Christchurch earthquake: Phone lines still damaged

Lack of power is slowing down the restoration of normal phone services in Christchurch, but there are 260 free-to-use phone booths throughout the city. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The Christchurch phone network is still being plagued by power issues two days after the city's devastating 6.3 magnitude quake, Telecom says.

More than 30 generators have been flown in for use at network sites without power.

About 10,000 calls were made from 260 free payphones in and around the city yesterday, and free WiFi was also available at Telecom Riccarton Mall, Cafe Zero and the Westpac Centre in Addington.

The telecommunications company said it was also collecting analogue landline phones, which do not need electricity, to distribute to those in need.

It advised Christchurch residents to use a landline when possible or text when using a cellphone to free up the network for emergency response teams.

- NZPA