Telstra planned to un-plug its CDMA network on January 28, however the Minister for broadband, communications and digital economy, Stephen Conroy, extended the cut-off date until the end of April so Telstra could put in place extra measures to help customers.

"The Next G footprint is equivalent to the CDMA network, but in some cases customers have purchased, or are purchasing, Next G handsets and equipment that do not provide equivalent coverage," Minister Conroy said.

As a result, Telstra has launched a special hotline, 1800 888 888, for customers to call if they are having issues with handsets and equipment when making the move from CDMA to the Next G mobile network.

Telstra Country Wide Group managing director Geoff Booth said the Hotline would provide customers experiencing problems with a direct line to specialist consultants.

"This extends the unprecedented measures that Telstra has put in place both before and after purchase to help customers get the handset and accessories that best meet their requirements," he said.

Meanwhile, the Telstra Shop in Merimbula was buzzing with customers on Wednesday, January 16, eager to ask questions about their phone services.

Telstra Contrywide capital southeast region general manager, Ian Peters, and his team stopped in for a visit on their way along the coast.

The team were on hand for one day to sort through any problems customers had with phone coverage.

Mr Peters and his team spent a day in Merimbula, Bega and Eden to reassure customers that the Next G network would surpass the previous networks once towers in the area were completed.

Mr Peters said Telstra was in the process of building 26 towers including ones to be built in Timbillica, Cobargo, Bodalla, Quamma, and Brown Mountain within the next three months.

One other major issue for this area has been the construction of the tower at Tura Beach.

Plans have been temporarily halted on the tower due to an objection to the development application put to council.

"As soon as approval is granted construction will start the next day," Mr Peters said.

Mr Peters said it would take six weeks to have the tower up and running.

Anyone who missed out on talking through any of their issues with Mr Peters or his team can give them a call on 6219 2901 or email Mr Peters on ian.l.peters@team.telstra.com.