Smart has announced that it has fully restored its services in Camarines Sur, the first telco to do so, starting with Caramoan, hardest-hit by Typhoon Rolly.
Smart services in Caramoan, one of the worst-hit municipalities, was restored on November 8, the first telecommunications company to bring back mobile coverage in the area. Smart has also restored telco services in Tiwi, Albay, and in more areas in Catanduanes.
“Our technical teams have been working 24/7 to restore network services in areas battered by Typhoon Rolly. Now more than ever, telecommunications play a crucial role in connecting people and bringing much-needed relief.”
– Cathy Yang, PLDT-Smart FVP & Group Head of Corporate Communications
Camarines Sur, Albay, and Catanduanes had borne the brunt of the super typhoon’s wrath last week.
Smart’s wireless services have since been restored in more areas in these typhoon-ravaged provinces, as Smart personnel continues repairs in damaged sites. It has also fully restored services in other provinces in Bicol such as Sorsogon, Camarines Norte, Masbate, and other areas in Southern Luzon such as Quezon, Marinduque, Mindoro provinces, Romblon, Cavite, Batangas, Palawan, and Laguna.
Additional teams and equipment have also been deployed to speed up restoration activities.
In the meantime, Smart has set up free call, free charging, and free Wifi stations in areas hit by Typhoon Rolly.
- Catanduanes
- Camarines Norte
- Camarines Sur
Roving Libreng Wifi units are also available in Albay and Sorsogon.
Other relief and restoration efforts underway
Meralco has also deployed 206 engineers, linemen, and support personnel to accelerate the efforts to restore power in Albay, Catanduanes, and parts of Camarines Sur. Meralco will be assisting the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines to bring back power in other parts of Bicol.
Meanwhile, fund transfer services PayMaya and Smart Money Padala are available for those who wish to extend cash assistance to their family and loved ones.
Relief efforts led by the different foundations under the MVP Group are also now underway to provide food, clothing, and other necessities to typhoon victims.
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.