Risk experts have called for a review of contingency plans among emergency hotline operators after an unprecedented hours-long Singtel outage cut off calls to the police, paramedics, fire department and other public lines on Oct 8.
Pointing to the diversity of communication options, sector regulator Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) told The Straits Times that the voice, mobile, broadband, Wi-Fi and messaging services across different service providers here should be harnessed as part of contingency plans.
The disruption on Oct 8 lasted more than three hours before services progressively resumed in the evening.
The hotlines of the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and police, as well as those of public hospitals, banks, Changi Airport and SimplyGo did not have a dial tone.
Some experts pointed to call forwarding as a possible solution as it can automatically redirect incoming calls to an alternative line in the event the emergency lines cannot be reached because they are either engaged or broken.
Commonly used in call centres, call forwarding makes it simple for callers as they do not need to remember alternative numbers.
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin October 11, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin October 11, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Jail and cane for man who preyed on 3 girls, including sister
A 27-year-old serial sex predator who preyed on three girls, including his younger sister, was sentenced to 16 years in jail and 15 strokes of the cane on March 10.
S'pore small but 'far from powerless' in unpredictable world: Seah Kian Peng
Global disruptions in trade, technology and security will impact Singapore, but the Republic is \"far from powerless\" despite its small size, said Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng on March 10.

US markets trailing the world as the aura of America First fades
Investors have a growing list of reasons to look elsewhere as mood sours in the US
Singapore stocks decline as markets across Asia end mixed
• STI falls 0.4%; losers beat gainers 320 to 195 • Frasers L&C Trust tops STI; Hongkong Land comes in last • Hang Seng sheds 1.9% amid China tariffs on US farm goods

Hawkers must operate stalls themselves to prevent subletting: Koh Poh Koon
Hawker centre stallholders have to operate their stalls personally as a measure to prevent subletting, as this keeps barriers to entry low for small businesses and preserves the authenticity of the hawker culture, said Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Koh Poh Koon in Parliament on March 10.

PSG The Best We Faced This Term
Robertson says Liverpool have to improve their off-the-ball work and attack to secure quarter-final spot
IN FULL BLOOM
Here are five ways to experience Japan's sakura season in all its beauty

Swiatek with another quick, commanding win
Defending champion Iga Swiatek crushed Dayana Yastremska 6-0, 6-2 and 2023 winner Elena Rybakina powered past Katie Boulter 6-0, 7-5 to reach the fourth round of Indian Wells on March 9 with displays of dominance.
Coffee shop operator, 76, jailed for pushing man, 80, leading to his death
Both men had quarrelled before aggressor pushed victim, who fell and suffered skull fracture
Man who worked with young people at PA jailed for sexually assaulting teenager
A man who previously worked with young people at the People's Association (PA) has been handed a jail sentence of 10 years and six months for sexually assaulting a then 16-year-old boy.