More cell sites restored in Yolanda-hit areas in Visayas
Tacloban City is reduced to vast wasteland after the onslaught of super typhoon “Yolanda.” Video by INQUIRER.net’s Ryan Leagogo
MANILA, Philippines – Globe Telecom said on Tuesday that more cell sites in typhoon-battered provinces were restored that will improve the mobile connectivity in the Visayas.
This aerial photo taken from a Philippine Air Force helicopter shows the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan in Tacloban city, Leyte province, central Philippines, Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. Typhoon-ravaged Philippine islands faced an unimaginably huge recovery effort that had barely begun Monday, as bloated bodies lay uncollected and uncounted in the streets and survivors pleaded for food, water and medicine. AP/Bullit Marquez
As of 6 a.m. Tuesday, 54 percent of base stations bogged down by monster typhoon “Yolanda” (international name Haiyan) was back in operations. As many as 30 cell sites have been restored in Samar and Leyte providing the needed telecommunication services in the area. 3G and 2G-enabled sites have already been restored in some parts of the region.
The company continues to accelerate its restoration work by transporting cell site equipment to several provinces in the Visayas.
Meanwhile, the company has mobilized “Libreng Tawag” (free calls) stations in 12 different sites in Roxas City, Iloilo, Romblon and Antique provinces. Also, “Libreng Charging” stations in Ormoc, Leyte, Bohol, and Antique are on-going. In addition, “Libreng Internet” operation is provided in Antique in coordination with the Red Cross.
SingTel, a major shareholder of Globe, has pledged to provide 50,000 Singaporean dollars while Australia’s Optus has donated 150 units of satellite phones to Globe Telecom, accelerating restoration and relief operations.
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