Communication System – Down for Public Safety • 01.10.12
Sounds insane to me! Yesterday, I was not able to go online using my SMART Bro plugin and could not even send a message or call using my cellphone with SMART sim. I had no idea what’s going on. I was just pissed off because I couldn’t do anything. Though I tried to send a request to my network provider to increase signal, I just got a message saying “No Network Access”. I verified it to other SMART subscribers who are nearby and found out that their phones have no signal as well. No hope to even contact the Customer Service.
And guess what I learned today… The Black Nazarene parade yesterday has something to do with it. Malacañang confirmed that they initiate the telecommunication shutdown within the areas of Black Nazarene parade due to reports of possible terrorist attack. While it is true that it can help disrupting terrorists means of communication, it is also inconvenience for the civilian who might be in danger. How can they contact people for help? How can they report suspicious activity? And even the people who are at home (like me), were also affected!
