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.

Telecom's profits are down, but the company is refusing to be drawn on how the Govt's Ultra Fast Broadband contract might affect profits.

Telecom has reported a 32 per cent slide in first-half profit as earnings shrank in its fixed, mobile and data businesses.

Vector shareholders who sold into a controversial 'low-ball' share offer have been told they can back out of the deal.

The Govt is close to striking a deal with Telecom and Vodafone for its rural broadband initiative.

Cheaper calls may be at hand, but you'll probably still need two phones to get the best deals.

The Government and Sky Television are both dismissing the need for regulation of video content.