PLDT-Smart provides free calls, charging, wifi services in Ulysses-hit areas

Telecommunications giant PLDT Inc.’s wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. is providing free calls, charging, and wifi services in areas affected by the Typhoon Ulysses.

In a statement, the PLDT-Smart it is offering free data and text/call credits to affected Smart and TNT customers in NCR and Luzon to provide vital communication services to those who need it most.

The telco said it had earlier extended the same efforts to customers in Southern Luzon who were impacted by Super Typhoon Rolly.

“We’re doing what we can to keep Filipinos connected during these challenging times. We’re exerting all efforts to keep communication services running as these are crucial in response and relief efforts,” said Cathy Yap-Yang, PLDT-Smart first vice president and head of Corporate Communications.

To help affected residents connect with their love ones, PLDT-Smart said has also set up Libreng Tawag, Libreng Charging, and Libreng Wifi stations in Aurora, Sorsogon, Camarines Sur, and Marinduque while Libreng Tawag and Charging sites are on standby in Pampanga and Bulacan.

Roving Wifi stations are also positioned in Albay and Camarines Norte, it said.

The company also extended communication support to the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) and the local government unit of Marikina.

PLDT-Smart said it has set up a crisis command center to better communicate with customers.

“The platform will enable PLDT-Smart to quickly relay critical information about its services in the wake of Typhoon Ulysses,” it said.

Meanwhile, the telco said it services remain largely unaffected in typhoon-hit provinces.

However, customers in Marikina, Bulacan, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija might experience service degradation because of commercial power interruptions and other transport-related issues.

“Smart is continuously monitoring the situation and assures customers that restoration and repair activities will immediately commence once conditions are safe,” Yap-Yang said.—AOL, GMA News