PLDT, Globe complete network linkup in Laguna

MANILA, Philippines - The economic hub of Laguna welcomed another major development in its information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure with the successful activation of local network interconnection between Globe Telecom and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT).

After five years of negotiations, the two major telecom players have finally completed their network link-up in the province, following the order of National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba to fast track the implementation of network interconnection to provide subscribers and business establishments with more efficient and affordable telecommunication services.

Local interconnection means that residents and business establishments in a specific province or city can make calls via seven-digit local dialing without having to pay long distance charges. Without interconnection, a Globe landline subscriber would have to pay long-distance rates to call a PLDT landline subscriber within the same area, and vice-versa.

With the completion of interconnection services between the two operators, residents and enterprises in the towns of Alaminos, Calamba, Calauan, Los Banos, Paete, Pila, San Pablo, Sta. Cruz and Sta. Rosa are expected to benefit from this initiative, as well as significantly contribute to the continuing growth of the province’s economy and other related industries. Aside from being one of the provinces in the country with the highest population, Laguna is also the preferred dwelling of big businesses and investors, making it the largest concentration of industries in the country with 18 industrial estates.

 “The completion of network interconnection between Globe and PLDT is definitely a huge milestone for the province because of its massive coverage and impact to more stakeholders; from individual customers to the bigger business enterprises,” said Froilan Castelo, head for corporate and legal services of Globe. “As Globe has always been at the forefront of public interest and consumer welfare, we are glad that this project has finally come to fruition, together with the tireless efforts of the NTC led by deputy commissioner Delilah Deles who oversaw the completion of agreements between Globe and PLDT, as well as the Laguna provincial government for their intervention.”

This year, the NTC, together with the respective local government units paved the way to complete interconnection services between Globe and PLDT in Pampanga, Bulacan, Zamboanga and now Laguna, with three more areas waiting for full activation before the year ends.

Meanwhile, the networks of Globe, Bayan Telecommunications (BayanTel) and Digitel Telecommunications Philippines (Digitel) have been 100 percent interconnected in all areas of common presence and operations nationwide since April 2011.

Under Republic Act 7925, the NTC mandates compulsory interconnection of authorized public telecommunications carriers. This aims to create a universally accessible and fully integrated nationwide telecommunications network to encourage more infrastructure investments from the private sector that would benefit the consumers.