Globe Telecom Inc. is proposing the establishment of a national connectivity index, which sets a standard for internet quality, and vows to help government make this proposal a reality.
The proposed mechanism aims to establish a standard measure for the quality of internet connectivity in public and private buildings, much like how the star system differentiates hotels from lower-rated peers, and contribute to the wider national effort towards comprehensive digitization.
“We are ready and eager to work with the government to establish a Connectivity Index Rating in the country. This will allow our consumers to choose which establishment or public place they would want to patronize because internet services are within standards,” Ernest Cu, Globe Group president and chief executive said.
“With this in place, we will cement the perception that the Philippines has internet services at par with other countries, just as external party surveys have been showing. This initiative resonates profoundly with the President’s blueprint for a digitally resilient and vibrant Philippines,” he added.
Globe, together with various industry players, has proposed the mechanism to sector leaders of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC). Such rating, supported by other industry stakeholders like consumer group CitizenWatch Philippines, will serve as a consumer-friendly, easy-to-understand rating system for the quality of internet experience in a particular indoor area.
The quality of internet experience includes speed, accessibility, availability and security. This rating will provide a meaningful benchmark for property owners and government institutions on the right level of connectivity vis-a-vis the volume of user traffic in a given building or area.
Lawyer Tim Abejo, co-convenor of CitizenWatch Philippines, underlined the potential impact of this index, as having a connectivity rating publicly displayed or available online “will affect the image of an institution and will force building owners to take steps to ensure high-quality digital connectivity for their users.”
At present, consumers have no way of assessing the quality of internet connectivity in public spaces such as airports, malls, hotels, libraries, and coffee shops. Abejo said the index should be as straightforward as the familiar 5-star system used to rate hotels.
Globe has been working relentlessly to provide fast and reliable internet connectivity to Filipinos. After several years of strengthening its network backbone, the company is shifting towards capital efficiency and optimization. This strategy involves maximizing the use of fiber assets and leveraging partnerships with tower companies to boost tower construction.
