Telcos assure operational networks in quake-hit areas

MANILA, Philippines - Dominant carrier Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) and Ayala-led Globe Telecom Inc. yesterday assured that their networks in Bohol and Cebu remain largely operational after the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that hit central Visayas early this morning.

PLDT said the mobile phone service of Smart Communications Inc. remains largely operational despite the damage inflicted on some cell sites and network facilities by earthquake.

However, PLDT said operations of Sun Cellular in the two provinces have been affected by damage to its transmission facilities.

“We are also setting up free call services and free mobile phone charging stations inaffected towns and municipalities to assist residents as well as emergency agencies involved in rescue and relief operations,” PLDT said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Globe said its network in the Visayas region did not sustain any significant damage from the earthquake that hit the region Tuesday morning based on the initial assessment made by its local network personnel.

Robert Tan, chief technical adviser of Globe, said Initial reports showed key facilities in Lahug, Talisay, Abacus, San Remegio, Dauin, Cadiz, Iloilo, Roxas, Ormoc and Tacloban incurred no damage and are fully operational.

“Our network continues to be operational to provide critical telecommunication services for rescue and relief operations affected by the earthquake,” Tan stressed.

Still, power outage in earthquake-damaged areas like Tagbilaran in Bohol may adversely affect operations in some of the company’s base stations,Tan said.