Cuts network charges (9)

I believe the answer is:

lacerates

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'cuts' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with contact as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'network charges' is the wordplay.
'network' becomes 'lace' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'charges' becomes 'rates' (rate is a kind of charge).
'lace'+'rates'='LACERATES'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lacerates that I've seen before include "Cuts (flesh) roughly" , "Tear" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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