Telco pushes for fiber-ready rule in building code review

CEBU, Philippines — Globe Telecom is urging the government to incorporate telecommunications infrastructure requirements into the National Building Code of the Philippines, saying clearer building standards could reduce costly retrofitting and ensure new residential, commercial and mixed-use developments are equipped for digital connectivity from the outset.

The proposal comes as the government reviews the building code, giving policymakers an opportunity to establish connectivity provisions for new developments.

Globe is advocating for the inclusion of fiber-ready faciliti es and in-building connectivity solutions in building standards, positioning telecommunications infrastructure alongside other essential considerations in modern property design.

Integrating these requirements at the planning stage could help developers avoid expensive structural modifications after construction begins, while making buildings better prepared for growing demand for digital services.

Clearer standards could also provide developers, architects and engineering teams with a more consistent framework for incorporating network infrastructure into project designs.

“The earlier we bring those perspectives together, the better we can plan for what comes next. While the plans are still being shaped, let us sit down together and determine what needs to be built in from the start, with enough flexibility to evolve over time,” said Carl Cruz, Globe president and chief executive officer.

Globe reiterated its position at Collaboration Forum 2026, which brought together about 150 participants, including more than 100 external partners from the property sector.

The event, themed “Design Today. Connect Tomorrow,” gathered property developers, architects, designers and technical teams to discuss how telecommunications infrastructure can be incorporated into residential communities, commercial buildings and estates before construction plans are finalized.

The company said early coordination between property developers and connectivity providers can help identify infrastructure requirements and potential design constraints before they become more difficult and costly to address.

Planning for connectivity in advance can also give buildings greater flexibility to accommodate future technologies and rising demand for digital services.

The building code review is a key policy dimension of the initiative. While individual developers can work with telecommunications providers to incorporate connectivity into their projects, Globe’s proposed approach would seek to make such considerations part of a broader framework for building design and construction.

The company said recognizing telecommunications infrastructure in building standards could help ensure that new properties are equipped to support residents, tenants and businesses from the time they move in, rather than requiring network upgrades or retrofits later.

The push reflects the growing role of connectivity in residential and commercial property, as households and businesses increasingly rely on digital services for communication, work and daily operations.

For developers, integrating network requirements into project master plans could help manage construction costs while preparing properties for changing tenant needs.

Through its engagement with the property sector, Globe is seeking to advance both industry collaboration and policy recognition of connectivity as a fundamental component of modern developments.

The outcome of the government’s building code review could help determine how telecommunications infrastructure is addressed in future construction standards across the Philippines.