Events in Christchurch give reason to ask if our phone networks are tough enough.

Network company Vector's half year net profit has dropped 2.8 per cent to $98.5 million.

Much of Christchurch is without essential services after yesterday's earthquake with gas, power, water and phone infrastructure all affected.

Reforms helped create IT systems that are envied by other countries.

Telecom has asked the SFO to investigate an alleged breach of its database that allowed rival Slingshot to gain access to customer information.

Vector, shut out late last year from the Government's ultra fast broadband plan, has now been selected for priority talks to roll out fibre in Auckland.