Telecom Canterbury earthquake - update 11.30am

Telecom Media Advisory: Canterbury earthquake - update 11.30am, Saturday 26 February

Overall the Telecom network remains up and stable, all Telecom exchanges are operational with a combination of mains and generated power, as are the majority of mobile sites.

We continue to recommend people in Christchurch minimise the use of mobile phones, and use text messages instead of calls when possible to free up the network for emergency response workers. However, as the network is operational people should use their phones for important calls.

Our focus remains on assisting the people of Christchurch. Telecom’s team on the ground and across the country is working around the clock to provide every support possible.

More than 27,000 calls have been made from 260 free Telecom payphones across Christchurch. Free WiFi spots are also available at Telecom Riccarton Mall, Café Zero (Cashmere Rd), and the Westpac Centre (Addington).

More than 15,000 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

Telecom customers in Christchurch can have their landline number diverted to another number for free. To do this, residential customers can call us on 120 and business customers can call us on 125. A relief package from Telecom Wholesale is enabling other telecommunications retailers to support their affected home and business customers as well.

There will be no further updates until midday tomorrow, Sunday 27 February.

ADVICE FOR PEOPLE IN CHRISTCHURCH:

• Change your voicemail message to let callers know the time, date and your location and, if possible, alternate contact details to provide some reassurance should mobile phone batteries go flat given the difficulties with power supply.

• Where possible, use corded landline phones that plug directly into the wall as these do not require power.

• Customers with friends or family with a prepaid Telecom mobile can call 0800 32 32 32 and top up their prepaid credit on their behalf.

For previous updates, please go to: http://www.telecom-media.co.nz/

© Scoop Media