Search
Close this search box.

We are creating some awesome events for you. Kindly bear with us.

NTC, Philippines fast-tracks telecom service restoration after Typhoon Ulysses

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), following instructions from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) ordered all public telecommunications companies, through a memorandum dated 12 November, to fast-track the repair and restoration of telecommunication services in areas severely affected by Typhoon Ulysses.

According to a press release, the NTC also directed the companies to accelerate the mobilisation and transport of their respective technical or service personnel and equipment to the affected areas and to deploy free call and free charging stations in strategic areas.

Likewise, the companies were also reminded to coordinate with the local government units (LGU) and observe strict health protocols in the performance of these instructions. Public telecommunication companies are to provide the commission, every six hours, updates on restoration activities of their respective networks and facilities, as well as a timeline for the full restoration of services.

On 10 November, the NTC directed all public telecommunications companies to ensure a sufficient number of technical and support personnel and standby generators with extra fuel, tools, and spare equipment in areas forecasted to be affected by the typhoon.

“The management of disasters is not just about our ability to repair damages, not just about resiliency—it is also about damage mitigation and preparedness for a quick response. This is why, as much as possible, we want to be proactive in our approach—we instructed public telecommunications companies to prepare for repairs even before the typhoon hits,” DICT Secretary Gregorio B. Honasan II said.

Similarly, as the telcos were instructed to prepare, DICT, as chair of the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), issued a memorandum addressed to member agencies and organisations to request them to monitor communication channels within their respective areas of responsibility for possible deployment and mobilization of communications assets and resources relative to Typhoon Ulysses.

In relation, DICT had equipment and manpower complement ready to step in to support the members of the NDRRMC and to provide emergency communications services to the public. Particularly, Flyaway VSAT (very-small-aperture terminal), satellite phones, HF (high frequency), and VHF (very high frequency) radios, IP (internet protocol) Radio Satellite Dish, access points, routers, and generator sets were on standby. Likewise, the free Wi-Fi for All programme field team has been made ready to restore Free Wi-Fi sites in typhoon-hit areas.

After the recent Goni typhoon, which OpenGov Asia had reported on earlier, DICT facilitated information and communication services in Catanduanes, Albay, and other devastated areas.

To aid the affected areas, DICT’s Albay Provincial Office is offering free internet and charging services to Albayanos. Their office is located in Legazpi City. Individuals can avail of the free services within the vicinity, provided they observe proper health protocols.

The forecasting, planning, and management of critical events help authorities prevent disruption of life and damage to property. Governments rely on several, specific systems for critical event management. Such programmes are essential to national well-being especially with the increase in natural disasters. But, more often than not, they operate in isolation of each other. According to world experts in Critical Event Management – Everbridge, this approach can create duplication in information and processes, data contradictions, and, when unchecked, could lead to loss of life and damages.

Unlike fragmented or homegrown tools, Everbridge offers the most proven modern public warning platform which delivers best of breed capabilities to help governments and public authorities keep people safe before, during, and after critical events, anytime and anywhere in the world. The Everbridge Public Warning platform delivers the most comprehensive, flexible, and modular solutions for population alerting to suit the needs of each city, state, or country.

PARTNER

Qlik’s vision is a data-literate world, where everyone can use data and analytics to improve decision-making and solve their most challenging problems. A private company, Qlik offers real-time data integration and analytics solutions, powered by Qlik Cloud, to close the gaps between data, insights and action. By transforming data into Active Intelligence, businesses can drive better decisions, improve revenue and profitability, and optimize customer relationships. Qlik serves more than 38,000 active customers in over 100 countries.

PARTNER

As a Titanium Black Partner of Dell Technologies, CTC Global Singapore boasts unparalleled access to resources.

Established in 1972, we bring 52 years of experience to the table, solidifying our position as a leading IT solutions provider in Singapore. With over 300 qualified IT professionals, we are dedicated to delivering integrated solutions that empower your organization in key areas such as Automation & AI, Cyber Security, App Modernization & Data Analytics, Enterprise Cloud Infrastructure, Workplace Modernization and Professional Services.

Renowned for our consulting expertise and delivering expert IT solutions, CTC Global Singapore has become the preferred IT outsourcing partner for businesses across Singapore.

PARTNER

Planview has one mission: to build the future of connected work. Our solutions enable organizations to connect the business from ideas to impact, empowering companies to accelerate the achievement of what matters most. Planview’s full spectrum of Portfolio Management and Work Management solutions creates an organizational focus on the strategic outcomes that matter and empowers teams to deliver their best work, no matter how they work. The comprehensive Planview platform and enterprise success model enables customers to deliver innovative, competitive products, services, and customer experiences. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, with locations around the world, Planview has more than 1,300 employees supporting 4,500 customers and 2.6 million users worldwide. For more information, visit www.planview.com.

SUPPORTING ORGANISATION

SIRIM is a premier industrial research and technology organisation in Malaysia, wholly-owned by the Minister​ of Finance Incorporated. With over forty years of experience and expertise, SIRIM is mandated as the machinery for research and technology development, and the national champion of quality. SIRIM has always played a major role in the development of the country’s private sector. By tapping into our expertise and knowledge base, we focus on developing new technologies and improvements in the manufacturing, technology and services sectors. We nurture Small Medium Enterprises (SME) growth with solutions for technology penetration and upgrading, making it an ideal technology partner for SMEs.

PARTNER

HashiCorp provides infrastructure automation software for multi-cloud environments, enabling enterprises to unlock a common cloud operating model to provision, secure, connect, and run any application on any infrastructure. HashiCorp tools allow organizations to deliver applications faster by helping enterprises transition from manual processes and ITIL practices to self-service automation and DevOps practices. 

PARTNER

IBM is a leading global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting services provider, helping clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Nearly 3,800 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently, and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and business services deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s legendary commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity, and service. For more information, visit www.ibm.com