Telcos urged: Ensure uninterrupted internet during holidays

With the holiday season approaching amid the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on Saturday has directed all public telecommunications entities and internet service providers (ISP) to ensure a minimal disruption and downtime of their services during the holiday season.

In a memorandum signed by NTC commissioner Gamaliel A. Cordoba, the agency — in anticipation of a surge in internet traffic during the holidays — has tasked telco firms and ISP to guarantee an uninterrupted rendering of their internet services.

“Internet/on-line traffic is projected to increase considerably due to the pandemic and the imposition of community quarantine measures to minimize, if not avoid, the spread of COVID-19,” the memorandum said.

“Christmas parties, gatherings, reunions and other holiday activities are expected to take place online,” it added.

The NTC specifically noted the period of 7 December 2020 to 8 January 2021 for telco entities and ISP to observe a heightened level of emergency preparedness that will ensure minimal disruption and downtime.

“You are hereby directed to fast track your maintenance efforts, increase internet/broadband capacities, and ensure that business continuity and disaster recovery protocols are in place and functioning, 24/7,” said the NTC.