AUSTRALIA'S largest telecommunications provider says it won't charge for phone calls to the Gaza Strip, but the offer could be in vain as the region's telecommunication services teeter on the verge of collapse in the face of the military assault by Israeli forces.
Israel began its attack on Gaza on December 27 after Hamas had declared an end to a shaky six-month truce between the two sides. More than 500 Palestinians have been killed during the campaign.
Telstra says it will offer free phone calls for more than a week to the affected area. The offer applies to calls with the 0011 970 8 area code and is valid from January 7-15.
"Telstra customers in Australia will be able to call free of charge from their home phones to check on the wellbeing of immediate family members in the Gaza area,'' Telstra chief executive officer Sol Trujillo said.
"We appreciate that many of our customers are concerned about the welfare and wellbeing of their families in the region.
source : australianit.news.co
"Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by the unrest and especially people who may have been displaced or lost loved ones.''
Telstra advises customers to keep their calls brief as telecommunication networks in the Gaza area are likely to be under stress.
Two days ago, the Palestinians' main phone company, Paltel Group, warned that Gaza could be disconnected from the outside world as a result of the air strikes and ground assaults.
Paltel, which lost several workers in the attacks, said 90 per cent of Gaza's mobile phone service had been crippled, while a significant number of fixed lines were damaged.
"We have lost three technicians in the attacks, several technicians were injured during their efforts to repair some technical damage, numerous switchboards, mobile masts, and transmission alternatives were totally damaged and destroyed in air raids and the ground attack,'' the company said.
"Despite all obstacles, we're taking all possible efforts to keep the services functioning in Gaza Strip even at minimum capacity.''
Other article:
Israel brings Gaza airstrikes to the Web
Israel troops clash with Hamas
source : /www.australianit.news.com.au
Telstra says it will offer free phone calls for more than a week to the affected area. The offer applies to calls with the 0011 970 8 area code and is valid from January 7-15.
"Telstra customers in Australia will be able to call free of charge from their home phones to check on the wellbeing of immediate family members in the Gaza area,'' Telstra chief executive officer Sol Trujillo said.
"We appreciate that many of our customers are concerned about the welfare and wellbeing of their families in the region.
source : australianit.news.co
"Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by the unrest and especially people who may have been displaced or lost loved ones.''
Telstra advises customers to keep their calls brief as telecommunication networks in the Gaza area are likely to be under stress.
Two days ago, the Palestinians' main phone company, Paltel Group, warned that Gaza could be disconnected from the outside world as a result of the air strikes and ground assaults.
Paltel, which lost several workers in the attacks, said 90 per cent of Gaza's mobile phone service had been crippled, while a significant number of fixed lines were damaged.
"We have lost three technicians in the attacks, several technicians were injured during their efforts to repair some technical damage, numerous switchboards, mobile masts, and transmission alternatives were totally damaged and destroyed in air raids and the ground attack,'' the company said.
"Despite all obstacles, we're taking all possible efforts to keep the services functioning in Gaza Strip even at minimum capacity.''
Other article:
Israel brings Gaza airstrikes to the Web
Israel troops clash with Hamas
source : /www.australianit.news.com.au
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