TELECOM | PLDT Enterprise deploys Starlink in Mindanao quake response
PLDT and Smart field and operations teams assessed network facilities in affected areas, including General Santos City and municipalities in South Cotabato.
PLDT Enterprise, together with PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc., deployed Starlink satellite connectivity and emergency communications support in parts of Mindanao following a powerful earthquake, helping communities, responders and local governments maintain communications during recovery efforts.
PLDT and Smart field and operations teams assessed network facilities in affected areas, including General Santos City and municipalities in South Cotabato. The assessment found that most network facilities remained stable and operational, with disruptions largely attributed to commercial power interruptions at some sites.
PLDT Enterprise deployed Starlink connectivity in areas where communications infrastructure had been affected, including Malungon Sarangani Provincial Hospital and Alabel Sarangani Provincial Hospital. The satellite service was also deployed at command centers and rescue operation centers supporting emergency response and coordination.
The deployment was carried out in coordination with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and local government units.
“During emergencies, connectivity becomes deeply personal. It allows people to reach loved ones, enables responders to coordinate more effectively and helps communities begin the difficult work of rebuilding,” said Menardo “Butch” G. Jimenez Jr., chief operating officer of PLDT.
Blums Pineda, senior vice president and head of Enterprise Business Group at PLDT Enterprise, said the company aims to restore communications quickly during disasters.
“We strive to be the first responders for the first responders because restoring connectivity at the front line of a disaster can be a powerful force multiplier,” Pineda said. “That means getting our response teams on the ground quickly to assess needs, restore services, and support connectivity where it matters most. The faster we reconnect communities and response teams, the sooner every call, every update, and every connection can help make a difference.”
PLDT Enterprise said the Starlink deployment is part of its efforts to provide connectivity that can be rapidly deployed during disasters, power outages and in areas with geographic limitations.
The company said Starlink Satellite Broadband can support local governments, emergency responders and institutions when conventional communications infrastructure is disrupted.
PLDT Enterprise, PLDT and Smart said they will continue working with local partners as affected communities transition from emergency response to rebuilding.
Full disclosure: All news articles published on the TechSabado website are written by human journalists, unless otherwise specified. Final text editing is also performed by human editors, with artificial intelligence (AI) used only to assist with additional grammar and style guide corrections..
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