Contractor cuts phone lines to Auckland suburb

Thousands of subscribers in the Auckland suburb of Point Chevalier are without telephones after a contractor cut through lines yesterday.

Telecom spokesman Mark Watts said the contractor cut through a cluster of 2300 copper lines and cut communications to more than 2000 customers, including homes and businesses.

Mr Watts said dial up broadband, basic telephone services and eftpos services were all affected but the problem did not affect cellular phones.

Mr Watts said Telecom would provide cellphones where there was a problem and was talking with emergency services, including St John and other services providing emergency medical alerts.

He said the services would be restored as the wires were repaired and technicians were working around the clock.

- NZPA