Globe Extends Network to Over 500 Remote Areas in the Philippines

 

#Globe is leading the charge in bridging the digital gap by extending connectivity to remote regions across the country. Its network now covers over 500 Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs).

By enhancing the nation’s digital infrastructure, Globe is connecting remote communities, providing residents with access to essential online services, educational resources, and economic opportunities, regardless of their geographical location.

 

“Our mission is centered on connecting the unconnected to create an inclusive, sustainable, and digitally-enabled nation. We are breaking down barriers and unlocking opportunities to drive economic and social progress for all,” stated Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO.

Globe’s expansion into GIDAs aligns with its commitment to inclusive connectivity, especially crucial in a time when access has become a necessity of life. The company has invested Php 265 billion in capital expenditure and Php 236 billion in operational expenses over the past three years to enhance its network capabilities.

As it continues to build its network, Globe is collaborating with the government to jointly enhance the country’s connectivity infrastructure.

The recently established Connectivity Plan Task Force (CPTF), led by Cu, is working to supplement DICT’s rollout of internet infrastructure in GIDAs, while advocating for policies crucial to the development of telco infrastructure.

The CPTF operates under the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), established by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to foster public-private sector collaboration.

“Providing connectivity to the entire Philippines, including remote areas, requires collaboration between the private sector and the government. Through this Task Force, we aim to synergize our efforts to connect every corner of the country, allowing Filipinos to enjoy the benefits of digital connectivity in an equitable manner,” Cu said.

PSAC previously urged the government to allocate at least Php 240 billion to improve internet infrastructure, emphasizing the need for a commercial partnership to construct 35,000 new cell sites.

The Council also requested an annual allocation of at least Php 60 billion for the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to lease towers, build last-mile facilities, and optimize existing telco infrastructure. This funding is necessary to provide internet access to 125,000 public facilities, including schools, hospitals, and health centers, over the next four years.

Furthermore, PSAC underscored the importance of strictly implementing Executive Order No. 32 to streamline and expedite the permitting process for telco infrastructure— a critical step in overcoming obstacles to network expansion.

Cu called on local government units to partner in enhancing connectivity by reducing barriers to its expansion, including prevalent bureaucracy that delays builds.

“We are deeply grateful that the President issued Executive Order No. 32 last July to streamline the permitting process for ICT infrastructure. But nearly a year since, we still encounter barriers on the ground. We hope that LGUs will honor the President’s order to the letter and enable, rather than hinder, the enhancement and expansion of connectivity across the country,” he said.

Looking forward, Globe remains committed to its mission to empower communities through digital technology. The company collaborates closely with the government and the private sector to ensure that every Filipino can enjoy the benefits of digital connectivity.

For more information about Globe, visit their website.

FAQs

1. What is Globe’s mission? Globe’s mission is to connect the unconnected to create an inclusive, sustainable, and digitally-enabled nation.

2. What is the Connectivity Plan Task Force (CPTF)? The CPTF, led by Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu, works to supplement DICT’s rollout of internet infrastructure in GIDAs and advocates for policies crucial to the development of telco infrastructure.

3. What is the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC)? The PSAC was established by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to foster public-private sector collaboration.

4. What are the Council’s requests to the government? The Council has urged the government to allocate at least Php 240 billion to improve internet infrastructure and Php 60 billion annually for the DICT to lease towers, build last-mile facilities, and optimize existing telco infrastructure.

5. What is Executive Order No. 32? Executive Order No. 32 was issued by the President to streamline the permitting process for ICT infrastructure. It is a critical step in overcoming obstacles to network expansion.