NTC orders telcos to provide free call, charging services in quake-hit areas

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) ordered telecommunications companies to provide free call and charging services in areas hit by the magnitude 7 earthquake on Wednesday.

In a memorandum, the NTC directed the public telecommunications entities "to deploy Libreng Tawag and Libreng Charging Stations in strategic areas affected by the earthquake in Abra this morning.”

Telcos were reminded to observe strict health protocols to avoid the transmission of COVID-19.

The memorandum is valid until August 5, 2022. Telcos were ordered to submit their report of compliance on or before August 10, 2022.

In an advisory, PLDT-Smart said it deployed personnel and mission-critical equipment to set up free call stations in the provinces of Abra and Ilocos Sur to serve the communication needs of affected residents.

PLDT-Smart said the following areas were deployed with free calls stations:

Ilocos Sur

• Vigan Northern Alliance Trading, 3rd Floor UNP Town Center, Tamag, Vigan City

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• Candon City PD Office, Corner Gaerlan and Abaya St., San Isidro, Candon

Abra

• Abra PD Office, Horizon St. Zone 7, Bangued

In a separate statement, Globe Telecom Inc. said it deployed Libreng Tawag, Libreng Charging, and Libreng Wifi stations.

Globe swiftly moved to deploy at the Bangued Plaza in Abra, adjacent to Lagangilang town, the epicenter of the 7.0-magnitude temblor that damaged buildings, heritage sites, and other structures across the province.

“This service will remain available for at least three days,” Globe said.

The Ayala-led telco also activated its customer care platforms to address concerns from customers in affected areas.

“Our technical teams immediately assessed our network and we found no damage to our infrastructure. Our network is stable. Customers, emergency workers and local authorities in quake-hit areas may expect reliable connectivity, which is crucial in addressing urgent concerns in the aftermath of this powerful temblor,” said Globe chief sustainability and corporate communications officer Yoly Crisanto. —VBL, GMA News