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Network operators have dispatched thousands of technical staff to restore communications after super typhoon No. 3. Photo: VT

Sharing with VietNamNet reporters about overcoming the consequences of storm No. 3 in the center of the storm in Quang Ninh, Ms. Le Ngoc Han, Director of the Department of Information and Communications of Quang Ninh province, said that the telecommunications infrastructure in the province has been severely damaged. However, up to now, the work of repairing the mobile network has been basically completed. The Internet network provided by network operators to customers has also been restored by over 90%. Currently, there are still some trees and electric poles that have fallen, so network operators are continuing to fix them.

“In the central areas of the city and districts, the VinaPhone network has been operating well after storm No. 3 made landfall because this network has been underground, so it was less affected. However, in island areas, the Viettel network has ensured communication,” said Ms. Le Ngoc Han.

Mr. Dang Anh Son, General Director of VNPT Net, said that when Typhoon Yagi made landfall, VNPT mobilized a technical team to handle the situation promptly. The General Director of the Group assigned VNPT Net to command and manage the entire work of repairing the telecommunications network infrastructure. A special feature in the process of overcoming this natural disaster is the roaming connection between the networks VinaPhone, MobiFone and Viettel, with a total number of roaming subscribers reaching 142,585. When Typhoon No. 3 made landfall in Hai Phong and Quang Ninh provinces, the capacity and quality of the VinaPhone network were once again strongly demonstrated, affirming the service brand and image of VNPT, while sharing with other networks, valuing customer experience and joining hands with the community to overcome natural disasters.

“Previously, when designing the telecommunications infrastructure, we invested in backup generators for the broadcasting stations, so when a large-scale power outage occurred, the generators were immediately effective. In addition, VNPT's transmission cable network has been buried underground, helping to avoid incidents caused by fallen trees and broken electric poles that cause loss of communication. If the backbone cable had a problem, it could cause loss of communication for dozens of broadcasting stations, but thanks to the previous underground investment, VNPT has minimized this risk. VNPT's stations have also been solidly built in high positions so they are not flooded,” said Mr. Dang Anh Son.

Up to this point, VNPT Net and provincial telecommunications have basically completed the repair of infrastructure, especially the mobile information system that was damaged due to the direct impact of storm No. 3 in provinces/cities such as Hai Phong, Hai Duong, Bac Giang, Bac Ninh, Lang Son, Hung Yen... Of the total 66 antennas broken by the storm, VNPT Net and provincial telecommunications have completed the treatment of 54 poles using technical solutions; 5 locations have been reinforced with field stations.

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VNPT's transmission cable network has been buried underground, helping to avoid incidents caused by fallen trees and broken electric poles that cause loss of communication. Photo: VNPT

“Currently, mobile services have been completely restored. The northern mountainous provinces affected by storm No. 3 have also been quickly repaired and communications have been ensured. However, the transmission network and broadband Internet to some households in Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and Hai Duong are still being restored due to the large number of broken power poles and fallen trees, and some places still have no electricity. VNPT is still mobilizing human resources to support these localities. According to the plan, by September 30, VNPT will complete the repair of the problem caused by storm No. 3,” said Mr. Dang Anh Son.

Viettel representative said that after storm No. 3 made landfall and caused major infrastructure damage to network operators, Viettel mobilized personnel to quickly fix the communication loss. By connecting microwave lines - temporary radio transmission lines to replace cable lines, Viettel was the first network operator to restore high-quality, stable mobile waves to all island communes and districts affected by storm No. 3. Restoring communication in Bach Long Vy island district, Hai Phong, is especially important because this is a strategic outpost island in national defense and security.

Previously, on September 16, Viettel technical teams in Van Don district, Quang Ninh set up a communication system connecting 5 island communes (Ban Sen, Ngoc Vung, Thang Loi, Quan Lan, Minh Chau) to restore emergency communication for local authorities in the absence of electricity.

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Quang Ninh residents help Viettel technicians repair telecommunications networks affected by storm No. 3. Photo: Tho Tran.

Thanks to Viettel's support in restoring information connections, not only the mainland network system but also the information connection between island communes and the People's Committee of Van Don district was promptly restored, ensuring smooth communication and providing good support for the direction and management of storm recovery.

Viettel representative said that, up to now, during the heavy rains and widespread flooding in the North after Typhoon Yagi, the telecommunications network infrastructure has been severely affected by power outages, disrupting the operation of broadcasting stations, landslides cutting transmission cables connecting stations and provinces. These information interruptions are also more difficult to overcome due to floods or cut-off routes.

By September 12, Viettel had restored mobile communications in all the northern mountainous provinces. The number of stations and cable lines with interrupted information in the network in these provinces is currently less than 5%, mainly in locations with severe landslides, completely isolated from the roads and taking a long time to reach. Viettel's network has also been completely restored in the provinces of Bac Kan, Lang Son, Dien Bien, Cao Bang, Thai Nguyen, etc.

Sharing about this issue, Mr. Cao Anh Son, General Director of Viettel Telecom, said that Viettel has completely restored the network in the provinces affected by storm No. 3 and has begun withdrawing technical support teams from the provinces affected by storms and floods.

To overcome the consequences of storm No. 3, MobiFone has dispatched staff from the Central Network Center and the Southern Network Center to support and respond to information with the Northern MobiFone Network Center. Mr. To Manh Cuong, General Director of MobiFone, said that because MobiFone only provides mobile services in areas affected by storms and floods, troubleshooting was implemented quickly. In addition, MobiFone's transmission network has also been buried underground, limiting the impact of cable breaks. Up to this point, MobiFone has only focused on adjusting and optimizing coverage areas, and reinforcing stations after storms and floods.