NTC to telcos: Put up ‘libreng tawag’ stations, fast-track restorations in Rolly-hit areas

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has ordered telecommunications firms to set up free call and charging stations in regions hit by Super Typhoon Rolly and fast-track repair and rehabilitation efforts in such areas.

In a memorandum dated November 2, NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba ordered both Globe Telecom Inc. and Smart Communications to put up stations in "strategic areas" — Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and the Bicol Region.

A separate memorandum released the same day directed all telecommunications entities to fast-track the repair and restoration of services in affected areas in aid of business transactions, distance learning, and government rescue and relief operations.

"Please accelerate the mobilization and transport of your respective technical / service personnel and equipment to the affected areas immediately," the memorandum read.

Telcos were ordered to report updates of restoration activities every six hours, and provide a timeline for the full restoration of service moving forward.

For their part, incumbents Globe and Smart said they are now in the process of restoring services in hard-hit areas.

"Rest assured that our Globe technical teams are addressing the issue to bring our services back to normal as soon as possible," Globe said in an advisory posted via social media.

The Ayala-led telco said services in some parts of Batangas, Marinduque, and Samar continue to be affected as of Monday afternoon.

For its part, Smart said it is ready to extend assistance to response and relief teams in areas affected by typhoon Rolly.

"We have prepositioned our personnel, network equipment, and resources to ensure the resilience of our services, and if needed, the quick restoration of communication in areas that has been impacted by the typhoon," the Pangilinan-led telco said in a separate advisory.

— RSJ, GMA News