Some of the ''black spots'' in Otago's cellphone network, particularly along major tourist routes, might soon disappear.
All the province's city and district councils have combined to bid for a share of the $50million the Government is offering to fill gaps in the network's coverage.
The funding for improved cellphone coverage was announced by Communications Minister Amy Adams in March alongside other funding for ultra-fast broadband.
Central Otago District Council economic development manager Warwick Hawker told the Otago Daily Times last week the ''mobile black spots fund'' was intended to address coverage issues along parts of the state highway network ''which were important to tourists ... and where there are safety issues''.
The Government has asked local authorities to submit registrations of interest to identify such areas, and Mr Hawker said the Dunedin City Council and Clutha, Waitaki, Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes District Councils would submit a joint bid for funding by Friday's deadline.
The Government will then select a priority list for new cellphone towers, taking into account the economic and safety benefits, and local authorities' willingness to share costs.
Mr Hawker said the Lindis Pass road was a ''top priority'' for his council.
''It is a major concern from our perspective, mainly for security issues.
''If there is a serious road accident there, unless someone is passing it could be quite difficult getting the word out and getting help in.''
In June 2013, the ODT reported at length on the concerns emergency services, tourism operators and others had about the 57km black spot across the Lindis Pass.
The pass is the second-highest in the South Island, and in winter it is frequently hit by snow and ice.
An average of 1500 vehicles use it every day, many of them international tourists travelling between Christchurch and Queenstown.
Emergency services said their concern was the inability of motorists to call for help from crash scenes, and the reduced ability to rescue injured people within the ''golden hour''.
The Omarama Volunteer Fire Brigade is called to the Lindis Pass about 100 times a year.
When the ODT approached the office of Tourism Minister John Key in 2013, a spokeswoman said expanding the cellphone network was not the Government's responsibility.
''It is up to telecommunications companies to decide how widespread cellphone coverage is.''
Just over a year later, the $50million fund to fill black spots was put forward as an election promise by Ms Adams.
The main priority for the Queenstown Lakes District Council is the Glenorchy road.
