Pirate, I have just made the switch and my new ZTE 165 has just gone on the charger for the first time. Despite Telstra's numerous and annoying reminders of the imminent closure of the CDMA network, I held off to do a bit of research. I found that it is important to get a handset specifically made for rural use - and then to get the highest gain antenna possible with your car kit. After numerous consultations with Telstra in Melbourne and mining companies on whose behalf Telstra had been testing various sets in remote locations, I decided (as did others) on the ZTE 165. That seemed to work hand-held where the other "fringe" sets tested only worked in car kits. Here is a link where mention is made of it:
Customers changing from CDMA also get a full car kit (except for antenna) for it for $49.00.
Have a "Google" on ZTE 165 and check it out. No doubt there will be better sets out in time, but to me and others this was the best set available just over a week ago when I ordered it.If better ones have come out since, I dont want to know, lol.
