NTC Suspends Network Repairs Ahead of Elections
Regulator Moves to Secure Communications for Midterms
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has announced the suspension of all major network repairs and maintenance works nationwide from May 5 to 14, 2025. The move is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted telecommunications and internet services during the 2025 Philippine midterm elections.
Ensuring Stability of Digital Infrastructure
With millions of voters expected to participate in the upcoming elections, the NTC said the suspension will help prevent potential service disruptions that could affect election-related communications, data transmission, and the media coverage essential to the electoral process.
Directive Applies to All Major Telcos and ISPs
The NTC has issued official memoranda to telecommunications companies and internet service providers (ISPs), instructing them to defer all scheduled maintenance work that may impact network availability. This includes planned fiber optic repairs, tower upgrades, and routine diagnostics.
Election-Related Activities Increasingly Dependent on Connectivity
Modern elections in the Philippines have become increasingly reliant on real-time data transmission, cloud-based voter information systems, and digital communication channels. Any network interruption during the voting period could affect vote counting, canvassing, and public access to credible information.
COMELEC Supports the NTC’s Decision
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) welcomed the NTC’s directive, citing the importance of stable connectivity for transmitting election returns, communicating with field personnel, and updating national election dashboards. COMELEC Chair George Garcia called the move “proactive and necessary.”
Telcos Ordered to Set Up Rapid Response Teams
In addition to suspending non-essential repairs, the NTC directed telcos to deploy 24/7 technical response teams during the election period. These teams will be on standby to address any unexpected service outages, cyberattacks, or infrastructure failures that may arise.
Disruption-Free Service Critical for Media Coverage
Media outlets rely heavily on stable internet and mobile networks to deliver up-to-the-minute election results, conduct interviews, and cover live events. Broadcasters and digital news platforms praised the NTC’s announcement as a key step toward preserving the integrity of election reporting.
Public Encouraged to Report Service Interruptions
The NTC has activated public hotlines and online feedback portals to allow citizens to report network issues during the suspension period. This ensures faster incident resolution and helps authorities track outages that may require immediate attention.
Cybersecurity Also a Priority During the Suspension
In partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the NTC is also working to secure the nation’s digital infrastructure against cyber threats. The agencies have warned that election periods are high-risk times for digital sabotage, hacking, and disinformation campaigns.
Internet Connectivity Crucial for Overseas Voting
The stability of Philippine internet services is also crucial for overseas absentee voting, which relies on embassy-based transmission of voter results to the COMELEC. Any major disruption could delay the consolidation of votes from Filipinos living abroad.
Businesses and Households Affected by Delay in Maintenance
While the directive ensures uninterrupted services during the election period, some households and businesses may experience a temporary delay in ongoing service upgrades or installations. However, telcos have assured customers that work will resume immediately after May 14.
Telcos Commit to Compliance and Monitoring
Major telecommunications companies, including PLDT, Globe Telecom, and DITO Telecommunity, issued separate statements affirming their full compliance with the NTC directive. They also committed to maintaining optimal performance and addressing emergencies through rapid deployment protocols.
Election Watchdog Groups Applaud the Initiative
Election watchdogs such as NAMFREL and PPCRV applauded the NTC’s move, stating that reliable communication infrastructure is essential for fair and transparent elections. They emphasized that voters, poll watchers, and civic groups all depend on stable digital access.
Similar Measures Taken in Previous Elections
This is not the first time that the NTC has ordered a maintenance moratorium during elections. Similar measures were implemented during the 2019 and 2022 elections to positive effect, helping to reduce disruptions in the transmission of results and media coverage.
Conclusion: A Strategic Step Toward a Smooth Election
As the Philippines prepares for its 2025 midterm elections, the NTC’s suspension of network repairs reflects a strategic focus on stability, transparency, and connectivity. By minimizing risks of service disruptions and reinforcing rapid response measures, the commission ensures that the nation’s communication backbone remains reliable during one of the most critical civic exercises in the democratic calendar.
