Full network coverage to be restored in Yolanda-hit Visayas by year-end, says Globe

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) has restored 88 percent of network coverage in typhoon-hit Central Philippines, and Globe Telecom Inc. has restored 85 percent of its network but but residents would have to wait until the end of 2013 for telecommunications service to be fully restored.

Network coverage in cities and municipalities in the Visayas, which were devastated by killer Typhoon Yolanda, was up to 88 percent restored in the case of Smart Communications Inc. and Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc., PLDT claimed on Wednesday.

 

Smart and Digitel Mobile's Sun Cellular reactivated network services in Tanauan, Leyte as the companies continue to finish network restoration in the provinces hardest hit by the typhoon.

 

Globe, on the other hand, announced it has restored up to 85 percent of network coverage and enabled subscribers to access call and text services.

 

“Globe Telecom expects to achieve a 100 percent restoration of its network in areas severely affected by the typhoon by the end of the year in line with our commitment to restore telecommunication services in the Visayas region at the soonest time possible,” said Robert Tan, chief technical adviser. – VS, GMA News