Notorious communication black spots across Northland will no longer be a talking point for a team of high flying rescuers.
Thanks to newly installed satellite phone technology, teams carrying out rescue operations in the Northland Electricity rescue helicopters will have contact across the region.
All three helicopters have had satellite phones installed which replaces the standard cellphones in the aircraft.
The total cost including installation was $80,000, but that was mostly paid for by Pub Charity, who donated $50,000 to the project.
Pilot Dean Voelkerling said the units were specifically designed for aviation use and provided clear communication compared to the scratchy phone calls they had been used to.
"There are a lot of places in Northland where there is no cellphone coverage, particularly when we are on the ground," Mr Voelkerling said.
He said the new phones would allow the medical teams to phone ahead to hospitals, ambulance crews or rescue teams.
"We will be able to make contact while we are sitting on the ground."
There was a unit in the back for the medical team and another unit in the front for the pilots, which are wired through the helmets.
The system also means the helicopter's exact position will be known at all times.
The same system has been installed in military aircraft.