Globe, DPWH work to lessen fiber cuts

MANILA, Philippines - Globe Telecom Inc. wants to further strengthen its collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to minimize and prevent fiber cut incidents that often disrupt telecommunication services.

While the DPWH has issued a memorandum directing its field personnel and contractors to observe extreme caution in the execution of their construction works to help ensure uninterrupted services of utility companies including those of telcos, Globe has written a letter to ask the department to make erring contractors accountable and penalized for cable cut incidents. 

To discuss the proposal, Globe wants to meet with the regional directors concerned so the incidence of fiber cuts could be addressed.

“The growing incidence of fiber cuts is getting to be a major concern for us and we would like to appeal to DPWH and their contractors to take caution in undertaking road construction activities in order to avoid unnecessary cable cuts,” Globe general counsel Froilan Castelo said in a statement. 

By penalizing DPWH contractors for such incidents, Globe is of the view contractors would be extra cautious in the execution of their projects to avoid recurrence of accidental cuts and damage to cable facilities.

Castelo said network disruptions caused by fiber cut incidents adversely impact not only the company’s operations but could also potentially affect delivery of government services including emergency response.

This, as Globe provides access to both 911 and 8888, the government’s emergency and complaint hotline, respectively. 

The Ayala-led telco also provides inbound and outbound SMS accessibility for 2286 (Bato), a text hotline for reporting incidents to the Philippine National Police.

Since the start of the year, Globe has already experienced a total of 117 cable cuts attributed to road-construction related activities undertaken by DPWH contractors.   

Some of the  incidents have led to major network disruptions affecting call, text and internet services.

Apart from affecting services, the cable cut incidents also mean additional costs for the company for repairs.

“By working closely with the DPWH, we hope to address a major concern in ensuring delivery of our major services at all times,” Castelo said.