Globe led in telco infrastructure builds and tower construction over its competitors based on a report by the National Telecommunications Commission to Malacanang.
The latest NTC data showed Globe built 786 new towers from July to December 2020 despite challenges posed by the pandemic. On the other hand, competition built 323 towers. The ramped up builds were made possible through the enabling laws Bayanihan Act II and the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 01 s. 2020 signed by ARTA, DICT, DILG and other government agencies that mandated the easing of permitting processes.
The Ayala-led telco was able to secure a total of 2,089 permits during this period.
The latest NTC data showed Globe has a total of 10,395 tower sites as of December 2020, while competition had 10,079 and 2,360 towers respectively.
“There has really been an increase in the tower roll out and I think this is the positive response to the Joint Memorandum Circular we have done as well to the President’s directive in easing up permits for the towers. We have seen a dramatic increase in the tower roll out. Pag dumami po ang kanilang mga torre, gaganda rin po ang signal natin na masasagap sa internet,” said DICT Usec. Emmanuel Rey Caintic.
Based on the NTC data, there are 22,834 cell towers or cell sites in the country. In comparison, Vietnam has 90,000 towers based on TowerXchange data as of November 2020.
With the progress made by telcos especially in terms of internet speed improvements and the country’s improving ranking within the ASEAN region, the DICT continues to urge telcos to continue with their aggressive builds.
“Tuloy-tuloy ang push, tuloy tuloy ang pressure ni Presidente sa mga telco, do not relent on the press, full court press kumbaga,” Caintic added.
“We remain committed to improving the voice and data experience of our customers. This year we are doing a record amount of investment on capex to upgrade our network, build more cell sites and accelerate fiber rollouts to homes. We are using the most advanced technologies like 5G to provide our customers with a #FirstWorldNetwork experience,” Globe’s President and CEO Ernest Cu said.
Globe laid out a 3-pronged strategy to improve customer data and internet experience, which includes aggressive cell site builds; upgrading its cell sites to 4G/LTE using various frequencies; 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.