Not as good as the old CDMA network for use in the air. Overall coverage is mostly for the better (as in extra places you can get Next G, ie. a few of the mine sites around NW QLD), however I don't think it's got the range that CDMA has.
I have been able to make phone calls in the aircraft on my Next G phone, however because it's still basically a digital signal, you have to be close to the tower. Not like CDMA, where I had a phone call nearly all the way from Burketown to Mt Isa one day.
Text messages are harder to send, because the signal fades so easily, so don't expect to get them through every time!
But overall, I guess we're just going to have to make do with it. It's not a bad network. And if you're willing to spend the dollars, you can get the new wireless broadband and have something to do on your all day waits!
morno