Globe Telecom Inc. said its network is now available in more than 500 geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) nationwide, enabling online services and internet access to far-flung communities.
This expansion to GIDAs is aligned with the company and the Private Sector Advisory Council's (PSAC) goals to bridge the digital divide in the country.
Globe said in a statement on June 14, that it has spent P265 billion within its capital expenditures (capex) and P236 billion in operational expenses over the past three years to optimize its network.
"At the heart of our mission is connecting the unconnected to build an inclusive, sustainable, and digitally-enabled nation. By dismantling barriers and unlocking opportunities, we are driving economic and social progress for all," said Globe President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ernest Cu.
Cu is the head of the Connectivity Plan Task Force (CPTF), which is under the PSAC, and serves to assist the Department of Information Communication and Technology (DICT)’s rollout of internet infrastructure, and push for policies on telco infrastructure development.
PSAC had previously asked the government to allocate P240 billion to construct internet infrastructure and an annual allocation of P60 billion to the DICT for the purpose of leasing towers, building last-mile facilities, and improving existing infrastructure.
PSAC said these funds are needed to deliver internet services to 125,000 public facilities like schools, hospitals, and health centers, over the next four years.
The Council also emphasized the importance of implementing Executive Order No. 32 that streamlines and expedites the permitting process for telco infrastructure, seeking the cooperation of local government units (LGUs) to ensure compliance to the law and support for the projects.
“We are very grateful that the President issued Executive Order No. 32 in July last year to streamline the permitting process for ICT infrastructure. But nearly a year since, we still experience barriers on the ground. We hope that LGUs will honor the President’s order to the letter and enable, instead of hinder, the enhancement and expansion of connectivity across the country,” said Cu.