With the fixed line telecommunications network in central Christchurch stabilising, Chorus is focusing their efforts on ensuring phone services for rural customers are operating normally.

Backup power continues to operate normally in the majority of Chorus' network equipment but a small number of roadside cabinets have lost power affecting phone services to customers in the immediate vicinity. Chorus is coordinating the distribution of additional power generators to bring those sites back online.

Chorus is bringing in additional teams and equipment from around the country to make sure fixed line services will continue to operate if there is an extended power outage.

Christchurch suffered a 7.1 magnitude earthquake which struck 30km west of the city at 4.35am this morning.