Local telecom operators PLDT Inc., Globe Telecom Inc. and Dito Telecommunity Corp. yesterday said lthe issuance of Executive Order (EO) No. 32 (s. 2023) that will allow telcos to hasten their infrastructure rollout will further improve internet connectivity in the country.
On July 4, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed EO 32 which institutionalizes a set of streamlined guidelines for the issuance of permits, licenses and certificates for the construction of telecommunications and internet infrastructure to ensure the continued development of the country’s digital infrastructure.
PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. have hailed the issuance of EO 32 which came in the wake of the recent telco workshops led by the Anti-Red Tape Authority that aim to address the bottlenecks in the permitting, licensing and authorizations involved in the energization of telecom towers and improve connectivity in far-flung areas.
“The President has set forth a bold and transformative vision for our nation: the digitalization of our economy. Recognizing the pivotal role of telecommunications in achieving this vision, he has emphasized the need for comprehensive efforts to improve our internet connections through strong telecom infrastructure,” Alfredo Panlilio, PLDT and Smart president and chief executive officer (CEO), said in a statement.
The Globe Group said EO 32 is seen to pave the way for greater digital transformation in the country, aligned with the government and private sector’s shared goal of bridging the digital divide by increasing access to digital resources, services and opportunities.
“We are grateful to President Marcos for issuing this EO, which will allow the telco industry and the adjunct TowerCo industry to further ramp up infrastructure builds that will provide life-enabling connectivity in an equitable way across the country. This will help accelerate the country’s digital transformation and open doors for more opportunities to Filipinos in the areas of education, employment, and innovation,” said Ernest Cu, Globe Group president and CEO.
EO 32 mandates streamlined guidelines in obtaining permits to build information and communications technology infrastructure, eliminating redundant processes. By cutting through red tape, it fosters an environment conducive to rapid digital infrastructure development.
“This EO isn’t just about expediting processes. It’s about setting the stage for a long-term, sustainable digital transformation in the Philippines. It fosters a more inclusive and competitive business environment, spurring innovation that ultimately benefits Filipinos,” Cu said.
“The EO will most definitely benefit not only DITO in our efforts to hasten our infrastructure roll-out but most importantly the Filipino people who are to enjoy sooner the fruits of faster, more affordable, and reliable services,” also said Adel Tamano, DITO Telecommunity chief administrative officer.
Under the EO, a technical working group (TWG) on telecommunications and internet infrastructure, to be headed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology, will be created to oversee the efficient implementation of the order.
The TWG shall also craft the EO’s implementing rules and regulations within 60 days from its effectivity.
The EO also simplified processes covering permits and licenses for construction, installation, repair, operation and maintenance of a shared passive telecom tower infrastructure, as well as the erection of poles and installation of aerial and underground cables and facilities, underground fiber ducts, ground terminals and other transmission telecommunications and internet infrastructure and facilities.
“No other national or local permit or clearance shall be required in the construction, installation, repair, operation, and maintenance of telecommunications and Internet infrastructure,” the EO stated.
