[20 October 2016] As of 10:00 am today, Smart reports that its mobile phone services are available in 80% of the cities and municipalities of North and Central Luzon despite the impact of Typhoon Lawin.
Smart services were most severely affected in the provinces directly in the path of the storm — Cagayan, Isabela, Benguet, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Kalinga and Mountain Province.
Pre-positioned teams of engineers and technicians are now working round the clock to restore wireless communications services in these affected areas. No significant damage to Smart’s network infrastructure has been reported so far. However, power outages are hampering the restoration of services.
Alongside restoration efforts, Smart is providing free call and free charging services to affected communities. Smart is now offering Libreng Tawag using Smart Satellite Phones at Santa Bridge, located in Brgy. Sta. Tumauini, Isabela. Libreng Charging services are also available at Aurora Telecoms in Baler, Aurora. More Libreng Tawag Centers are expected to be opened later.
The company has also deployed satellite communication services to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and response units for use during relief operations.
These initiatives for network resiliency, rapid response and disaster preparedness are part of Smart’s #SafePH advocacy which was launched in late 2012 and is conducted year-round.
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