Globe, Smart, PLDT, and DITO moved fast to keep people connected after the magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit Mindanao. The telcos rolled out emergency services to help affected communities.
Globe partnered with Starlink to bring satellite‑to‑mobile connectivity to South Cotabato, Sarangani, and Sultan Kudarat. It’s the first time direct‑to‑cell satellite tech was used for disaster response in the Philippines. This gives affected residents a way to reach family and emergency services even with damaged networks.
PLDT and Smart set up free Wi‑Fi and charging stations in General Santos City. They also supported local emergency operations centers, making sure evacuees and responders had reliable communication lines.
DITO Telecommunity said it has restored 100% network availability across areas affected by the quake. The telco also expanded its community assistance in General Santos City through its Tulung Tulong DITO initiative, providing support to residents and local responders.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) reminded the public to stick to official channels for updates and report online harm through hotline 1326, which is open 24/7.
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Connectivity is critical in times of crisis. With mobile and satellite networks working together, Mindanao residents were able to stay informed and connected when it mattered most.
