New 5G tower sites chosen
Gonville site chosen, Springvale is next
Anew Vodafone telecommunications pole near Bridge St in Bulls is on track to be completed in the next two weeks, with two similar cell sites planned for Whanganui.
Head of Vodafone NZ’s Mobile Access Network, Thaigan Govender, said it was part of 200 mobile cell site upgrades nationwide “to bring Vodafone 5G to more regions”.
Two new Whanganui facilities will be located in Gonville and Springvale.
“The Gonville site is a new 11.8m pole in road reserve on the corner of Gorran Ave and Koromiko Rd and construction is scheduled to start next month,” Govender said.
“Under the Telecommunications Act we can locate our cabinets and place a pole subject to the conditions as set out in the National Environment Standards 2016.
“For the Gonville facility, we were required to submit a Certificate of Compliance (COC) application to Whanganui District Council, which was then granted by the council in February.”
Prior to submitting the COC to the council, Govender said Vodafone carried out a mailbox drop to neighbouring residents with a letter outlining what they were doing, including a drawing of the facility.
“We then did another mailbox drop last month to let our neighbours know we would be starting construction. To date we have not had any feedback or concerns raised with us.”
Govender said the location in Springvale was still being determined.
“We are hoping to co-locate on an existing telecommunications facility in the sportsground.”
Covid-19 had accelerated the use of digital services and data consumption, Govender said, particularly in regional areas.
“Data use increased by a whopping 56 per cent during 2020 as more Kiwis relied on mobile technology and digital services to work, live and play remotely.
“Our investment in digital infrastructure and improving mobile and internet coverage will pump hundreds of millions of dollars into the New Zealand economy.”
In terms of the cell site in Bulls, Rangitikei District councillor Brian Carter said it would be a “positive thing” for those in more remote areas.
“Out Santoft way, with the sandhills and forestry, reception via any of the cellphone companies is horrendous,” Carter said.
“That tower will be virtually aiming straight down the [Rangitikei] river, so it should better the reception tenfold.”
Carter, who operates Carter Upholstery in Bulls, said the sudden appearance of the new tower had the potential to concern local residents.
“No matter what is done anywhere, there is always someone who doesn’t like what’s happening.
“It can be annoying to some to have a tower right in the middle of town, but if it’s going to better the communications for the district, I’m all for it.”
time to date is around the 3.5 minute mark for just over 5.5km.
“The cars can certainly move, and it’ll be interesting to see if the speeds drop off at night time. With a road like that the traction keeps getting better as more cars go over it.”
Hackett said there were designated areas on the course for spectators, and there was no entry fee for members of the public.
“There are a couple of spectator spots set up, and there’ll be a van to ferry people back and forwards.”
Hackett said it was “crunch time” for the drivers in the Central Region Series, all of whom had roll cages in their vehicles.
“Two guys to look out for are Gareth McLachlan in his VR4 and Daniel Feck in his Mitsubishi FTO.
“Those two are both four-wheel drives and both are really quick.
“Chris Gracie in his little Honda Civic is also really on pace, and for pure crowd entertainment it’s got to be Paul Taylor from Wellington.
“He’s got an old BMW with a V12 in it. He goes out there, throws stones and has a great time.
“At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.”
The Fordell Day/Night Gravelsprint runs from 2pm to 10pm on Saturday, May 1, at Matarawa Valley Rd, Fordell (Kaitoke 4582).