Vodafone Earthquake Update - 4pm Friday 4th March 2011

Christchurch Earthquake
4pm Friday 4th March 2011

Media Update

Network Update
Overall the network is still functioning well with minimal congestion despite the increased network load. Overall the operational status remains stable.

Retail
The Vodafone store in Riccarton is open (Along with Hornby, Northlands Mall and the Airport), at the moment we are not planning to open any further stores. The Vodafone Retail truck is going to remain at Homebase, Marshlands Rd in Shirley for the next month. These stores will open both Saturday and Sunday, check the store finder online to see operating hours)

Customer welfare and wellbeing
During the past week we have been providing credit assistance to customers who have needed it. We are currently adding more capacity to the network and upon completion will be announcing aid packages for our Christchurch mobile customers. In addition, we are:

Waiving the disconnection and reconnection fees for home phone customers whose homes have been affected.
Waiving the early termination charges for any of our SKY customers with a Christchurch address.
Offering free call diversions from Vodafone landline or Home Phone Wireless phones to another NZ landline or mobile number, free for 30 days, for customers unable to get into their homes or businesses. Customers can set this up online, call us or text 3166.
Putting accounts on hold and waiving Vodafone landline and broadband access fees for 30 days for customers who are unable to return to their homes or businesses
Waiving any of the normal fees related to cancelling your Vodafone contract or new connection charges if you have to relocate your services. Please call us to discuss: consumer customers call 0800 438 448; business customers call 888 from your mobile or 0800 400 888
We've put together an online deal exclusively for people living in Christchurch. People living in New Zealand or overseas can order an emergency pack for a Christchurch resident. The Emergency Mobile Phone Pack includes a mobile phone, Prepay SIM, 100 free calling minutes, and a car charger from $59. All orders must have a Christchurch delivery address. See www.vodafone.co.nz
Financial assistance

Donations via Vodafone Red Alert for the Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal, has now reached $1.25million. This comprises $577,610 from customers, $500,000 from Vodafone New Zealand (including £100,000 from the Vodafone Group Foundation), AUD$100,000 from Vodafone Hutchison Australia and FJ$59,000 from Vodafone Fiji.

You can help to support the people affected by the Christchurch earthquake by making a donation to the NZ Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal. To donate to the Christchurch earthquake appeal:

TXT 'QUAKE' to 555 to donate $5
TXT 'QUAKE' to 333 to donate $3

You can donate as many times as you like.

100% of your donation goes to the NZ Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal.

Next media update is due Monday, however if there are any major developments over the weekend we will send out releases as needed.

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