Wireless leader Smart Communications has set up free Internet stations in Baguio and Pangasinan to assist people affected by Typhoon Lando to communicate with loved ones using various internet services.
The stations are located at Emilio Aguinaldo Elementary School in Baguio City; and San Vicente Evacuation Center, Urdaneta, and Dagupan City Astrodome in Pangasinan. This public service is in addition to free calling and charging stations that have been operational immediately after the onslaught of Typhoon Lando.
“Libreng Tawag” stations with Smart Satellite services are still available at the Municipal Hall and Maria Aurora Multipurpose Hall in Aurora; Dinadiawan Multipurpose Hall and Municipal Hall in Dipaculao, Aurora; Municipal Multipurpose Building and San Isidro Municipal Building in San Luis, Aurora; and at the municipalities of Casiguran, Dinalungan, and Dinalasag.
Additional “Libreng Tawag” stations were set up in Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet; Emilio Aguinaldo Elementary School, Baguio City; Poblacion, Candaba, Pampanga; and Nagtipunan, Quezon.
Several free calling stations are also available in the following areas in Pangasinan: Mangatarem and Alaminos loading stations, Magtaking Elementary School, San Vicente evacuation Center, San Manuel Poblacion, Calasiao Poblacion, San Carlos City Hall, and Dagupan City Astrodome in Pangasinan;
Since October 19, Smart has made available to local residents, power from its cell sites, to enable residents in areas where there is lack of commercial electricity to re-charge their mobile phones. Smart free charging services are still available in following cell sites in Aurora: Baler, Maria Aurora, and Dipaculao.
In Pangasinan, residents can charge their devices in Mangatarem and Alaminos loading stations.
Recognizing communications as an important form of relief, Smart has been consistent in immediately providing free communication services during disasters, enabling government and humanitarian agencies assess the needs of survivors and coordinate with each other better for more effective relief efforts to affected communities.