Smart claims that it has “the most extensive and modern digital communications GSM network and infrastructure in the country, covering over 99 percent of the population” while Globe brags “abot mo ang mundo” with the help of the network.

But an Inquirer report says that a mobile deadspot — popular term for areas with no coverage by any of the cellphone networks — is among the factors said to have led to the deaths of 14 Marines in Basilan.

It is perhaps time to check and double check the claims of the telcos, including Sun Cellular, about their network coverage. The boastful claims of these companies should be checked by consumers themselves and most especially by the government.

It appears that the telcos prioritized expanding their roaming coverage rather than ensuring that 100 percent of the Philippines are covered by cellsites.

As congressional franchise holders, these companies have responsibilities to the nation, and that includes ensuring that cellular mobile services are available to all Filipinos across the country. Such responsibility is all the more important given the archipelagic nature of the Philippines and how highly mobile Filipinos live their lives.

The National Telecommunications Commission should look into this pronto.

Note: The Political map the Philippines comes from Wikipedia.