Vodafone coverage hits 94%

Vodafone has gone live today with its expanded 3G coverage to rural areas, now reaching 94 per cent of the population.

Coverage has been extended out to Kununurra in Western Australia, Port Douglas in Queensland and Devonport in Tasmania, according to the company. Vodafone's 3G coverage previously reached 80 per cent of the Australian population. The upgrade has also included adapting the 2G network to support EDGE technology.

The completion of the upgrade has met the company's deadline, set earlier this year after the company failed to meet its former deadline of last Christmas.

Vodafone has marked the milestone with free access to Facebook for new and existing customers until 31 October 2009.

"Vodafone's great value 3G services are now available to Australians living and working in regional cities and towns, as well as business travellers and holiday-makers who need to stay connected," CEO of VHA Nigel Dews said in a statement.