Smart satellite services on call for #SafePH

MANILA, Philippines – Studies have shown that a 7.2-magnitude tremor can cause enough damage to divide Metro Manila into four quadrants. Because of this, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Office of Civil Defense hold quarterly simultaneous earthquake drills to test, evaluate, and validate the disaster response plans that are in place for the national, regional, and local levels.

In support of the 2016 National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill held recently, PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications once again provided satellite communications to emergency operations centers in different parts of the National Capital Region.

As a member of the Emergency Telecommunication Cluster of the NDRRMC, Smart has been providing communication aid during disasters. These include free calling and charging services in affected areas which are made possible through a partnership sealed with the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The company also deploys satellite communication services to local government units and response units during emergency and relief operations. Smart is the only telco in the country offering satellite services.

“Our satellite services are a viable alternative to traditional fixed and wireless communications during extraordinary events especially when other infrastructure like power facilities are down,” said Ramon Isberto, Smart head of public affairs.

During the drill, participating citizens and groups used Smart’s satellite services for simulated rescue and response efforts. Smart Satellite handsets were provided for Smart Libreng Tawag stations in Clark Airbase and in the four quadrants where evacuation centers were also set up.

To aid in emergency communications in the command and control operation centers based in Camp Emilio Aguinaldo and Clark Air Base, Smart also set up Thuraya IP+ system, which works like a Wi-Fi router but takes its broadband signal from a satellite. 

As an organization, Smart has embraced preparedness and has been aggressively promoting the culture of preparedness not only within its ranks but also with its partner-communities, including the Church, academe, high-risk communities, and Filipino households under its #SafePH program.