Christchurch Earthquake
12.00pm Friday 25 February 2011

The Vodafone network remains in a relatively strong position, with all but 17 sites operational. Coverage is in place for most of the city with only a few black spots in the east. This is achieved through network management, optimization* and the deployment of COWS (cell sites on wheels). Two have already been deployed with a further five currently being rolled out within the city. We currently have 30 sites running off generators.

Our mobile store truck – Optimus Prime is in Christchurch and is providing much needed support to the public. Optimus Prime is located outside Hornby Mall and is offering customers a support facility, the ability to recharge their phones, top up and purchase prepay vouchers, obtain customer service information. It is also providing free WiFi access and ten phones for members of the public to make free calls.

Vodafone customers have donated more than $125,000 via the Red Alert text appeal in association with the Red Cross. This already exceeds the total amount raised following the 4 September quake.

Vodafone NZ CEO, Russell Stanners has travelled down to Christchurch to meet with Vodafone staff to assess their individual needs and how the company can assist. Russell joins Sandra Pickering, our Chief Technology Officer, and other staff who have travelled to assist the local team.

Vodafone NZ, Vodafone UK and Vodafone Fiji have kicked off our Red Alert appeal by contributing more than $550,000. Vodafone Qatar has provided a credit to its Kiwi customers to help them make calls home. This is a heartfelt gesture and gives an insight into the concern felt well beyond the shores of NZ.

Vodafone NZ customers can donate either $3 or $5 to the cause by TXTing ‘Quake’ to either 333 ($3 donation) or 555 ($5 donation). 100% of all donations will go to the NZ Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal.

The technology teams will continue to restore, refuel and reparent cell sites. The priority is refueling generators to keep sites working and ensuring our transmission network remains stable while keeping staff safe at all times.

Vodafone also suggests that customers leave a temporary message** on their voicemail to let callers know the time and date, location and that they are OK. This provides some reassurance should mobile phone batteries go flat given the difficulties with power supply.

The next media update will be sent Friday afternoon.

ENDS

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