• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Telecommunications companies are in the process of restoring services in Bacolod City, which were severely disrupted by Tropical Cyclone Tino, according to Mayor Greg Gasataya.
Smart Communications reported that 55 percent of its cell sites in the city are now functional.
Meanwhile, out of the 106 cell sites operated by Globe in Bacolod, only 38 are currently functional, leaving 68 non-operational.
Globe attributed the non-functionality primarily to the lack of commercial power or brownouts in the affected areas.
The company stated that the timeline for full restoration is dependent on when the Negros Electric and Power Corporation can re-energize affected areas.
In an effort to assist residents dealing with the prolonged power outages, Globe has established two charging stations in Barangays Handumanan and Estefania.
The company plans to deploy an additional charging station to Barangay Mansilingan.
Meanwhile, Councilor Dindo Ramos previously submitted a resolution requiring telecommunication companies to provide a generator set in their cell sites. He also expressed dismay with the current unavailability of service of the telcos.*
