MEDIA RELEASE - Work to restore telecommunications services in Kaikoura has been successful with broadband and IP voice services returning at 11pm last night. This followed Vodafone, Spark and Chorus collaborating to re-route traffic to Wellington and Christchurch through provisioned capacity on Vodafone’s Aqualink cable.

With the Wellington link established, all of Kaikoura’s 1,466 broadband customers should see their broadband service restored. However, specific local issues following the earthquakes, such as loss of power to a street cabinet or damage to an individual’s line, may result in some faulty connections.

Our recommendation is for Kaikoura broadband customers, regardless of their provider, is to try reconnecting to their broadband. To re-set the connection, they should first turn their broadband modem off and on again. If they are then unable to connect and have mobile phone coverage, they should log the fault with their broadband provider.

Work to re-connect landlines is due to complete tomorrow, as this requires an additional link from Kaikoura to Christchurch.

In addition, work to restore connectivity to the Waiau exchange is now complete after a 1km fibre replacement cable was helicoptered in yesterday. Waiau residents should now have full access to mobile, broadband and landline services. To re-establish their broadband connection customers should follow the advice above.

For more information, contact:

Vodafone:

Elissa Downey
External Communications Manager
021 866 146
elissa.downey@vodafone.com

Spark:

Ellie Cross
Communications Partner
022 630 0665
ellie.cross@spark.co.nz

Chorus:

Steve Pettigrew
Stakeholder Communications Manager
027 258 6257
steve.pettigrew@chorus.co.nz