New cell site will bring mobile coverage to Okiwi

22/03/2016

New cell site will bring mobile coverage to Okiwi

Okiwi residents are set to enjoy improved mobile coverage when a new Vodafone cell site goes live at the end of May.

The new site is the result of a successful partnership between the Great Barrier Local Board, Auckland Council, Vodafone and Department of Conservation (DOC).

The Okiwi cell site is the second cell site to be delivered under the partnership, with the Vodafone Medlands site going live in 2014.

Chair of the Great Barrier Local Board, Izzy Fordham said, “The Okiwi community have worked very hard to make the case for this new cell site, so DOC’s decision to grant concession for the facility is very welcome.

“Okiwi is a fairly isolated part of the island, surrounded by rugged terrain, so understandably, these conditions make the economic case for new infrastructure quite challenging.

“This decision means mobile coverage will extend to key community hubs including Okiwi Primary School and a new headquarters planned for DOC.

“I wish to gratefully acknowledge Auckland Council, Vodafone and DOC for hearing our calls and for delivering these important services, which will bring positive benefits to the daily lives of residents and to the many visitors passing through the area,” said Izzy Fordham.

The new site will provide 3G mobile voice and data services by leveraging the existing Vodafone cell site on Kaikoura Island and repeating this signal into the Okiwi Valley.

Vodafone spokesperson Caitlin Metz said, “Vodafone is proud to enjoy a long and successful association with the residents of Great Barrier Island.

“We are delighted to bring the very first cell phone services to this community, which can now look forward to being connected like other settlements on the Island.

“We look forward to continuing our strong, collaborative connection with the Great Barrier Island community well into the future.”

The location of the Okiwi repeater and supporting solar array has been carefully positioned to minimise visual effects and disturbance to the DOC Estate, whilst maximising coverage for users of Okiwi Village and airfield.

Together, Vodafone and the Great Barrier Local Board will continue to identify new opportunities to improve and diversify phone and internet access on the island.

ENDS

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