[News] Two NZ Telecommunications Providers to offer free calling to the Philippines

Following the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines over the weekend, Vodafone and Telecom have announced it will credit its New Zealand customers’ calls and TXTs to the Philippines.

This includes mobile, residential and business calls made to Philippine landline and mobile phones. The retrospective credit will apply to calls and TXTs made from Friday 8 November (0:00:01) to Tuesday 12 November (23:59:59) and will be applied to customers’ accounts in their next bill.

Telecom’s Chief Executive Retail Chris Quin said that many Telecom customers were concerned about loved ones in Philippines, and so had called them over the past few days to make sure they were safe.  He hoped that by crediting customers the cost of these calls he could spare them the extra worry of a large phone bill at the end of the month.

Matt Williams, Vodafone Consumer Director, says it is vitally important for people to be able to communicate with family and friends in a time of crisis.

“Our thoughts are with the people of the Philippines affected by this terrible crisis – and, in particular, those who have lost loved ones.”

“Many thousands of people have been impacted, losing their homes and everything they own.  We know that many of our customers are in the Philippines right now, or have friends and family there.”

“We hope that these measures will help them to keep in touch during this difficult time.  All we ask is that people limit their time on calls so that everyone who wants to make a call can get through – and to help avoid the risk of overloading.”

Vodafone have also deployed two Vodafone New Zealand engineers to Manila over the weekend. Adrian Bullock and Rob MacLennan will be setting up an emergency mobile phone network that will provide a lifeline for aid workers and families dispersed by one of the most powerful storms on record.

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