#Globe Telecom Champions Collaboration for ICT Development in the Philippines
Globe Telecom lauds the Philippines’ progress in the ICT Development Index (IDI) by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) while advocating for stronger collaboration to eliminate connectivity obstacles. Despite marked improvements, the country’s score of 74.4 in 2024 still lags behind the global average of 74.8, trailing Southeast Asian counterparts like Singapore (97.8), Malaysia (95.0), and Thailand (91.0).
Challenges in ICT Development
The Philippines ranks among the bottom five in the region, outperforming only Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste. Globe’s President and CEO, Ernest Cu, emphasized the need for collective efforts to close gaps in connectivity infrastructure, stating:
“The private sector has invested billions in ICT development, but collaboration with the government and other stakeholders is essential to achieve our goals.”
Read how Globe is addressing connectivity challenges.
Significant Investments in ICT Infrastructure
Cu highlighted the private sector’s substantial investments in digital infrastructure, totaling PHP 640 billion between 2021 and 2023. Globe alone contributed:
- PHP 265 billion in capital expenditures.
- PHP 236 billion in operational expenses.
In contrast, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has invested only PHP 7.6 billion in internet infrastructure from 2018 to 2024.
The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) has urged the government to allocate at least PHP 240 billion to internet infrastructure and partner with the private sector to construct 35,000 new cell sites nationwide.
Learn how Globe's investments are shaping the Philippine ICT landscape.
Driving Connectivity in Remote Areas
Globe’s Connectivity Plan Task Force (CPTF), led by Cu under the PSAC, is working with the DICT to deploy infrastructure in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs). Globe has already extended its network to over 500 GIDAs, ensuring connectivity for marginalized communities.
Discover Globe's efforts to bridge the digital divide.
Policy Reforms for Improved Connectivity
To support the growth of ICT infrastructure, Globe advocates for policy reforms, including:
- Amending the National Building Code (1977) to waive telco infrastructure lease fees in housing developments and buildings.
- Implementing Executive Order No. 32, which streamlines the permitting process for telco infrastructure.
Cu stated:
“Connectivity is a basic necessity like power and water. Telcos should not be charged for installing infrastructure that supports livelihoods, education, and commerce.”
Read more about Globe’s call for policy reforms.
Affordable Broadband Access with GFiber Prepaid
To democratize connectivity, Globe launched GFiber Prepaid, offering:
- Flexible reloadable UNLI internet starting at PHP 33/day.
- No lock-ups or monthly bills, making fiber-strong broadband more accessible.
This aligns with the government’s National Broadband Plan, which aims to provide free WiFi across the country and develop a neutral fiber backbone for last-mile connectivity projects.
Explore how GFiber Prepaid is changing broadband accessibility.
FAQs
What is the ICT Development Index?
The IDI is a global benchmarking tool by the ITU that measures countries' progress in becoming information societies.How is Globe contributing to ICT development in the Philippines?
Globe has invested heavily in improving network infrastructure, partnered with the government for connectivity in GIDAs, and launched initiatives like GFiber Prepaid to make broadband more accessible.What are the proposed policy reforms for ICT growth?
Amendments to the National Building Code to waive telco lease fees and the full implementation of Executive Order No. 32 to streamline permitting processes.What is GFiber Prepaid?
It is Globe’s affordable broadband service offering reloadable, fiber-strong internet with no lock-ups or monthly bills.What is the role of the Connectivity Plan Task Force (CPTF)?
Led by Globe’s CEO under the PSAC, the CPTF works with the DICT to deploy connectivity infrastructure in remote and disadvantaged areas.