MANILA – Many areas severely affected by the onslaught of recent typhoons now have access to free internet services through wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) hubs installed by telecoms firm Smart.
In a statement Thursday, it said “fiber-powered” Wi-Fi hubs, with a capacity of up to 1 gigabyte per second, are available 24/7 in key areas in Metro Manila and in the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Bulacan, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, and Quezon—areas that are still reeling from the damage caused by Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses.
“These include the provincial capitol of Laguna, the provincial capitol of Batangas, City Hall of Quezon City, Brgy Area 13 and Area 14 in Quezon City, City Hall of Tanauan, Bulacnin National High School, Bugtong Na Pulo National High School, Fernando Air Base Integrated National High School, Pinagtongulan National High School, Lodlod National High School, Anilao National High School, Bolbok National High School, Lipa City Science Integrated National High School, Lipa City Senior High School in Batangas; the City Hall of Cabuyao, City Hall of Binan, City Hall of Calamba, City Hall of Sta. Rosa in Laguna; City Halls of Bacoor, Trece Martires and General Trias in Cavite; Lucena City National High School in Quezon; the Capitol of Bulacan, City Hall of Malolos, town halls of the municipalities of Bocaue and Marilao, Bulacan State University, and its campuses in Bustos, Hagonoy, and Meneses; City Hall of Cauayan and Isabela State University in Isabela; and St. Paul University Tuguegarao and Robinsons Mall Tuguegarao in Cagayan,” Smart said.
In addition to these fixed Wi-Fi hubs, roving Wi-Fi hubs are also available in typhoon-hit areas.
Jane Bases, Smart senior vice president and head of consumer wireless business, said these services were provided for free to those in need as part of its “commitment” and “obligation” to connect society.
"Telecommunications is the crucial backbone to support public services, businesses, and people. PLDT-Smart is in a unique position to provide for the needs of our customers, especially during times of crisis," Basas said.
In the aftermath of Typhoon Ulysses, Smart said its mobile services were “largely unaffected” in typhoon-hit provinces, with some service degradation experienced in Marikina, Bulacan, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija. (PNA)
