In this paper, the validity of P.1546, in short range (typically less than 20km) terrestrial environment is analysed by comparing its three versions (P.1546, P.1546-1, and P.1546-2) against simple models and against measurement results obtained by utilising the pilot signal of a commercial CDMA mobile network in rural Australia. The results show that the latest version on average underestimates the field strength by more than 10 dB for typical Australian rural areas, however it improves the error standard deviation. The causes of these effects and the suggestions for further development of the Recommendation are discussed.