The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is optimistic about the further improvement in the energization timelines of telecommunication infrastructure following the implementation of Executive Order (EO) 32, which streamlines the permitting process.
At the 3rd Telco Workshop for Telco Towers’ Energization on Tuesday in Pasig City, Bernice Gretchel Garcia-Rama, head Meralco Enterprise Commercial and Conglomerates showcased the positive impact of EO 32 in energizing telco towers.
Rama said assessment on EO 32 Impact to Energization will showcase anticipated significant improvements, reducing the energization timeline from 300 and 255 days to just 59 days from the start of applicati on.
She said the acquisition of right-of-way has been streamlined from 180 days to a mere 15 days average, with the elimination of adjacent lot owner refusal, resulting in energization occurring within 10 to 15 days provided all requirements are fulfilled by the telco applicant
Rama said year 2023 also marked the highest number of energized projects by Meralco with 734 towers powered up.
“There has been a continued improvement on these numbers, making Meralco more optimistic for the years to come,” she said.
Meralco’s collaboration with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and other stakeholders aims to improve interconnectivity across the country and ensure digital inclusion for all communities.
Meralco is the first electric company to host ARTA’s series of telco workshops. The previous ones were in partnership with Globe Telecom and Smart Communications, Inc., which focused on improving the regulatory framework for the telecommunications sector.
