Telecom shares fell 6 per cent after it missed out on being named for priority talks in the Government's $1.5b ultra-fast broadband plan.

Crown Fibre Holdings has prioritised three regional deals in its short list for the government funded roll-out of an ultra-fast broadband network.

The battle to win $1.8b of government money now features in TV advertisements - although I imagine many watching them will be left scratching their heads.

As Apple reassures US iPad customers that it can fill demand, Orcon has become the first telco in New Zealand to sell the device.

Vodafone internet users were cut off this afternoon after a power surge caused smoke to billow from a room at Auckland's SkyCity.

Local wireless internet provider Tomizone has partnered with Skype to promote the global giant's new web access product to NZ users.

Telecom boss Paul Reynolds has had $2 million from his annual bonus slashed.