At least one provider of wireless services is saying Apple’s iPhone 4 offers good quality reception, after approving the handset for use in metro and major regional areas covered by the company. Telstra does mention that an Apple Bumper or other cases “can help to maximise the coverage performance of the iPhone 4.” In fact, the company’s latest blog post suggests that strapping on a Bumper is imperative for good reception, and mobile internet access.

“Many people have asked us about how they can get the best coverage performance from the iPhone 4 when it launches on Friday. So we’ve assembled some tips based on our Next G network testing,” Richard Fink blogs for Telstra. “The first thing to know is that the iPhone 4, without the use of accessories, is approved by Telstra for handheld use in metro and major regional coverage areas. These are the areas marked as ‘voice, picture, TV, video and broadband’ on the Telstra Next G coverage maps that can be found here,” Fink explains, and provides the appropriate link.

Tip 1 says that customers can “enjoy Blue Tick equivalent coverage on iPhone 4 in regional coverage areas with an approved bumper or case.” Telstra says, “We award our Blue Tick to mobiles that have the best coverage performance and recommend them to customers working or living in regional and rural coverage areas.”

According to Tip 2, “To help maximise coverage performance in metro and major regional areas, Telstra recommends that customers team their iPhone 4 with an approved rubberised bumper or case.” The carrier also claims to have found that “an approved bumper or case can also improve the consistency of data speeds when customers are using a fast network like the Telstra Next G network.” Telstra suggests customers “grab a bumper or case,” if frequent mobile internet is important to them. So far, the operator has tested two bumpers and a case with a two-phase methodology.