It’s the 60^th Telstra tower to go live under the government’s Mobile Black Spot Program, just 60 weeks since the first round of locations were announced.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said the milestone was a significant achievement that was improving mobile reception for regional communities across New England and Australia.

“As I travel rural and regional areas, locals tell me connectivity is one of their top issues so this is an important step forward for the regions,” Mr Joyce said.

“People expect to be able to pull their phone out of their pocket and use it.

“Whether it’s in the city or the country, mobile coverage is vital to the people of, who are increasingly reliant on mobile devices to conduct business, manage farms and keep in touch.”

Telstra’s Northern NSW general manager Mike Marom, said the tower would give customers an estimated 200 square kilometres of “new and improved mobile coverage”.

“The growing use of mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets is changing the way we live,” Mr Marom said.

“We are acutely aware of the challenges facing communities living with limited access to a mobile network.”

Mr Joyce said the new towers broke down the “sense of isolation” regional communities often felt and attract people to them.

“You’ve got to look after the cities like Armidale and Tamworth, but you must always make sure you look after the edges,” he said.

“They’re the people who need a greater say and have a greater need for you to push their case.”

Elsmore, Invergowrie, Hillgrove, White Rock Mountain were all named in round one of the program’s funding, while Drake's tower has already gone live.

During his election campagin, Mr Joyce said Copeton Dam, Fig Tree Hill, Kingstown and Baldersleigh would also get new towers.