My boyfriend very rarely contacts me when were apart?

My partner of 2.5 years was never really a person to contact me "for the sake of it" ever since we met. We rarely spend more than a day apart, but I like to hear from him even if it's just hello. But he says he doesn't have a need to, and prefers to talk to me when he sees me. So, every time were apart I feel as though I don't even exist to him. But when were in person, I feel very loved and he's attentive and affectionate. His mum says he was the same when he was younger and used to go to school camp, he'd very rarely call home. Is it important whether or not my partner contacts me when were apart, or am I placing too much emphasis on this? Are some people just not "telephone" people? Any thoughts?