The National Telecommunications Commission on Thursday ordered all public telecommunications entities to be ready for the coming tropical depression "Karding" in order to ensure their continued operations and services to the public.

In a memo signed by commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba, the NTC directed telco organizations and companies to "ensure that there are sufficient number of technical and support personnel and standby generators with extra fuel, tools and spare equipment in the areas forecast to be affected by the tropical depression."

As reported at 11 p.m. on 22 September 2022 by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, "Karding" has maintained its strength as it moved westward over the Philippine Sea.

PAGASA also reported that "this tropical cyclone is forecast to continue intensifying, while moving over the Philippine Sea and may reach severe tropical storm category prior to landfall."

"You (telcos) are directed to fast track the repair and restoration of telecommunication services in the service areas that will be severely affected by the typhoon," said the NTC.

The mobile telecommunications operators were also tasked by the NTC to "deploy Libreng Tawag and Libreng Charging Stations in strategic areas that will be affected by the typhoon."

"You are also reminded to coordinate with the local government units and observe strict health protocols to avoid transmission of coronavirus disease," the NTC directive continued.

The commission told the telcos that it will be expecting status updates every six hours on ongoing restoration activities being performed on their networks and facilities and a timeline for the full restoration of service/s.