Australia’s posties are helping to collect data for a national audit of mobile coverage.

The audit – conducted by Accenture Australia to better identify mobile blackspots – will test around 180,000km of ground across regional and rural parts of the country, and measure coverage and performance of Optus, Telstra and TPG networks, covering 3G, 4G and 5G services.

Mobile-measurement devices will be attached to delivery vans and long-haul vehicles and placed on more than 70 post offices across all states and territories.

“The National Audit of Mobile Coverage will provide important national data to help target future investment,” minister for communications Michelle Rowland said. “Engaging Australia Post in the audit, and leveraging its networks, will help to ensure we get a comprehensive picture of mobile coverage across the country.”

With the three-month pilot phase almost complete, the audit proper will commence in October and continue for the next three years until 30 June 2027.

“Rural, regional and remote communities value reliable mobile coverage,” Rowland said. “Every Australian deserves access to reliable mobile coverage regardless of where they live.”