Globe Telecom over the weekend announced having significantly expanded its network by bringing connectivity to over 500 geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) across the country.
“At the heart of our mission is connecting the unconnected, to build an inclusive, sustainable, and digitally-enabled nation,” Ernest Cu, Globe president and chief executive said.
By dismantling barriers and unlocking opportunities, we are driving economic and social progress for all,” he added.
Globe’s GIDA expansion is in line with its push for inclusive connectivity, crucial at a time when access has become a life-enabler.
The company has thus far poured P265 billion in capital expenditure and P236 billion more in operational expenses the past three years to boost its network capabilities.
But even as it sustains its network buildup, Globe also engages the government to jointly boost the country’s connectivity infrastructure.
The recently created Connectivity Plan Task Force (CPTF), which Cu leads, is working on complementing the DICT’s rollout of internet infrastructure in GIDAs while advocating for policies essential to the development of telco infrastructure.
The CPTF works under the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) established by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to foster public-private sector collaboration.
“Bringing connectivity to the entire Philippines, including remote areas across the country, requires collaboration between the private sector and the government,”’Cu said.
Through this Task Force, we hope to synergize our efforts so that every corner of the country is connected, and Filipinos are able to enjoy the benefits of digital connectivity in an equitable way,” he added.
The PSAC earlier urged the government to set aside at least P240 billion to boost the internet infrastructure, emphasizing the need for a commercial partnership to build 35,000 new cell sites.
The Council has also requested an annual allocation of at least P60 billion for the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to lease towers, build last-mile facilities, and optimize existing telco infrastructure. This is necessary to provide internet access to 125,000 public facilities, including schools, hospitals and health centers over the next four years.
The PSAC highlighted the importance of strictly implementing Executive Order No. 32 to streamline and expedite the permitting process for telecom infrastructure— a crucial step in overcoming roadblocks to network expansion.
He called on local government units to be partners in boosting connectivity by lowering barriers to its expansion, including still prevalent bureaucracy that delays builds.
“We are very grateful that the President issued Executive Order No. 32 in July last year to streamline the permitting process for ICT infrastructure. But nearly a year since, we still experience barriers on the ground. We hope the LGUs honor the President’s order to the letter and enable, instead of hinder, the enhancement and expansion of connectivity across the country,” he said.
Looking ahead, Globe remains steadfast in its mission to empower communities through digital technology. The company works closely with the government and the private sector to ensure that every Filipino enjoys the benefits of digital connectivity.
