(First world problems)

My parents have been wired for TCL/VF since the Cable service was first available in Christchurch, although they purchased the house after it was wired.

Long story short, house had been empty for 18 months and my parents moved back in (Dec 2011) - I had previously rented the place off them and was using the TCL Cable service. My parents decide they want to go with Telecom (Landline + ADSL or VDSL) - Chorus tech comes out and he is unable to locate the copper connection from the house to the street (at the street). Location is Kevin Street, Hoon Hay.

He asks if there was ever a standard connection in place - house had Telecom Phone & ADSL service in 2003 so we know it did. He goes on to say that it may have been sucked up by a clean up truck which was cleaning liquefaction residue from the earthquake (There was liquefaction on the street, albeit not much). He goes on to say that it would cost a lot (He did give a figure but I can't recall what it was) to reinstate and that my parents would be liable for the costs.

I don't think my parents mind being with VF Cable but it does bother me that they don't have the option to move until UFB is laid. At the time it was put in the "too hard basket" and just went with TCL Cable.

Has anyone ever heard of a similar situation? I'd be interested to know.

Thanks.