"At present we estimate around 9000 customers are without full services -- again, localised damage will be the main cause," says TelstraClear spokesperson Diane Robinson.

Due to the power outages, Telecom has put into service around 60 generators (33 of which were flown into the city by the Air Force), Vodafone around 30 generators, TelstraClear about 40-50 generators and 2degrees 30 generators.

Telecom has deployed five COWs (cell sites on wheels) to boost mobile coverage. It has enabled free calling at 260 public phones in the Christchurch and to date over 40,000 calls have been made on these phones. In addition it has created three free WiFi spots in Telecom Riccarton Mall, Café Zero (Cashmere Rd), and the Westpac Centre (Addington).

Vodafone has deployed four COWS and plans to deploy a further two later this afternoon. It has also boosted coverage with five femtocells (mini cellsites) set up around welfare centres. Following the earthquake 55 cellsites were out of service, of which twelve were not operational on Monday.

Immediately following the earthquake 2degrees reported that 71 of 98 cellsites were immediately on back up battery, and three cellsites weren't carrying traffic, but by midday Thursday its network was up and running with 2G and 3G services. The telco has more than 25 staff in Christchurch and 15 engineers in Auckland working on network issues that have arisen as a result of the earthquake. It has postponed plans for a call centre in Christchurch as the building it had chosen to house it is located in the CBD. Director of corporate affairs Mat Bolland says the intention to open a new contact centre, and increase the retail presence (currently there is one 2degrees retail outlet), in Christchurch, hasn't changed.