NTC to telco organisations: Ensuring continuity of services in areas affected by ‘Kristine’

The NTC issued a Memorandum on Oct. 21 anticipates the entry of typhoon “Kristine” (international name: Trami) into the Philippine Area of ​​Responsibility by further directing the country’s telecommunications organizations (PTEs) to take measures to ensure the continuity of communication services. in the Filipino community.

In the memorandum, the NTC directed the PTEs to provide adequate personnel, standby generators with additional fuel, necessary tools and spare parts to the areas affected by Typhoon Kristine. PTEs are also mandated to ensure prompt repair and restoration of services in the event of disruptions caused by the Hurricane.

In addition, PTEs have been tasked to immediately open Libreng Tawag and Libreng Charging Stations in the affected areas.

From noon on Oct. 23, 2024, PTEs reported experiencing service outages in provinces within the Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas. There were also reports of minor outages in the provinces of Calabarzon and Northern Luzon.

The main reason for this disruption in communication services was a commercial power outage, which may have been pre-initiated by electric companies/electric cooperatives or caused naturally by the Hurricane.

Globe Telecom reported 75% to 92% disruption of its services in Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Albay, and Camarines Norte. Smart Communications reported the severe challenge posed by the heavy floods in the Bicol region which hampered its recovery efforts.

Smart Communications also informed the NTC that 21 families in Daet, Camarines Norte were given shelter during the disaster at the PLDT Cable Landing station.

Dito Telecommunity also faced serious difficulties in Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Converge also experienced service disruptions in Bicol Region, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon, Central Luzon, Cordillera Region, Eastern Visayas and Ilocos Region. Generator sets are used to provide temporary power to the network. However, some recovery efforts have been delayed by impassable flooded roads.

From 4 pm on Oct. 23, Globe reported 12% and 17% recovery in Leyte and Southern Leyte so far. Converge also reported a 32% recovery in total affected sites as of 6:00 pm on Oct. 23.

It is reported that the PTEs have placed the necessary personnel on standby in the most affected areas, awaiting safe deployment for immediate repairs and maintenance.

In areas where it is safe to repair, service restoration efforts are already underway to minimize service downtime.

SpaceX Starlink also extended to the NTC its assistance offering in the form of Starlink internet services for Filipino first responders to use during rescue and relief operations.

In addition, PLDT Smart Group reported that it is preparing to invest in relief goods with PLDT and Smart volunteers and the Alagang Kapatid Foundation.

NTC is closely monitoring the situation and, with the great cooperation of PTEs, is working to restore communication services as soon as possible so that those affected people can continue to communicate with their loved ones during this terrible typhoon.

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