Globe lauds several local government units (LGUs) which have been instrumental in authorizing the provision of 1,857 permits since July until November this year, allowing the company to expedite its aggressive network expansion plans.
Following the implementation of the Bayanihan To Recover as One Act, several LGUs have welcomed the provision to fastrack permits issuance, to allow the telco in accelerating builds of its infrastructure. Globe says a significant number of LGUs now have their respective “one stop shop” for permitting requirements which ensures expedited processes and reduced time in issuances of these build permits. Other LGUs have likewise hastened the processing of permits by removing some requirements such as the neighbors’ consent, while locational clearances are now released within one to seven days.
“Previously, we needed to wait and spend years to complete at least 29 permits. But with the help of the Bayanihan To Recover as One Act, LGUs are now enabled to become more open and supportive of our network roll-outs especially in the past weeks. What used to take years to get, now takes a few weeks or even just days to secure the needed permits to build our cell towers,” said Atty. Froilan Castelo, Globe General Counsel.
The company’s network expansion program is now being felt in several LGUs which for the longest time have been encumbered by stringent and time-consuming measures for telcos just to install a single cell site or cell tower.
These forward looking LGUs are in Makati, Manila, Marikina, and Mandaluyong in Metro Manila; Calamba in Laguna; Tagaytay in Cavite; and Legazpi in Albay. These LGUs have installed one stop shops for permits of telcos.
Malabon, Navotas, Pasay, Pateros and San Juan, Lucena, Naga, Lipa, Tarlac, Olongapo, Botolan, La Trinidad, San Antonio, Guimba, Carranglan, Nampicuan, San Leonardo, Baliuag and Norzagaray have also been very helpful in Globe’s bid to fast track its network expansion.
Similarly, Kidapawan, Santa Cruz, Santa Maria and Aurora in Mindanao; and Toledo City, Panglao, Ubay, Concepcion, Tanauan, San Miguel, Cabatauan, Sta. Rita, San Jose and San Isidro LGUs in Visayas have also responded positively to the government’s directive to ease their permitting process.
A good number of these LGUs issued permits within one to two weeks. Before the implementation of Bayanihan Act 2, the approval of permits took a minimum of eight months and up to two years to install one cell tower.
“The LGUs which saw the potential benefits and advantages of having a reliable, fast and ready access to connectivity and wider coverage even before the COVID-19 pandemic altered our lives, are the first ones to mitigate the impact of the global health crisis. We are hoping that in the coming weeks, these LGUs will no longer be the exception but rather the norm for others to emulate,” Castelo added.
Globe has laid out a 3-pronged strategy to improve data experience including aggressive cell site builds; upgrading all cell sites to 4G/LTE; and fast tracking the fiberization of Filipino homes nationwide.
Globe supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically UN SDG No. 9 which emphasizes the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe is committed to upholding the 10 United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs.