Telco services berated as 'Third World'

Telecom customers in Manawatu-Rangitikei say they are sick of "Third World" phone and internet services.

Customers, many of whom live in rural areas, have complained of noisy phone lines, disconnections and crippling internet speeds.

Stacey de Vorms, from Levin, said she had been unable to use her phone line for about two months.

"All you could hear was static and people dialling. Our wireless broadband would cut out every time the phone did. I work from home and my partner uses the phone for his business. It was terrible."

Telecom fixed the problem after repeated complaints, but had not apologised or offered compensation.

Kimbolton resident Craig Manning said the problems had been going on for years. He had switched to a wireless internet provider and was planning to set up a telephone connection over the internet so "I can drop Telecom forever".

Otaki's Gary Drummond said he had been told by his phone and internet provider Slingshot he would have to go on a waiting list for broadband, as Telecom's exchange did not have enough ports. "It could be anywhere from two weeks to a year before a port becomes available ... anyone would think we live in a Third-World country."

Customers outside the region, including in Waitakere, Wellington, New Plymouth, Raetihi and the South Island's West Coast, have reported similar problems with interference and slow internet.

Robin Kelly, spokesman for Telecom's network division Chorus, said it had invested about $2.4 billion into the network in the last two years to enhance phone and internet services in New Zealand. Customers experiencing problems with their phone or internet service should contact their service provider.

Telecom was rolling out fibre-optic cable to areas such as Kimbolton, Levin and Ohakune to deliver high-speed broadband and phone services.

- © Fairfax NZ News