Mobile service coverage in country parks has been upgraded with the launch of two new base stations at Tai Lam Chung Reservoir and Chung Pui near Plover Cove Reservoir, bringing the base stations serving country parks to 16, the Office of the Telecommunications Authority says.

After the launch of the two mobile stations, the mobile coverage of country parks at Pat Sin Leng, Plover Cove and Tai Lam including MacLehose Trail Stage 10 has been strengthened.

Two more base stations - at Tai Long Au and Shek Pik - are scheduled to be completed later this year, while several others are in the pipeline.

To enable hikers and country park visitors to call for assistance in emergencies, mobile network operators have been encouraged to establish more mobile base stations in country parks. Country park visitors can call Police emergency centre by calling the emergency number 112 even if there is only one mobile service operator providing coverage at a specific location.

Hikers and country park visitors should make full preparation before they go hiking.  For details click here. OFTA has so far produced 161 digital maps showing information of mobile coverage in country parks. They can be obtained here.