Cable break still puzzle for Telecom

Telecom yesterday was still to get to the bottom of why a fibre optic cable north of Wellington was damaged on Monday, contributing to nearly five hours of communications disruptions around the country.

Telecom spokesman John Goulter said the initial focus had been on getting the repairs completed after two cables, one in the Rimutaka region and the other in Taranaki, were severed in quick succession on Monday morning.

More than 100,000 customers from Auckland to Invercargill were affected between 10.48am and 3.18pm. The Southland Rugby Union was restricted to cash ticket sales for last night's Southland versus Lions game due to Eftpos and internet disruptions.

However, Bank of New Zealand spokesman Owen Gill said fears that overnight settlements between banks would be delayed had amounted to nothing.

Mr Goulter said Telecom repair staff had worked through Monday night. An investigation and report into the cause of the Rimutaka breakage were still pending.

Rat damage was still seen as a possibility.

As for the second fibre optic cable "nicked" by a contractor drilling a hole for Powerco in Taranaki, Telecom would talk to the electricity lines company about possible compensation, among other things. Powerco spokesman Neil Holdom declined to comment.

Mr Goulter said no one had contacted Telecom seeking compensation after interruptions to Eftpos, internet services, landlines and mobile phone services. Nor did Telecom expect to get claims for compensation from businesses for a "one in a million" occurrence.

One customer contacted the Herald saying she had been charged for text messages sent during the service disruption even though they had not been received.

Mr Goulter said Telecom would not charge for services not delivered and people with complaints should contact the company.