Cell Tower Vandalism Disrupts Connectivity in Remote Alpine Pass

A recent act of vandalism has left the Lindis Pass, a remote alpine region, without cell phone coverage for several days. The incident, which occurred on Sunday between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., has raised concerns about safety and communication in the area, particularly during the busy tourist season.

Police are urging anyone who witnessed suspicious activity or has dashcam footage from State Highway 8, specifically the Lindis Pass-Tarras Road section, to come forward. The damage to the cell tower has significantly impacted connectivity in the region.

Ian Hooker, chief executive of the Rural Connectivity Group, which manages the towers on behalf of major network providers, explained that the vandalised tower serves as a critical link for another site. As a result, two of the five towers in the Pass are now out of service. This outage poses a serious safety risk, especially given the remote nature of the area and the potential for emergencies.

"This is a critical time of year for the region, with many visitors and hikers relying on mobile connectivity for safety and navigation," Hooker said. "The loss of two towers has left a significant gap in coverage, and we are working urgently to restore services."

The Rural Connectivity Group is coordinating with local authorities and network providers to assess the damage and begin repairs. However, the remote location of the tower complicates the process, and it may take several days to fully restore coverage.

Authorities have also highlighted the broader implications of such acts of vandalism. "This is not just about inconvenience; it's about safety," a spokesperson said. "In remote areas like Lindis Pass, mobile networks are often the only means of communication in emergencies."

Residents and visitors are advised to carry alternative means of communication, such as satellite phones or emergency beacons, while the issue is resolved. The police are treating the incident as a criminal act and are conducting a thorough investigation to identify those responsible.

As the community and authorities work together to address the situation, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting critical infrastructure, especially in remote and vulnerable areas.