Globe Telecom is pushing for the removal of lease fees charged the telecommunications companies by property developers for installing telco infrastructure in their buildings, citing the successful implementation of similar policies across countries in Asia-Pacific such as Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
The move aims to reduce the operational cost of telecom companies, foster a more competitive market and ultimately benefit consumers with improved connectivity and service.
“The experiences of Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong demonstrate that zero lease practices for telco infrastructure can lead to more efficient market operations and better consumer services,” Ernest Cu, Globe president and chief executive said.
“It will be an advantage for the Philippines to adopt similar policies, paving the way for enhanced digital connectivity and competitiveness in the region,” he added.
Real property developers and owners of buildings such as malls, office spaces, hotels and condos charge telcos for installing in-building telco infrastructure to provide necessary connectivity within their own premises.
Globe believes such fees are unnecessary and that telco facilities must be treated the same as water and power, for which developers already provide necessary space without charging lease to service providers.
It supports the revision of the National Building Code to classify telcos’ in-building solutions (IBS) as necessary infrastructure for developments.
House Bill No. 900, filed by Tarlac 2nd District Rep. Christian Tell Yap, proposes an additional section that would classify “telecommunications facilities such as in-building solutions and fiber optic cabling for high capacity and high-speed requirements” as mandatory for “multi-dwelling buildings, commercial buildings, government and office buildings, public and private schools, and government and private hospitals.”
House Bill No. 8534 filed by Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda, explicitly bars building owners and developers from imposing “any cost, expenses, charges or rent… for the provisioning of telecommunications services” in their respective properties.
Both bills are pending at the House committee level.
