As Super Typhoon Betty enters, the National Telecommunications Channel (NTC) has issued a directive to telecommunications companies to make necessary preparations and establish free charging and calling stations in areas that may be impacted by the storm.
“You are directed to fast-track the repair and restoration of telecommunication services in the service areas that will be severely affected by the typhoon,” NTC Commissioner Ella Lopez said in Memorandum Order No. 05-04-2011.
“Further, you are also directed to deploy Libreng Tawag and Libreng Charging Stations in strategic areas that will be affected by the typhoon. You are also reminded to coordinate with the LGUs and observe strict health protocols to avoid transmission of coronavirus disease,” she added.
In anticipation of the aftermath of the typhoon, Lopez further instructed telecom entities to expedite the repair and restoration of services in areas that could potentially face significant impact from the typhoon.
Moreover, the commission has specified that telecom companies are expected to provide updates on the progress of restoration activities on their networks and facilities every six hours, along with a comprehensive timeline of their operations.
Super Typhoon Mawar, now called by its local name Betty, entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Saturday morning, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.
