9 March 2011

Telecom has today announced it will extend free national fixed-to-fixed calling to all residential landline customers in Christchurch and its neighbouring towns until the end of March.

This follows Telecom’s offer last week to credit customers in Christchurch and the local calling areas of Akaroa, Darfield, Rangiora, Amberley and Ashburton for calls made during the week immediately following the earthquake.

Alan Gourdie, Telecom Retail CEO, said, “Now that power has been restored to much of Christchurch, and our network remains stable, extending free national calling is another important addition to Telecom’s many initiatives to assist people in the Garden City and surrounds.”

Alongside free national calls for residential landline customers, Telecom’s 260 payphones across Christchurch remain free for local, national and mobile calling. In the past two weeks, around 96,000 calls have been made from these payphones so far.

Telecom WiFi hotspots across Christchurch also remain free of charge, enabling people without internet access to use free wireless broadband. Locations of Telecom free payphones and WiFi hotspots can be found at www.telecom.co.nz/chch

Telecom Connect Hubs across the city have provided residents with free phone charging, internet access and telephone services. Two Telecom Connect Hubs remain open in areas severely affected by the earthquake – one at Roy Stokes Hall in New Brighton, and one at Sumner School Hall in Sumner.

Telecom stores in Northlands, Riccarton, Hornby and Morehouse Avenue are also open to assist people with these free services.

For customers who are unable to return to their homes, Telecom will redirect their phone to another number at no cost and waive any early termination fees, should they need to terminate their contract due to their home or premises being permanently unsafe.

The free national fixed-to-fixed calling offer is available to all residential landline customers in Christchurch, Akaroa, Darfield, Rangiora, Amberley and Ashburton until March 31.

ENDS

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