Relook mobile coverage in lifts

HDB residents were told that the lifts were monitored by a tele-monitoring system. But when a man was trapped in a lift recently, the alarm did not work and he could not call for help as there was no mobile signal.
HDB residents were told that the lifts were monitored by a tele-monitoring system. But when a man was trapped in a lift recently, the alarm did not work and he could not call for help as there was no mobile signal. ST FILE PHOTO

It was worrying to read that the alarm in a lift that broke down did not work and a resident who was trapped in it was unable to use his mobile phone to call for help, as there was no signal (BCA warning after spate of lift breakdowns; June 10).

The Infocomm Development Authority and the Housing Board previously assured residents that lifts in public housing are monitored by a tele-monitoring system (TMS) (Mobile coverage in lifts not compulsory; Aug 28, 2015).

In case of an emergency, the Essential Maintenance Services Unit and the town councils would be notified immediately via the TMS.

Can the authorities enlighten public housing residents on the reliability and efficiency of the TMS?

Chin Kee Thou

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 12, 2017, with the headline Relook mobile coverage in lifts. Subscribe