in recent months, ranging from dropouts, delays and coverage black spots. Delayed SMS messages and voicemails, data problems and, in many cases a complete lack of coverage for extended periods at a time, have resulted in a class action lawsuit being considered against the company.

In a statement released today, Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA) CEO, Nigel Dews, outlines the status of a number of network upgrades, including the investment and future deployment of "4G" technology, .

"We want our customers to be happy with the network, service and value they receive from us. We've been working hard to improve our network and service but still have work to do. We have a very clear picture of what needs to be done and it’s already well underway. Our plans have been accelerated and we have the teams and resources in place and the right focus to deliver for our customers," he said.

While stressing that "technical faults" complicated planned network improvements in the past, admitted fault by saying its network "could have been better supported by earlier coverage and capacity upgrades." The company is continuing to "work through rapidly injecting more capacity and coverage into the network as well as rolling out our new network and upgrades." It has also appointed Barry Kezik as general manager for network performance, with responsibility for ensuring voice and data services "perform at their highest level."