I find it quite funny actually.
As soon as I mention I work with Telstra, people are always like "Bloody Telstra"
I have seen first hand of the exchanges that have other carriers besides Telstra, The Maitland Node is the only one all the way through to Murrurundi which I think is the last exchange heading North thats off Maitland, Ill check that out the next time I am at the Node.
From memory there is only 1 exchange (With other carriers) in a 11,000 square km's.
Newcastle has other Carriers but besides that, there is really nothing for the rural areas.