Sun, Smart, Globe shut off network coverage for papal security

Subscribers of Sun and Smart are up in arms raising a howl over the lack of network signal in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces early Friday and took their grievances over to social media.

 

The telcos said it was part of government's precautionary measures "in the interest of public safety" in light of Pope Francis' visit.

 

 

The advisory was posted late Thursday night on Sun and Smart social media accounts. 

 

Sun and Smart subscribers also received an advisory early Friday morning, before the signal was turned off.

 

Pope Francis met the Cabinet and the diplomatic corps in Malacañang early Friday, after which he proceeded to the Manila Cathedral to celebrate mass with the clergy and the laity.

 

Subscribers took to Twitter and Facebook to air their complaints.

 

Buong NCR ba ang walang signal? Anyare Sun Cellular? #PopeFrancisPH

— angelo_esteban (@naughtyangelo) January 16, 2015

 

One Twitter user said the signal interruption reached as far as the provinces of Rizal and Laguna.

 

@SMARTCares sabi nyo po provinces near manila like cavite and bulacan i am from rizal and laguna

— Jerbie Alvarez (@JulesJerbie08) January 16, 2015

 

As Pope Francis arrived Thursday afternoon, Globe Telecom Inc. turned off its mobile service in areas traced by the pontiff's motorcade from Villamor Airbase to the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila where the pope took up residence for the duration of his Philippine visit. 

 

The service resumed soon after Pope Francis arrived at the Nunciature.

 

"You may have experience temporary loss of mobile signal and internet connection during Pope Francis' arrival, especially in the areas surrounding his motorcade route," Globe noted in a text message to subscribers late Thursday. 

 

"This was in compliance with the directive of the National Telecommunications Commission. We hope for your understanding..." the telco added. – Danessa O. Rivera/VS, GMA News