Smart Communications is putting up stations that offer free data and free load for calls and text, together with free charging, for the over 12 million Smart and TNT subscribers that have been affected by the Typhoon Ulysses in Metro Manila and Luzon.
The telco previously provided similar efforts to customers in Southern Luzon that have been impacted by Super Typhoon Rolly. Sun Prepaid subscribers, which were recently rebranded to Smart Prepaid, also received free credits.
As of November 13, 2020, Smart says its mobile services in affected areas have been restored except in Marikina, Tarlac, and Bulacan where repairs are still ongoing.
“We will implement all viable means to support our countrymen and keep customers connected during these times,” says PLDT-Smart FVP & Group Head, Corporate Communications Cathy Yap-Yang. “Our goal is to keep everyone connected, as we restore telco services disrupted by the passage of typhoons.”
Smart has also set up communication services as a form of aid in the following areas: Libreng Tawag, Libreng Charging and Libreng Wifi stations in Marikina, Valenzuela, Rizal, Aurora, Sorsogon, and Camarines Sur.
Libreng Tawag and Charging sites are also up in Pampanga, Bataan, Tarlac, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and Tuguegarao City. Roving Wi-Fi stations were also positioned in Albay and Sorsogon to provide free calling, charging and Wi-Fi services, as well as Libreng Load to affected customers. These services will also be available in other typhoon-hit areas as soon as they can.
Smart had also extended communication support to the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) and the local government unit of Marikina.
PLDT and Smart have set up a crisis command center to better communicate with customers and to quickly relay critical information about the status of its services in the wake of Typhoon Ulysses.
Meanwhile, Smart has resumed the last mile of restoration activities in Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, and Albay as Typhoon Ulysses weakens and moves further away from the country.
