NTC orders telecommunication companies to expedite service restoration after Ulysses

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), pursuant to instructions from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) ordered all public telecommunications companies on Thursday, through a memorandum dated 12 November 2020, to fast track the repair and restoration of telecommunication services in areas severely affected by Typhoon Ulysses.

The NTC also directed the companies to accelerate the mobilization and transport of their respective technical or service personnel and equipment to the affected areas, and to deploy Libreng Tawag and Libreng Charging Stations [Free Call and Free Charging Stations] in strategic areas affected by the typhoon.

Likewise, the companies were also reminded to coordinate with the Local Government Units (LGU) and observe strict health protocols in the performance of these instructions.

Public telecommunication companies are to provide the commission, every six (6) hours, updates on restoration activities of their respective networks and facilities, as well as a timeline for the full restoration of services.

On November 10, 2020, the NTC directed all public telecommunications companies to ensure sufficient number of technical and support personnel and standby generators with extra fuel, tools, and spare equipment in areas forecasted to be affected by the typhoon.

As of 7:00 PM of November 12, according to reports submitted by Globe Telecoms and PLDT-Smart Communications on the progress of their respective restoration activities, network availability in areas severely affected by Ulysses are as follows:

“The management of disasters is not just about our ability to repair damages, not just about resiliency—it is also about damage mitigation, and preparedness for quick response. This is why, as much as possible, we want to be proactive in our approach—we instructed public telecommunications companies to prepare for repairs even before the typhoon hits,” DICT Secretary Gregorio B. Honasan II said.

Similarly, as the telcos were instructed to prepare, the DICT, as chair of the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), issued a memorandum addressed to member agencies and organizations to request them to monitor communication channels within their respective areas of responsibility for possible deployment and mobilization of communications assets and resources relative to Typhoon Ulysses.

In relation, the DICT had equipment and manpower complement ready to step in to support the members of the NDRRMC and to provide emergency communications services to the public. Particularly Flyaway VSAT (very-small-aperture terminal), satellite phones, HF (high frequency) and VHF (very high frequency) Radios, IP (Internet Protocol) Radio Satellite Dish, access points, routers, and generator sets were on standby. Likewise, the Free Wi-Fi for All field team has been made ready to restore Free Wi-Fi sites in typhoon-hit areas.