Globe Telecom Inc. has joined industry-wide initiatives to address rampant cable theft that causes network disruptions and deprives customers of seamless connectivity.
Globe signed the joint manifesto together with Metroworks ICT Construction Inc., Radius Telecoms Inc., PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc., Streamtech Systems Technologies Inc., Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association Inc., and SKY Cable Corp. for the launch of Oplan Kontra Putol initiative.
The industry-wide initiative seeks to inform the public about illegal cable cutting and the disruption it brings to families and communities. It involves consumer education, deployment of efficient security and patrolling systems, and close cooperation with local authorities and local government units (LGU).
“Together with our customers, we have been victimized by perpetrators who steal and sell the copper wires for profit, or recklessly cut and damage our cable wires without regard to the disruption it causes to our internet and cable service. This illegal act robs our customers of the steady internet and cable TV service they need for entertainment and access to information, and disrupts connectivity required for work,” said the Oplan Kontra Putol consortium in a statement.
The group calls upon law enforcement agencies to implement Republic Act 10515, otherwise known as the Cable Theft Act, which has criminalized intentional cable cutting.
It also taps barangays and LGUs to encourage their constituents to immediately report suspected and actual incidents of intentional cable cutting to their respective local officials, local police, and service providers.
“We condemn all illegal acts of intentional cable cutting and are confident that with everyone’s support and concerted efforts, we can and we will curb and prevent illegal cable-cutting to continue giving the best service our valued customers deserve,” the group said.