The federal and state governments announced yesterday that 28 new or upgraded base stations would plug significant holes in the area’s network.

The Abbott and Baird governments, as well as Telstra and Vodafone, are investing a total of $92 million improving coverage in NSW cities, towns and villages.

Vodafone, which will open a new store in Armidale soon as part of its continued expansion into the New England area, will build 18 of the new towers.

New England MP Barnaby Joyce described yesterday’s announcement, the first of two rounds of funding, as a “stunning” result for his electorate.

“It was merely two weeks ago I was at the Lunatic Hotel in Drake and the number one priority was a mobile phone tower,” he said.

“At Legume and Urbenville in the far north of the electorate, we’re getting mobile phone coverage for all of them.

“It sits on the back of the ... National Broadband Network in the New England electorate and other recent large wins in the electorate, like the $2 million in the Bridges to Recovery program.”

However, one of the notable omissions from the list of approved projects was the popular recreational hub of Lake Copeton.

Mr Joyce toured the attraction last year while spruiking the government’s funding commitment and Copeton Waters manager David Allan said it was disappointing to miss out.

He said about 80,000 people spent a day or night at Copeton each year and many of them participated in potentially risky activities, such as jet or water skiing.

“It may never happen, but one day we might have a fatality that could have been prevented if there was mobile phone coverage,” he said.

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said he was particularly pleased to see that new towers would be built at Walcha and Dungowan where coverage is poor to non-existent.

“Many people are isolated on farms and in smaller regional centres, so phone and internet services are very important,” he said.

“I know as I drive around the region how frustrating it is when the phone keeps dropping in and out.”