We are about to purchase a new phone that will probably need good coverage in the country areas as well as metro, anyone have any suggestions.

Only 2 choices. Telstra NextG, or a sat 'phone, and sat 'phones don't work inside (unless you have an external antennae) or in your pocket!

HI Mecca i have brough a lg TU 500 on the next g it has a provision for an external antener for fringe areas ,i have it with telstra but have had a digital with telstra and optus and both went much good away from the city but am happy with the next g but i havnt too far out the bush yet  brickies

I have a Telstra 3G I-Mate because of email checking without having to set up laptop. We have found has good coverage in all but remotest areas. Also use Telstras wireless broadband through 3G network that works in nearly all locations we wanted. We use this for sharing a regular email/newsletter to share our experiences and photos with friends.

SmartPhones are great you can send emails I like the Palm Treo 750 cause its got a direct connection for the antenna. Its easy to SMS from. I can take a photo and email to the kids at work.

I just bought a smart phone from a company that has normal mobile and also Satellite built into it. It switches between the two with the same phone number, so I can always get a call. http://store.tcsrdirect.com.au/category17_1.htm