Globe seeks government support on broadband infrastructure

MANILA, Philippines — Globe Telecom Inc. is seeking the government’s continued support to ensure sufficient fixed broadband infrastructure to meet the country’s growing demand for internet connectivity.

The Ayala-led telco said the government and the telco industry must work together to ensure that important broadband infrastructure are in place so that the connectivity much needed in homes, schools, businesses and other establishments can be provided.

“This is where we need the help and support of the government, especially the local government units, so that we can expand our capacity by building more cell sites and towers in the next few months in residential areas,” Globe chief technology and information officer and chief strategy officer Gil Genio said.

Globe said the telco industry’s bid to expand and put up needed broadband infrastructures has been hindered by various reasons, foremost of which are the permitting requirements imposed by local government units (LGUs), as well as opposition by hostile homeowners associations.

“The government and the telcos need to collaborate now, more than ever, to lay down and build the necessary infrastructures to deliver the needed connectivity as more Filipinos adapt to the new normal, which requires more e-services and e-governance. We need to connect as many Filipinos as possible and make their mobile experience more convenient and enjoyable,” Genio said.

“We also need to upgrade our fiber connectivity to improve further our data speeds. This is the only way we can address the growing demand not only of our customers, but also the public in general,” he said.

Despite the ongoing quarantine protocols, Globe is committed to push through with its network expansion in the next three months.

The network expansion in various provinces nationwide is expected to answer the growing demand for more connectivity.

With the help of the government, Globe said the company will be able to bring the digital experience to more Filipinos, especially in the far-flung areas of the country.

Globe is looking to spend over P60 billion on infrastructure development to increase capacity and network upgrades around the country as part of its massive spending campaign for 2020.

Last week, a joint memorandum circular was signed by various government agencies to streamline requirements and reduce procedural delays.

With red tape associated with permitting requirements, one of the key reasons for the country’s slow deployment rate of telecommunication towers, the joint circular targets to unburden independent tower companies (ITC) of multiple permitting requirements.

As a result, the ITCs can focus on the accelerated roll-out of common towers across the country, which will mean an increase in speed, strength and quality of connection for Filipinos.