Although Telstra has had its Blue Tick program in place for years, Optus has finally picked up its regional coverage game with a special badge and new device rating program of its own.

Here’s an example of Telstra’s Blue Tick below – the article naturally continues as all the details of the new Optus program as well as its new "badge" follows:

Optus says this program ‘will help customers choose handsets that provide Optus’ best mobile coverage experience in regional Australia.’

Just like Telstra does, Optus says that phones which have passed its ‘network field testing in regional locations for voice and data requirements will feature the new “Top Pick for our Regional Coverage” badge,’ which is below.

Optus says its new program follows its ‘significant investment in the last 18 months to enhance mobile coverage in regional Australia, including bringing 4G coverage to over 700 regional and holiday towns, and turning on new towers in major regional centres.’

Dennis Wong, Acting MD of Networks at Optus said, “Our new device certification demonstrates our commitment to providing regional Australians our best handset choice for mobile coverage in their area to deliver an optimal experience.”

Wong noted that several factors can affect coverage including a phone’s design features, such as the built-in internal antenna, material casing and even phone size.

“Because of this,” continued Wong, “some phones can have wider coverage than others. This forms the basis of how Optus is benchmarking devices to badge them as ‘Top Pick for our Regional Coverage’.”

The company says that while it ‘only stocks handsets that are tested and compatible with its network, certain handsets can provide an even better coverage experience in regional areas, especially for customers who are not close to the nearest base station.’

So, how many devices are currently in the Optus Top Pick for Regional Coverage range?

Twelve devices have been certified to carry the ‘Top Pick for our Regional Coverage’ badge across both Optus’ Postpaid and Prepaid range, including phones from Apple, Samsung, LG, Microsoft, Huawei and Oppo.

Wong said: “Our team will be constantly testing new handsets and we expect the range to grow as manufacturers release new devices.

Wong clearly makes the right call when he added: “We believe it is important to show customers that certain devices can offer a better coverage experience on our network based on the spectrum available in regional areas.

“This testing program has been designed to help regional customers make a more informed choice when they’re in the market for a new phone so they can have a better experience.”

Optus promises ‘continued investment in regional network’

The company says it has ‘committed to expanding and improving its network in regional Australia, tripling the number of 4G mobile sites in regional areas last financial year.’

Wong said: “Whether it’s on rural farmlands through to coastal communities, our 4G network is growing rapidly and now reaches over 700 regional and holiday towns.”

Optus proudly boasts that it ‘continues to enhance the depth, strength and reliability of its mobile network in regional Australia with new spectrum holdings recently acquired.’

It notes that its ‘$196 million investment in regional licences announced in February will see Optus significantly bolster the strength of its regional network by adding the 1800 MHz spectrum band to its existing spectrum holdings.’

Wong concludes by stating that: “Once we take full ownership of these new spectrum licenses, we will be in a strong position to further strengthen our coverage footprint across rural and regional Australia.”

So, if you’re an Optus customer wanting the excellent regional coverage on the Optus network, then look for the badge below when buying a smartphone from Optus.