February 23, 2011
4.30pm

2degrees cell sites in Christchurch are largely unaffected by the earthquake, however themain issue has been power supply, as batteries powering some sites have rundown overnight and during the day.

2degreesspokesman Mat Bolland says mobile coverage in Christchurch is being restored as generators are being installed throughout the day, although aftershocks andbattery power levels continue to prove challenging.

“We’ve been able to restore coverage today in some areas as generators have been connected, and we have more on the way. However, service is likely to fluctuate in some areas if batteries run short,” he says. “Our focus is on installing generators in areas where the power supply is likely to take longer to restore.”

Mr Bolland says yesterday’s calling volumes had caused congestion issues, but the network was managing volumes today.

“We’re still asking people in Christchurch or those contacting people there to text rather than call.”

2degrees also wants to clarify the area affected by the earthquake. While calls within, or to and from Christchurch have been impacted there are no issues in calling elsewhere in New Zealand.

“We’ve had some customers outside Christchurch ask if they should restrict phone use to help Christchurch. There’s no reason not to call and text freely if you live or call outside that area.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Gordon Campbell: On Failures Of Care For Those With Mental Disabilities

Hard to imagine a more disturbing insight into the treatment of the vulnerable than the Health Ministry report on Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau. The Ministry has found that the country’s only kaupapa Maori intellectual disability residential care provider has been “seriously dysfunctional.”

The ministry says the business has failed to recruit and retain quality staff – and says the kaimahi (caregivers) that have been employed are seriously unsuitable for the job, lacking basic knowledge. But Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau doesn’t get all the blame. The report says there’s a significant gap under disability laws to ensure there’s oversight by qualified clinical professionals. More>>