Globe Telecom is ramping up efforts to eliminate lease fees on installed telecom equipment inside buildings and compel developers to include connectivity infrastructure from the very beginning of construction projects.
The move seeks to lessen telco operating costs, foster a more competitive market, and enhance internet accessibility for the public.
Michelle Ora, Globe vice president and head for Site Lifecycle Management Services, said the company continues to champion its zero-lease call across different venues, engaging property developers to get them onboard.
“We continue to champion zero lease across different venues and stakeholders. We work closely with our property developer partners through workshops where we talk to them about how to master plan their developments,” Ora said.
“We invite them to work with us at the earliest stage possible so we can integrate telco infra at the onset, even prior to their actual construction. So that when they turnover the property to the resident or the tenant, it is already complete, not just with power and water but also connectivity,” she added.
Globe has been actively engaging with property owners and developers to promote the advocacy.
Thus far, 615 properties including malls, offices, and hotels across the Philippines, already provide space with zero lease to accommodate the in-building solutions of telecom companies.
“When we put in the facilities, they’re meant to enable the different customers or tenants that these property owners also serve. Connectivity is something that residents or tenants cannot do away with. That’s why it’s important for developers to work with us and see this as a win-win situation. On their end, they need to make sure that the connectivity infrastructure, the facilities are ready at no cost to providers,” Ora said.
But according to Ora, some developers remain resistant to change.
“We have been speaking to various partners in the real estate sector, and we have received mixed responses. We have found fellow champions and advocates of our zero lease push. These are developers who are more progressive in viewing connectivity as a necessity and a differentiator for their townships and buildings. There are also those who continue to push back,” she said.
Globe also supports legislative reforms that would institutionalize the removal of lease fees. Current proposals, such as House Bill 8534 filed by Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda and House Bill 900 of Tarlac 2nd District Rep. Christian Tell Yap aims to mandate the readiness of buildings to accommodate ICT infrastructure and making in-building solutions a standard feature in multi-dwelling, commercial, school, and hospital buildings.
Ora also emphasized the importance of industry collaboration. She said Globe has been working closely with other telcos, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) to streamline processes and share best practices.
While Globe believes that connectivity infrastructure should be considered a fundamental component of modern living, costs associated with installing and maintaining these facilities pose significant financial burdens on telecom companies.
By eliminating these fees, Globe aims to reallocate resources towards expanding and enhancing its network, ultimately benefiting property owners, their tenants, and the broader public.
