I hope this is in the right forum - seemed the best fit.

Do mobile networks in NZ prioritise 111 calls during peak demand?

The reason I ask is that on three occasions when there has been a significant but not damaging earthquake I have found the mobile network (Spark, Nelson) inaccessible for up to an hour.  You can call but it never connects.

I assume this was because of a peak in network use as people reacted to each earthquake.

So in a medium level emergency where some but not many people need emergency assistance would they actually get through to 111 if using a mobile?