"Technicians have continued to make progress in restoring landline and internet services," the company said in a statement released at 12 noon today. "Ninety-three per cent of impacted landlines have now been repaired."

"Today technicians continue to individually re-cable remaining landline services through the Warrnambool exchange.

"Work to restore internet services is ongoing with approximately 50 per cent of service back on line across the district.

"More than 50 technicians are on site carrying out repairs as quickly as possible. Overnight additional scaffolding has been set up to expedite the repair of some remaining damaged cables.

"Telstra has announced a process for business customers affected by this communications outage to claim compensation. The process will include a dedicated call centre for businesses, visitations to affected towns and an online claim form. 

"With many business services now being restored Telstra has set up a dedicated team to take calls from business customers who may require assistance in reconfiguring their phone and internet services. This team can be reached on 1800 171 355 between the hours of 8am and 5pm.

"We apologise for the inconvenience to our customers. We are doing everything we can to get them connected as soon as possible."