Mobile phone subscribers had complained of erratic service on Thursday evening when the Pope arrived in Manila, and on Friday morning when he was in Malacanang and Manila Cathedral.
"In compliance with an order to mobile phone operators from government authorities, the cellular services of Smart and Sun Cellular were temporarily suspended today (Friday) in Metro Manila, including some municipalities of nearby provinces. This was done in the interest of public safety during the ongoing visit of His Holiness Pope Francis," Smart head for public affairs Mon Isberto said in a statement.
Smart has 69 million mobile subscribers, including Talk 'N Text, and Sun Cellular.
Isberto appealed for understanding from its subscribers "if similar situations arise in the next few days here in Metro Manila as well as other sites on the Papal itinerary."
Earlier, Smart and Globe issued separate advisories to its subscribers explaining the temporary disruption of services during the Pope's visit.
"You may have experienced temporary loss of mobile signal and internet connection during Pope Francis' arrival, especially in the areas surrounding his motorcade route. This was done in compliance with the directive of the National Telecommunications Commission for security reasons. We hope for your understanding," Globe said on its Facebook page.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
