DFA ADVISORY LEBANON: STATUS OF COMMUNICATION IN LEBANON

Reposting below from DFA website:

it’s more of an advisory for families here in the country to inform them that if the relatives they want to contact are not answering cell phones or SMS messages it is the phone system there right now.

A way around this for future reference of potentail ofw’s is a bit more costly but in a emergency like this a life-line of communications is to buy a Thuraya phone – a cell / satphone combo that works well in the region.

I am not sure if Lebanon is in the footprint – but the phone works well. It uses both cell phone GSM – but when no GSM signal is present it switches to Sat phone mode. It can be bought pre-paid for around $99 plus cards of about 20-30 dollars.

If Smart and globe could market the system here for OFW’s about to leave- am sure they would make a profit for them and a service for OFW’s by making Philippine SIM cards able to used in the Thuraya cells.

I think the smart sim works – but am not sure.

LATEST VIDEO ON YOUTUBE:

Lebanon side:

Israel – Haifa

ADVISORY ON THE STATUS OF COMMUNICATION IN LEBANON

18 JULY 2006

The Department of Foreign Affairs requests the public to take note of the following advisory:

1) Cellular networks are no longer operational in Lebanon. The relatives in the Philippines of OFWs in Lebanon should not worry if they are unable to contact their loved ones in Lebanon by mobile phone.

2) In light of this situation, the only means of communication of the Embassy in Beirut is the fixed-line/landline. The relatives in the Philippines of OFWs in Lebanon are requested to refrain from calling the Embassy’s landlines so that the lines of communication remain open between the Embassy and OFWs in Lebanon as well as with the Philippines.

3) The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in Beirut assure the public that everything is being done to ensure the safety of Filipinos in Lebanon.

UPDATE: Lebanon bombings closer to Filipino evacuation center 7/19/2006 12:19:51 PM ABS-CBNNews.com

More info on Thuraya Cell phones in Lebanon:

Thuraya In Lebanon

Thuraya is in the process of appointing a service provider in Lebanon. If you wish to subscribe to Thuraya services, please contact the nearest service provider to your country or buy Thuraya phone, accessories and prepaid solutions online at eShop.

For more information on Thuraya or on how to sign up for Thuraya services, contact the nearest service provider to your country or buy Thuraya phones and prepaid solutions online at eShop