Telco Emergency Operations Readied as Taal Volcano’s Unrest Continues

The country’s telecommunications giants PLDT-Smart and Globe have begun setting up their emergency operations, particularly in Batangas, as the Taal Volcano bodes an imminent crisis.

On Thursday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised the alert level on the volcano from Level 2 to Level 3 after a phreatomagmatic eruption was observed.

According to PLDT-Smart, it has already “prepositioned personnel, network equipment and resources in Batangas” and it is “also ready to extend assistance to response and relief teams in affected communities.”

“PLDT and Smart are ready to ensure the resilience of services, and if needed, quick restoration of communication in areas that will be impacted by #TaalPH,” affirmed the telco.

On the other hand, Globe Telecom is preparing to deploy charging stations as well as offering free WiFi and call services in evacuation areas around Batangas.

Globe’s generators have been put on standby and the telco’s personnel is also getting ready to keep communications lines functional in the event of a disaster.

The local government authorities have already prompted a mass evacuation to keep residents safe.

Source: ABS CBN