Globe Telecom called for greater collaboration to remove barriers to connectivity even as it welcomed the Philippines’ advancement in the latest ICT Development Index of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The firm noted, however, that despite the advance, the Philippines continues to rate below the global average, lagging behind its neighbors in Southeast Asia.
The 2024 edition of the index released by the ITU, a specialized agency of the United Nations, scored the Philippines 74.4, an improvement of 14 percent from last year.
However, this score is still below the global average of 74.8 and way behind Southeast Asian peers such as Singapore, which scored 97.8, Malaysia, with 95.0, and Thailand, at 91.0.
The Philippines’ score places it among the lowest five in the region, better only than Cambodia (72.6), Laos (65.3), Myanmar (63.8), and Timor-Leste (39.2).
“We are optimistic that we can score even higher in the global ICT Development Index. This should serve as an impetus for all stakeholders including industry players and the government to work more closely to address persistent gaps in our connectivity infrastructure,” said Globe President and Chief Executive Officer Ernest Cu.
He added, “The private sector has poured several billions in resources into ICT development. We cannot do it alone. There are barriers that can only be addressed through strong collaboration among the industry, government, and other stakeholders.”
Cu reiterated that the country needs more substantial investments in digital infrastructure. The private sector has invested a combined P 640 billion in just three years, from 2021 to 2023, to upgrade the quality of the country’s connectivity infrastructure.
Globe has invested P265 billion in capital expenditure and P236 billion in operational expenses in the past three years to enhance its network capabilities.
In contrast, the Department of Information and Communications Technology invested only P7.6 billion in internet infrastructure from 2018 to 2024.
The Private Sector Advisory Council, a Malacañang-initiated body that brings together industry players, has called on the government to allocate at least P240 billion to improve internet infrastructure and work with the private sector to build 35,000 new cell sites nationwide.
The Connectivity Plan Task Force (CPTF), led by Cu under the PSAC, is also working with DICT to roll out connectivity infrastructure in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs). Globe’s network currently reaches over 500 GIDAs.
Globe also reiterated its call for policy reform to allow connectivity to flourish. Bills seeking this reform are still pending in Congress.
These include providing space for telco infrastructure in housing developments and removing lease fees for telco infrastructure in buildings and developments through amendments to the outdated National Building Code (1977).
“Telcos should not be charged for installing infrastructure inside buildings and developments that will provide connectivity, which is now a basic necessity like power and water. It is a life enabler, supporting commerce, people’s livelihood, education and leisure needs,” said Cu.
Globe also hopes for the full implementation of Executive Order No. 32, issued in 2023 to streamline the permitting process for telco infrastructure.
Globe noted how certain local government units still need help to circumvent the order, making the approval of permits difficult and slow for telcos.
Globe also looks forward to the implementation of the government’s National Broadband Plan, which aims to provide free WiFi connectivity across the country. This project involves the development of a neutral fiber backbone to provide connectivity for government agencies and government-led last mile projects.