2degrees: Text before calling following earthquake

Following this afternoon's Cook Strait earthquakes, 2degrees has advised users in the Lower North Island / Upper South Island to text before calling due to a network overload.

The quake, likely to be "in the upper 6s", hit at 2.31pm today, with the telco taking to Facebook to inform users to avoid phone calls if possible.

"Please can you use texts to help prevent network overload," the telco posted.

"If you need to call please make it as brief as possible."

After initially showing support for just Wellingtonians, the telco quickly backtracked, responding:

"Apologies to those affected in other areas. First reports were that Wellington was hit.

"Our thoughts are with everyone in Seddon, Marlborough and any other region affected.

"We'll try to keep you posted with how the network is coping but for the time being please text before calling to prevent traffic overload."

Earlier this afternoon, Telecom advised that no significant damage appears to have been sustained to its networks in the region as a result of the earthquakes.