Restoration of telecommunications services are underway, says NTC

NTC logo

MANILA, Philippines — Public telecommunications entities (PTE) are conducting efforts to ensure that telecommunication and commercial power services are restored in areas that were badly affected by the onslaught of Typhoon Carina, the National Telecommunications Commission said on Thursday.

“Round-the-clock restoration efforts are continuously being undertaken by the PTEs, including deployment of power generator sets until such time that commercial power is re-established, which will then hopefully restore regular telecommunications services within 24 to 48 hours,” said NTC in a statement.

NTC issued a memorandum on Monday directing PTEs “to ensure that there are sufficient number of technical and support personnel, standby generators, tools and spare equipment in the areas” and “fast track the repair and restoration of telecommunications” in areas that would be affected by Carina.

READ: Transmission lines maintain integrity despite ‘Carina’ onslaught

PTEs reported that mobile and broadband services were disrupted in some areas primarily due to power outages. Restoration services were also challenging due to flooding brought by the typhoon and southwest monsoon.

Meanwhile, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines said in an advisory on Thursday that “transmission lines and facilities are under normal operations.” Transmission lines and towers transport electricity from generation facilities to substations before it is distributed to houses and establishments.

State of calamity was declared in the National Capital Region (NCR), Bulacan, Bataan, Batangas, Cavite and Oriental Mindoro. The Metro Manila Council on Thursday reported that Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, and Marikina were the areas in NCR hardest hit by the typhoon.