"We've got a minimum build of 400 cell sites nationwide and mobile black spots," Ms Metz said. Haast residents have lobbied for years for cellphone coverage, being in the middle of a cellphone black spot from Fox Glacier to Wanaka. "We've got 26 sites across the West Coast which are expected to be completed by December 2022," Ms Metz said. The Haast tower was the first to be installed as part of the rural connecting programme around New Zealand. On August 30 last year the National-led government announced a $32 million plan to improve West Coast broadband and cellphone coverage.

Source: Otago Daily Times May 01, 2018 17:47 UTC