Docomo offers free services, relief efforts

Docomo Pacific president and CEO Roderick Boss joins Docomo Pacific management in making an assessment of damaged areas in Saipan impacted by Super Typhoon Yutu. (Contributed Photo)

As the islands of Saipan and Tinian work steadily toward recovery, Docomo Pacific remains committed to helping rebuild lives affected by Super Typhoon Yutu.

In the aftermath of the storm, Docomo Pacific wants its CNMI customers to focus on other things and not worry about their bill. Starting Oct. 29 through Dec. 31, 2018, Docomo Pacific is offering free mobile, internet, TV and home phone services to new and existing customers on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

“First, our heartfelt prayers go out to the communities affected by Super Typhoon Yutu. At a time when so many are hurting, we stand with the CNMI and pledge our full support in helping to rebuild the community. We began deploying crews and equipment to the CNMI immediately after the storm. But more than rebuilding infrastructure and restoring services, we realize the human consequences of Super Typhoon Yutu. We want the people of the CNMI to focus on their families, and not worry about their bill. From Oct. 29 to Dec. 31, 2018, Docomo Pacific residential subscribers on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota will receive their services for free,” said Docomo Pacific president and CEO Roderick Boss.

During this period, no CNMI subscribers will be disconnected for non-payment.

For existing customers, an automatic monthly credit will apply to their November and December invoices. Docomo Pacific’s stores in Gualo Rai, Saipan and Songsong, Rota to get a new SIM for $9.95 and receive the free services.

Customers on Tinian can call 488-CARE to avail of the free services as well.

Customers simply have to pick up a plan, and all security deposits and activation fees will be waived. The offer does not include a mobile handset, calls or texts outside the Marianas, or combined with other promotional offers.

In the meantime, Docomo Pacific teams in Guam and the CNMI continue to make progress to rebuild and get customers back online. Portable cells have been deployed to support first responders and other mission critical organizations.

Partners in recovery
Docomo Pacific would like to extend its appreciation to GTA for working collaboratively toward helping our families on Saipan rebuild and recover.

GTA has offered its Cell On Wheels, or COW, for Docomo Pacific to use on Saipan to help with coverage while recovery efforts continue. The COW is a mobile tower trailer that can be easily transported and rapidly deployed for a short term to temporarily increase or replace capacity.

Furthermore, Docomo Pacific is offering GTA subscribers the opportunity to roam for free on Saipan, including those who are helping with recovery efforts.

“As corporate citizens, we are doing what we can to assist our neighboring islands. Communication services are vital in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yutu. By cooperating with Docomo Pacific, our goal is to help get vital services up for the people in the CNMI and those recovery responders assisting in the efforts,” said GTA chief operating officer Andrew Gayle.

In the past, Docomo Pacific has worked with other telecom providers with assisting in service issues caused by other major natural disasters.

Supply donation drive
Between Oct. 30 and Nov. 17, Docomo Pacific will be accepting donations at its retail stores to help families affected by Super Typhoon Yutu. Essential items needed include cases of water, canned goods, batteries, flashlights, lanterns, tarps/canopy, cots, coolers, mosquito coil/repellent and jar candles.

Text to donate campaign
Docomo Pacific launched a fundraising initiative to help rebuild lives affected by Super Typhoon Yutu. Until Nov. 17, Docomo Pacific postpaid mobile customers can donate money by texting 5 to “HELP (4357)”. Each message will donate $5 to the American Red Cross relief efforts on Saipan and Tinian.

Over the years, Docomo Pacific has led fundraising initiatives for families affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas, Typhoon Soudelor in the CNMI, Typhoon Maysak in Chuuk and Yap, Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, and the 2011 tsunami in Japan. (Docomo Pacific)