Globe, Smart, Sun networks still fully on despite flooding, power outage

Major telcos on Friday said their respective network services remain available even if torrential rains and heavy flooding caused select power outages in the National Capital Region and other parts of Luzon.

 

In an emailed statement Friday, Globe Telecom Inc. said its network is fully operational and providing critical telecommunication services to customers and humanitarian agencies involved in rescue operations.

 

So far there is no network disruption, but Globe said it is monitoring its facilities in areas affected by the monsoon rains and technicians are on standby to address any problem.

 

“We have not monitored any service disruption in the affected areas and our network is fully operational to provide critical telecommunications services to all sectors undertaking rescue or relief operations in areas affected by floods,” senior vice president for corporate communications Yoly Crisanto said in the statement.

 

In a separate text message, Smart Communications Inc. and affiliate Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc. said their respective networks are "fully available" as of 3 p.m. despite heavy rains and flooding.

 

"A few sites have been affected due to the shutdown of commercial power after some areas experienced severe flooding but other sites continue to provide coverage," it said. 

 

Digitel Mobile is the operator of Sun Cellular.

 

Manila Electric Co. has shut off power in more areas in the National Capital Region, which includes Metro Manila and nearby provinces, as strong rains and flooding dumped by Tropical Storm Mario continued to batter the main island of Luzon.

 

Electricity has been cut off in Manila, Malabon, Marikina, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Quezon City and Valenzuela, as well as in some areas in Rizal Province and Bulacan.

 

The telcos firms are providing public service as rain and wind brought about by Mario continue to slam Luzon.

 

People may charge their mobile phones and other gadgets in select stores in Metro Manila, Globe said.

 

Crisanto noted Globe security personnel are also launching rescue operations for company employees affected by floods and those who need transportation to go to the company's headquarters. 

 

Meanwhile, Smart and Sun Cellular said they have opened Libreng Tawag Centers for residents of Malabon City, Quezon City, and Pasig City. "More Libreng Tawag Centers are expected to be opened later," the telcos said in their text messages. – Danessa O. Rivera/VS, GMA News