We take them for granted and rely on them in so many aspects of our lives.

But, we forget that in some areas around our region, they’re completely useless, and residents can’t rely on them at all.

If you drive around our vast region, you’ll come to realise it’s a case of phone coverage in one area, and then nothing not far down the road.

And the carrier you may have signed up to just further complicates matters.

But, yesterday, the federal government announced 28 new or upgraded base stations across the New England electorate would eliminate more than 100 “black spots” for mobile phones.

It’s been a very long and drawn out process, as the government consulted with the community on the areas of greatest need, but with the list now confirmed, hopefully work can soon begin.

However, in such a list there’s always the winners, as well as the losers, and the notorious black spot at Copeton Dam is a notable omission.

Even after federal MP Barnaby Joyce used the dam last year as a site to spruik the benefits of the government’s funding program.

After such a public endorsement of the great need for coverage at the popular tourist location, it’s hoped that situation can be rectified soon.

In regional areas, where the tyranny of distance makes reliable communication that much more important, residents are entitled to expect their phones to work when they need them.

This is a welcome investment by the federal and state government, and providers Telstra and Vodafone, and it’s hoped there’s more to come.

To one day be able to drive anywhere in the New England, North West and be able to make a call on our mobile will be money well spent.