvement on the last Tough Max 2 and the previous very ordinary Tough Max phone, it has an external antenna connector and has the 700Mhz frequencies. It is also can make calls on 4G know as VoLTE and also wifi calling. Wifi calling offers very good call quality and is almost seamless to the user. Switching the phone to flight mode and turning wifi back can be helpful when there is marginal coverage as it forces the phone to use wifi calling. It also saves the phone battery as it is not constantly searching for a weak signal.
The phone can be used as a wifi hotspot to provide data to computers and ipads in areas without Optus coverage. If you don't have a phone with an antenna, take your sim out and put it in a modem, as these almost all have antenna connectors. Recent reports suggest that some cheap modems no longer have the antenna connectors so do check.
We opted not to use a Celfi booster as they are limited to one provider only. Thus they won't work overseas when and if we are allowed to go overseas. Wifi calling offers a similar alternative without the expense of the Celfi. The other downside of a Celfi is they require a minimum signal strength of -104dB on 3G. Without that they will not boost. Yet with a phone or modem plugged in directly to the antenna they will still work with a weaker signal, although sometimes intermittently. A patch lead can be connected in place of the Celfi to allow a direct connection. If you do have a Celfi they are handy to have in weak signal areas or if you do take your boat overseas.
https://www.telcoantennas.com.au/ts9-sma-female-patch-lead-15cm-cable
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