New cellphone tower called a communication ‘gamechanger’

A NEW cellphone tower at Pleasant Flat Doc campground, on the West Coast side of the Haast Pass, is being described as a ‘‘gamechanger’’.

Senior Constable Paul Gurney, of Haast, said it was the second tower to become operational in the last few months.

‘‘This tower is a gamechanger for communication from this remote site. It will markedly reduce the time delay for response to any emergencies in the area — for example, search and rescue, vehicle crashes, medical emergencies and driving complaints.’’

He confirmed it provided coverage for the Spark, Vodafone and 2degrees networks.

The emergency call box attached to the tower provides for emergency calls and road information without the user needing a cellphone.

‘‘The tower only provides a small coverage area and users will need to stop in the campground area to link in with it. It is signposted out on the state highway.’’

More towers are planned for SH6 between Fox Glacier and Haast this year.

In May, Haast township received mobile coverage for the first time.

The Haast tower was the first one installed as part of the country’s rural connection programme.

In August last year the Nationalled Government announced a $32 million plan to improve West Coast broadband and cellphone coverage.