Globe Telecom Inc. said it has completed its nationwide fiber rollout in more than 600 towns, replacing legacy copper lines with full fiber infrastructure for faster, more reliable internet to communities across the Philippines.
By phasing out copper — long targeted by cable thieves — Globe reduces its environmental footprint and discourages illegal salvaging that has historically disrupted services, the company said when it announced the upgrade on Monday.
“We’ve built the infrastructure; now we need to protect it,” Joel Agustin, Globe head of service planning and engineering, said in a statement.
“Fiber has no copper, no resale value, and cutting it only harms the communities that rely on it. That’s why we’re asking residents to help us safeguard these lines. Connectivity is no longer a luxury — it’s a lifeline,” he added.
Despite the transition to fiber, Globe continues to report deliberate cable cuts — often fueled by misinformation or the mistaken belief that fiber can be resold like copper. Among the first 425 towns to shift to fiber, 170 — or 40 percent — experienced intentional cuts.
Even in areas previously plagued by copper theft, 63 percent still saw fiber-related incidents, highlighting the urgent need for public awareness and community vigilance.
Globe stressed that cutting fiber lines brings no financial gain but can cause widespread harm. A single cable cut can disconnect entire communities, affecting homes, schools, businesses, and government offices for hours or even days.
To help protect these lines, Globe is urging residents to report suspicious activity near fiber cables or utility poles to the nearest barangay or police station. The company is also working closely with local government units and national agencies to bolster public education, prevention, and rapid response efforts.
“This network belongs to the people it serves,” Agustin said. “Protecting it means protecting the everyday lives built on it.”
