At a time of record internet use (see below), a number of phone and broadband problems are not being fixed because technicians are being barred from homes or offices by well-meaning landlords or security guards, Telecommunications Carriers Forum chief executive Paul Brislen says.
In fact, telco engineers are classed as essential workers, Brislen points out (see MBIE's full list of essential worker categorieshere).
New Zealanders are relying on telecommunications more so than ever before whether it's to keep up to date with the latest advisories or for work, education or entertainment. Telecommunications is an essential service and we're keen to keep it operating well, even as demands set new records each day.
"Currently, we're sending technicians out only for essential service work. This isn't about installing new equipment but keeping what's already deployed operational, so we would ask that techs who are needed on site be treated as the essential workers they are," says Brislen, whose group represents telcos including Chorus, Spark, Vodafone, Vocus and 2degrees.
