"For the Gonville facility, we were required to submit a Certificate of Compliance (COC) application to Whanganui District Council which was then granted by the council in February."
Prior to submitting the COC to the council, Govender said Vodafone carried out a mailbox drop to the neighbouring residents with a letter outlining what they were doing, including a drawing of the facility.
"We then did another mailbox drop last month to let our neighbours know we would be starting construction.
"To date we have not had any feedback or concerns raised with us."
Govender said the location in Springvale was still being determined.
"We are hoping to collocate on an existing telecommunications facility in the sportsground."
Covid-19 had accelerated the use of digital services and data consumption, Govender said, particularly in regional areas.
"Data use increased by a whopping 56 per cent during 2020 as more Kiwis relied on mobile technology and digital services to work, live and play remotely.
"Our investment in digital infrastructure and improving mobile and internet coverage will pump hundreds of millions of dollars into the New Zealand economy."
In terms of the cell site in Bulls, Rangitikei District councillor Brian Carter said it would be a "positive thing" for those in more remote areas.
"Out Santoft way, with the sandhills and forestry, reception via any of the cellphone companies is horrendous," Carter said.
"That tower will be virtually aiming straight down the [Rangitikei] river, so it should better the reception tenfold."
Carter, who operates Carter Upholstery in Bulls, said the sudden appearance of the new tower had the potential to concern local residents.
"No matter what is done anywhere there is always someone who doesn't like what's happening.
"It can be annoying to some to have a tower right in the middle of town, but if it's going to better the communications for the district, I'm all for it."
