NTC orders telcos to maintain reliable service amid Typhoon Kristine

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has ordered telecommunications firms to maintain reliable service connections amid Typhoon Kristine.

On Thursday, the NTC issued a directive for public telecommunications entities (PTEs) to ensure continuous services by providing sufficient personnel and standby generators with extra fuel in affected areas.

The agency also mandated PTEs to restore all data or service disruptions immediately and activate 'Libreng Tawag' and 'Libreng Charging Stations' in regions hit by the storm, where significant outages were observed in Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas due to power interruptions.

Globe Telecom faced 75% to 92% outages in Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Albay, and Camarines Norte, while Smart Communications struggled with severe flooding hampering restoration efforts.

SpaceX Starlink offered aid in the form of internet services for Filipino first responders during rescue operations, and PTEs are deploying personnel to restore service as soon as it is safe to do so.