Vodafone network survives Friday's quakes

The Vodafone network has not sustained any significant damage in the Lower North Island / Upper South Island as a result of Friday’s earthquakes.

While two sites in central Wellington lost power immediately after the earthquake, the telco says these were quickly restored.

In a statement released to the media, the company says customers may have experienced some difficulty making calls just after 2.30pm, due to congestion and increased call volumes, with the initial rush now tailing off.

Scheduled upgrades to two sites – at Wingate and Gracefield in Lower Hutt – have been halted due to health and safety concerns, which means these sites are not currently operational.

One roadside cabinet is currently without power, which will affect fixed broadband access for Vodafone customers in Paraparaumu - the cabinet will come back online once power is restored.

Vodafone also says retail stores from Paraparaumu to Blenheim are closed until safety checks can be performed, while the main Wellington office on Lambton Quay was evacuated on Friday, with staff sent home to be with their families.