Relief Calling Credit Applied for Christchurch Customers

Telecom has announced it will credit all residential landline customers in Christchurch and its neighbouring towns for any national and international calls made in the week following Tuesday’s earthquake (until midnight Monday 28 February).

Alan Gourdie, Telecom Retail CEO, says being able to connect with friends and family during a crisis is of critical importance.

“While we recognise the worst affected area has been in Christchurch CBD we have extended the relief credit to the local calling areas of Akaroa, Darfield, Rangiora, Amberley and Ashburton.

“The credit will be applied immediately but may not show immediately on a customer’s account depending on their billing cycle.

“Telecom has many initiatives underway to assist those in Christchurch including this relief calling credit.

“To assist those people without power and communications as well as those currently displaced, Telecom has established Telecom Connect Hubs at the Christchurch welfare centres,” says Mr Gourdie.

The Connect Hubs offer free calling, free internet access, mobile charging facilities and distribution of analogue phones for people without power at home.

In addition:

• 260 Telecom payphones across Christchurch are free for mobile and national calling. More than 40,000 calls have been made from these payphones.

• Free WiFi spots are also available at Telecom Riccarton Mall, Café Zero (Cashmere Rd), and the Westpac Centre (Addington).

• Telecom is collecting and distributing analogue phones for people without power at home.

• For those who can not return to their homes Telecom will redirect their phone to another number at no cost.

Update on free payphones and donations

More than 47,000 calls have been made from 260 free Telecom payphones across Christchurch.

More than 30,000 people have used the official txt-to-donate fundraising service, supplied by Telecom, to donate to the New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal. Users of all New Zealand mobile networks can text 4419 to make an automatic $3 donation to the Appeal. To ensure 100% of the donation will make its way to the Appeal, Telecom is providing this service free-of-charge

ENDS

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