Globe, PLDT-Smart restore telco services in Mindanao after Odette

Telco giants Globe Telecom and PLDT-Smart have restored most of telecommunications services in Mindanao following the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.

In a statement, Globe said it has restored services in Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Bukidnon as of 6 p.m., Friday.

The Ayala-led telco said its field operations teams in Visayas and Mindanao are continuously working to restore mobile and data services in Odette-ravaged areas.

Globe said it has also set up “Libreng Charging” stations at Shell Station, Borongan City, Eastern Samar and Sebayan Central Elementary School in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte to provide assistance to those affected by the typhoon. 

More areas will follow as soon as available, it said.

On the other hand, PLDT and wireless unit Smart said it has restored wireless services in most parts of Mindanao.

“PLDT and Smart personnel braved impassable roads and felled trees to reach downed sites and quickly repair affected network equipment,” said Cathy Yap-Yang, Corporate Communications head for PLDT-Smart.

Subsequently, SMS and mobile internet services have been up since early Saturday morning in most parts of Mindanao, according to the Pangilinan-led telco.

Repairs have also commenced to restore affected fixed-line services in the region, it said.

PLDT-Smart said it is also sending technical teams to Siargao to assess damage in the area and immediately begin restoration activities.

“Repairs are also ongoing in affected sites in the Visayas, and Palawan. PLDT and Smart assure customers round-the-clock repairs, until all services have been fully restored,” the telco said.

“In the meantime, Libreng Tawag and Charging stations have been deployed to connect affected residents with their loved ones,” it added.

PLDT-Smart said it has also engaged local government units and local suppliers for the distribution of relief aid in heavily impacted areas. —LBG, GMA News