The National Telecommunications Commission has directed telecommunication entities to ensure that there are sufficient number of technical and support personnel and standby generators with extra fuel, tools, and spare equipment in the areas forecast to be affected by the incoming “Typhoon Odette”.
In a Memorandum Order No. 05-04-2011, signed by Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba, the NTC has ordered the concerned telcos to be ready for any eventuality when Typhoon Odette arrives to ensure minimal service interruptions in the affected areas.
As reported at 11:00 pm on Monday by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, the incoming “Typhoon Odette” (tropical storm with international name RAI) was last spotted 1,585 kms East of Mindanao (5.8°N, 139.6°E) (outside the Philippine area of responsibility).
RAI” will begin moving westward over the Philippine Sea on Wednesday morning and may make landfall in the vicinity of Caraga or Eastern Visayas by Thursday (16 December) afternoon or evening.
You are directed to fast track the repair and restoration of telecommunication services in the service areas severely affected by the typhoon,” the NTC told the telecommunication entities.
Further, you are also directed to deploy Libreng Tawag and Libreng Charging Stations in strategic areas affected by the typhoon. You are also reminded to coordinate with the LGUs and observe strict health protocols to avoid transmission of coronavirus disease (COVID-19),” added the memo.
“The Commission will expect status updates every six (6) hours of ongoing restoration activities being performed on your network and facilities and a timeline for the full restoration of service,” the commission said.