TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's telecommunications regulator announced Monday (Oct. 27) that draft guidelines for disaster roaming services will be released this week. The National Communications Commission (NCC, 國家通訊傳播委員會) developed the emergency network-switching mechanism after Typhoon Danas (丹娜絲) damaged communication facilities in Chiayi and Tainan.
Acting NCC Chair Chung-Shu Chen (陳崇樹) confirmed to the Legislative Yuan's (立法院) Transportation Committee (交通委員會), Taiwan's parliament transportation panel, that draft guidelines were signed Thursday (Oct. 23). Disaster roaming allows users to switch to other operators' networks when original telecom stations are damaged. This ensures continued voice and internet access during emergencies.
Chen noted that disaster roaming timing and details are managed under the Disaster Prevention and Protection Act (災害防救法) and Article 22 of the Telecommunications Management Act (電信管理法). The NCC will work closely with operators and make necessary amendments when required. Chen expressed hope for the NCC's full operational capacity soon. ◼