NTC orders telcos: Repair, restore services in typhoon-beaten areas immediately

A tricycle speed past toppled electric posts destroyed at the height of super Typhoon Goni after it hit Tabaco, Albay province on November 1, 2020. (AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — The National Telecommunications Commission has ordered public telecommunication entities to “fast track” the repair and restoration of telco services in areas affected by Typhoon Rolly.

In a memorandum released Sunday, NTC ordered all public telecommunication entities to “accelerate the mobilization and transport” of their respective technical and service personnel and equipment to typhoon-hit areas.

“The need for communication is now more urgent than ever for the resumption of business transactions, distance learning and most importantly, in order to aid government rescue and recovery operations,” the NTC said.

Telco entities were asked to report every six hours of ongoing restoration activities.

The NTC likewise directed them to submit a timeline for the full restoration of service.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported Monday that 46 cities and municipalities in Calabarzon, Mimaropa and the Bicol Region have been experiencing network interruptions.

READ: Super Typhoon Rolly bares ‘information gap’ left by ABS-CBN shutdown

Tropical Storm Rolly further weakened early on Monday as it continued to move over the West Philippine Sea off the coast of Bataan, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

READ: Several areas now only under Signal No. 1 as Rolly further weakens

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