Smart sets up free call stations in typhoon-hit areas

Smart Communications has set up free calling stations at its wireless centers in areas affected by typhoon "Milenyo."

The Libreng Tawag Centers can be found at the Smart wireless centers in Naga City (41 Panganiban Drive cor. Isarog st.), Legazpi City (ground floor, D. Yanzon bldg., Lapu-Lapu st.) and Daet, Camarines Norte (ground floor, Alegre bldg., J. Lucban st.)

Smart also identified pocket areas in Metro Manila where communication lines are down and set up free calling stations in the following wireless centers: SM Mall of Asia (Level 2, Diosdado Macapagal Avenue); Quezon City (ground floor, Universal Records bldg., Quezon Avenue); Robinson’s Galleria (Level 1, EDSA corner Ortigas, Quezon City), and Greenhills, San Juan (Unit 15, Annapolis Carpark Arcade, Greenhills Shopping Center).

The Libreng Tawag Centers will provide free voice and SMS services for those affected by typhoon "Milenyo," which struck Southern Luzon and Metro Manila last Thursday.

Mobile phone users can also charge their cellular phones for free at these calling stations as well as at Smart wireless centers in Metro Manila.

"Communication is one of the requirements in times of natural disasters and calamities. Given Smart’s mobility, signal strength and coverage, we intend to serve the communication needs of those affected," said Ramon Isberto, head of Smart’s public affairs group.

Packing winds of up to 170 kilometers per hour, "Milenyo" toppled trees and billboards, triggered flash floods and landslides, shut down offices and the financial markets, and caused a Luzon-wide power outage last Thursday.