GLOBE Telecom Inc. is pushing for industry-wide collaboration to expand internet and mobile connectivity to remote areas.
This is aligned with the Marcos administration’s push to bring connectivity to remote areas, the company said.
Over 7,000 Philippine barangays are classified as geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), with about 25 million residents lacking access to life-enabling connectivity.
In a statement, Carlo Puno, Globe chief financial officer and chief risk officer, emphasized the importance of collaboration among telcos, government agencies and tower operators to make the most of existing resources in expanding telecom services to underserved communities.
“It should be a rollout that is maximizing the current footprint of the different players, potentially leveraging the towercos’ presence in certain areas and avoiding duplication of efforts in any of the mobile network operators,” Puno said
“I think if we’re able to do that, we will be able to support the government and bridge that digital divide. But it has to be more [of] a conversation in the industry rather than just one player like Globe rolling out,” he added.
Currently, Globe has over 600 operational sites in GIDAs.
The Connectivity Plan Task Force, a body headed by Ernest Cu, Globe president and chief executive officer, under the Private Sector Advisory Council, recently proposed the construction of new towers in remote parts of the country through a public-private collaboration.
Telcos also pledged to provide SIMs with data plans to unconnected households via government subsidy starting this year until 2028.
Through this cooperative approach, Globe and the other players aim to support the government’s Digital Philippines vision and ensure that every Filipino, regardless of location, has access to the opportunities afforded by digital connectivity.
