One issue that came up was an election promise in 2001 to deliver mobile phone coverage along all highways in Australia with claims that blackspots still existed.

However, Telstra wireless access services manager Max Jennings blamed a lack of cooperation from Vodafone.

Jennings said differences in technology with Vodafone and the cost of extending coverage made it unattractive for Telstra for take part in the highway scheme.

Coonan agreed to take another look at the issue in the near future and pointed out that the government has made available A$30 million (US$22 million) in an attempt to clean up blackspots.