Philippines’ NTC orders immediate repair of telecom networks after typhoon

The Philippine’ National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has ordered for the immediate repair and restoration of telecom services that have been severely damaged by Typhoon Rolly. 

According to a memorandum by NTC, all public telecommunication entities have been called upon to “accelerate the mobilization and transport” of their respective technical and service personnel and equipment to typhoon-hit areas.

“The need for communication is now more urgent than ever for the resumption of business transactions, distance learning and most importantly, in order to aid government rescue and recovery operations,” said NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba.

The Commissioner ordered telcos to report every six hours of ongoing restoration activities and submit a “timeline for the full restoration of service.”   

The Typhoon wreaked havoc on the Philippines, killing at least seven people, while destroying infrastructure, flooding villages, and forcing thousands of people to flee their homes.

One of the most hard-hit areas by the typhoon was the island of Catanduanes, where as much as 90 percent of its total infrastructure was partially or totally damaged, according to a partial assessment by the Philippine National Police.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported Monday that 46 cities and municipalities in Calabarzon, Mimaropa and the Bicol Region have been experiencing network interruptions.

Tropical Storm Rolly further weakened early on Monday as it continued to move over the West Philippine Sea off the coast of Bataan, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).