Better cellphone coverage on way for West Coast

MANY from Southland and Otago enjoy an occasional visit to the West Coast, but one of the frustrations is the lack of cellphone coverage.

I see now that there is a magnificent tall tower erected just south of Okuru. May we be told when that will be activated?

Bonnie Miller Perry

Mt Pisa

[Rural Connectivity Group head of communications and engagement Caitlin Metz replies:

‘‘The Rural Connectivity Group is rolling out the Government’s Rural Broadband Initiative Phase 2 and Mobile Black Spots programme which includes significant investment to provide broadband and mobile services to West Coasters and visitors to the region.

‘‘To date, RCG has switched on sites across the West Coast at Haast township, Bruce Bay, Wilderness Lodge, Charleston, Rapahoe, Tatare, Ruatapu, Inangahua and Ikamatua. Twenty seven sites in total will be built across the West Coast.

‘‘The recently built site near Okuru provides critical linking into the national telecommunications network for the sites planned between Haast Junction and Neils Beach.

‘‘The Okuru site will be operational when the other two sites are finalised and the chain of sites will be switched on together. This is expected to be during 2020 as the solution is complex and technically challenging.’’]

Fuel source

FONTERRA, rather than using electricity as a power source in its plants (Letters, 17.10.19), could use a very handy resource. That is wood biomass boiler fuel to cut emissions, which is already being partially used in some plants.

To boost sources from forest harvest residue, how about a government subsidy on lowgrade export logs retained for further processing and local jobs?

Jim Childerstone

Hampden ......................................

BIBLE READING: Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a disgrace to any people. — Proverbs 14.34.