Telecom is moving to temporarily boost cellphone coverage in and around Greymouth, following problems with mobile calls in the area.
Telecom says there has been a big increase in demand for telecommunications service due to the influx of people in the wake of the mine explosion.
It says the company is working with the Pike River team to install an extra cell site in the valley leading to the mine.
That is expected to be working by midday on Sunday.
The company says it is also monitoring local mobile and broadband services to manage capacity to deal with the demand.
Telecom is also providing free local, national and mobile calls to affected families and volunteers during the rescue effort.
