The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has ordered telco operators to ensure fast and reliable internet broadband connectivity during the Holy Week.
In a memorandum order dated April 4 signed by Commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez, the agency directed PLDT Group, Globe, Converge ICT Solutions Inc., and other telco operators to ensure “reliable and quality connection with sufficient capacity” during the Holy Week break.
The NTC also ordered telcos to ensure that telecommunications services with increased and sufficient network capacity are available 24/7 in areas where people converge such as religious places.
The telcos, according to NTC, should also assign sufficient number of technical personnel to attend to any disruption of service and ensure that “any disruption of service shall not exceed accumulated one hour from April 6 to 10, 2023.”
“Ensure that repair works are done and services restored immediately by strategically locating spare parts, replacement equipment, devices and materials,” the agency said.
The NTC also said the telcos should ensure that complaints are attended properly and addressed swiftly by sufficiently manning their hotlines that receive complaints.
“Implement such other measures necessary to make the stay of religious travelers enjoyable and memorable,” it added.
In a report by Ookla, the country’s fixed broadband speed improved in February as telecom companies ramped up the construction of cellular towers and their fiber optic networks.
In its Ookla Speedtest Global Index report, the country’s fixed broadband median speed improved to 90.03Mbps (megabytes per second) from the 88.13Mbps registered the month before.
The average fixed broadband speed registered at 142.57Mbps. The latest download speed represents an improvement of 18.95 percent since the Marcos administration began in July 2022.
The mobile median speed dipped slightly as the Philippines showed a download speed of 24.58Mbps from 24.59Mbps the month before. The average mobile speed stood at 58.66Mbps.
