Ria Bond MP
New Zealand First
List Member of Parliament
Based in Invercargill
10 NOVEMBER 2015

If in Doubt of Cellphone Coverage, Buy a Satellite Phone Says Minister

An MP who tried to resuscitate a relative after failing to get cellphone coverage to dial 111 was told by the Minister of Communications today that a satellite phone would have been useful, says New Zealand First.

Communications Minister Amy Adams told New Zealand First MP Ria Bond that anyone going to areas where there might not be cellphone coverage should buy a satellite phone.

“At a cost of around $1000, there won’t be many people taking up that advice,” says Ms Bond.

“The government promised to improve telecommunications infrastructure and services in rural blackspot areas to the tune of $50 million. What is there to show for that investment if the Minister has to advise rural New Zealanders to fork out for satellite phones?

“The Minister claims there is 97 per cent coverage but rural residents do not believe that,” says Ms Bond.

On October 24 Ms Bond was part of a group who attempted to resuscitate a family member after 111 could not be reached due to poor cellphone coverage in Motatau, Northland.

ENDS

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