Globe Telecom Inc. is pushing for policy reforms to speed up telecom build up and enhance internet reliability across the country.
Carl Cruz, Globe president and chief executive, advocated for treating connectivity as the “fifth utility”—as essential as water,
electricity, sanitation, and transport, noting its direct influence on work, learning, livelihood, and participation in the digital economy.
“Filipinos deserve more than access, they deserve quality. That means policy must shift to enable inclusive, long-term strategic investments supporting the country’s digital connectivity roadmap. Connectivity shouldn’t be a luxury. It’s the backbone of how people work, learn, and live today,” Cruz said.
“The industry heavily relies on investments and capital expenditures to deliver services to the country. To move forward, government and industry must collaborate so that investments are protected and the industry gains translate to real benefit to customers in terms of universal access, reliable and consistent service that’s affordable to many,” he added.
Globe is driving digital inclusion by transforming neighborhood businesses such as sari-sari stores, auto repair shops, and small logistics providers into active digital touchpoints. These microenterprises are now positioned to offer basic connectivity and digital services within their communities, helping close access gaps while creating new livelihood opportunities.
This shift is made possible through a well-organized national distribution system that involves larger SME partners, sub-dealers, and community-level agents. By embedding small businesses into this supply chain, Globe is building a scalable model that supports both digital adoption and local economic resilience, especially in areas where formal infrastructure and digital access remain limited.
On the Konektadong Pinoy Act, Globe expressed measured support, citing opportunities and improvements in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) that address its earlier concerns around security, infrastructure protection, and fair competition.
The law, which opens the country’s data transmission market to new entrants by removing the congressional franchise requirement, aims to expand access and encourage investment in underserved areas.
Globe has worked closely with the DICT to ensure that new players, now classified as Data Transmission Industry Participants (DTIPs), are subject to strict cybersecurity vetting and certification, with no room for exploitation during the two-year grace period.
The company also pushed for rules that protect existing infrastructure from duplication or disruption and advocated for fair, transparent spectrum allocation, particularly with the rise of satellite providers.
“We need rules that balance openness with accountability, especially around infra use, security standards, and spectrum coordination,” Cruz said.
