Telecom payphones across Christchurch free of charge

Canterbury aftershocks update: Telecom payphones across Christchurch free of charge

Telecom's mobile and fixed networks continue to stand up well, following yesterday afternoon's aftershocks in Christchurch.

A number of fixed and mobile network sites are operating on backup power due to widespread mains power loss and more generators have been brought in overnight.

Telecom continues to ask customers to confine mobile phone use to important calls only, and to use text messages as an alternative to calling in order to conserve backup power supplies.

As an alternative, Telecom payphones across the city will be free for local, national and mobile calling until the end of the week.

Telecom has also set up more than 50 free WiFi hotspots across Christchurch so residents can access the internet for free. A map of the WiFi hotspots can be found online here: http://www.telecom.co.nz/chch/?wifi

To use Telecom's free WiFi in Christchurch, people can configure their mobile and computing devices by looking for the WiFi address (SSID) 'Telecom Free WiFi'.

Telecom reminds customers who are without mains power that they can use analogue phones which do not require power to operate.

Telecom's two Christchurch data centres remain operable.

A further update will be given later today.

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