Telco cited for disaster preparedness

THE GSMA, the global trade association representing the interests of mobile operators worldwide, in a recent study cited Smart Communications Inc. for its innovative disaster preparedness and response programs.

The GSMA, through its Disaster Response program, conducted a study on how the telecommunications company has been utilizing its communications infrastructure and human resources for disaster response. The full case study will be presented at the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain in February 2013.

The GSMA study highlighted Smart’s program as “an excellent example of leadership in disaster response within the mobile industry and a call to action for other operators to prioritize preparedness and coordination in advance of crises.”

“The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world and it is only right that we Filipinos strive to become one of the world leaders in disaster preparedness,” said Smart Public Affairs head Ramon Isberto.

Kyla Reid, head of the GSMA’s Disaster Response Program, interviewed internal and external partners of Smart such as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and local governments down to the barangay level.

The GSMA study cited Smart’s Libreng Tawag (free call) centers that the telco sets up in areas hardest hit by calamities such as typhoons and severe floods.

The GSMA also highlighted Smart’s other disaster response initiatives such as an emergency load facility for those with zero airtime balance, a person finder application to assist customers in locating loved ones via SMS, working with local governments to distribute aid in flood-affected areas, the opening of an SMS channel to receive donations for the Red Cross, among others.

Smart and sister company Sun Cellular are supporting the Project NOAH (National Operational Assessment of Hazards and Risks), the government’s weather and flood monitoring project.

The two companies have agreed to allow the Department of Science and Technology to install automated rain gauges in 600 of their cell sites in the 18 major rivers basins of the country.

Using the data from these instruments and detailed information to be gathered through advanced mapping technologies, the DOST aims to eventually develop computerized flood forecasting models that can predict the impact of rainfall on communities in these 18 major river systems.