By Alithea De Jesus
Heeding the call of President Duterte to improve telco services, Globe disclosed that it has already earmarked USD1.2 billion in CAPEX, to build the network and enhance services.
In a statement sent to THEPHILBIZNEWS, the giant telco said, “These substantial investments are paying off as we experience marked service improvements. In fact, we are being cited globally for having improved internet experience.”
Despite this, the industry is not without its challenges. We have been experiencing long-drawn permitting process across LGUs, HOAs, and national agencies in our cellsite building and laying down of fiber to homes, but we are positive that with the policies being enacted by the DICT, we will be able to fast-track builds of telco towers for a more robust connectivity and internet services for every Filipino.
Today, the Globe network is running at 4G/LTE. Last year, we launched 5G for Globe At Home and soon we will be launching mobile 5G services in the country. Globally, we are being cited for having improved internet experience. Only recently, independent mobile analytics Open Signal ranked the Philippines as the 4th most improved country in the mobile video experience. The ranking was included in its State of Mobile Network Experience in 2020 report. Although we have seen marked improvements, the industry is not without its challenges. The long-drawn permitting process across LGUs, HOAs and national agencies including the Department Of Health and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines have hampered cell site-building and laying down of fiber to homes.
We express our optimism that the recently signed Joint Memorandum Circular 01s.2020 spearheaded by the DICT with other national agencies to fast track builds of telco towers will finally lead the way to more robust connectivity in the country and provide internet services to every Filipino.
During this time of the pandemic, Globe has actively supported public and private hospitals, quarantine facilities, and frontliners. We are working with the Department of Education to assist the sector through low-cost data plans and devices as well as teacher training, online platforms, and mental health support. Globe was able to provide over P1.3 billion in combined services and assistance package for COVID-19 benefitting customers through services and promos, monetary and in-kind donations.
Read related story:
DICT Chief seeks EO to fast-track interconnectivity in PH
https://thephilbiznews.com/2019/06/19/dict-chief-seeks-eo-to-fast-track-interconnectivity-in-ph/
