Cell phones come to Waimarino

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 391, 18 June 1991, Page 5

Cell phones come to Waimarino

The first stage of a cellular telephone network kicks off tomorrow, with network coverage being extended into the Waimarino. The cellular coverage is provided to the Waimarino, including Raetihi, Ohakune, Turoa

ski fields, and areas in between as part of the Central North Island expansion programme. Cellular Network spokesperson Johanna Dodson said the decision to start with the Waimarino followed the overwhelming number

of positive returns to a questionnaire run last year. Full coverage of Waiouru and the Desert Road, and coverage of National Park, Taumarunui and Te Kuiti will fcliow, she said. There will be continuous coverage along the

Ohakune Mountain Road apart from a gap from the Mangawhero camp ground area towards Turoa for about four kilometres, according to Telecom's Cellular Network information. Coverage on State Highways will be virtu-

ally continuous along SH4 from Makatote Viaduct to Oreore south of Raetihi. The Parapara Road beyond Oreore may have patches of coverage. Heading east from Raetihi on SH49 there will be virtually continuous coverage to Karioi, with patches of secondary coverage between Tangiwai and Waiouru.

The best coverage for hand-held phones will be in Raetihi and on Turoa ski field, while in other areas, including Ohakune, performance may be reduced unless taken out of doors, according to Telecom. If indoors, maximum performance will be obtained close to a window with the antenna fully

extended and the phone held vertical. Transportable and invehicle cell phones will provide the best coverage, and handheld phones with car-kits and properly installed external antennas. The best reception will be with fully extended vertical antenna.