Spark's mobile phone service was restored in Palmerston yesterday.
After a week of confusion and frustration, Palmerston residents were relieved they could once again rely on their cellphones, business and personal phone lines.
Local resident Nicky Oliver said she was disappointed she had not been contacted by Spark notifying her of the repair, despite having been assured she would be.
Herbert resident Henrietta Purvis said the town experienced similar issues with a repair recently.
''To be honest, you get no satisfaction,'' Mrs Purvis said of her experience trying to phone Spark about the problem.
Spark spokeswoman Lucy Fullarton said a worker was able to climb the 30m up the Palmerston tower yesterday to repair the fault.
Extensive damage was reported; it appeared the tower was struck by lightning.
