PLDT hopes to secure Globe nod on IP deal

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) is hoping to come up with an agreement with Globe Telecom Inc. for an Internet Protocol (IP) peering arrangement within the year for improved Internet services.

Eric Alberto, executive vice president and head of enterprise at PLDT and Smart Communications Inc. told reporters the telco giant is hopeful an IP peering arrangement would be reached with Globe within the year. 

“In fairness to them (Globe), they’re also desirous to close a peering arrangement with us so that we can together, as leading telcos in the country, elevate Internet customer experience,” he said.

As early as Aug. 14, PLDT has reached out to Globe to open discussions on a bilateral peering arrangement.

PLDT has likewise submitted a draft proposal based on internationally accepted peering practices.

Globe chief operating officer Gil Genio said earlier the company welcomes PLDT’s decision to start the negotiation for an IP peering arrangement but notes it wants a setup where Globe customers could have direct access to content and applications hosted by the PLDT Group without exception.

 “We are optimistic as PLDT has finally responded positively to our long-standing call for IP peering. We are confident that ongoing discussions will lead to better quality of internet services benefitting customers of both parties and the country as a whole,” he said.

Globe has been pushing for IP peering among major Internet service providers in the country, a move seen to boost local Internet speed. 

While about 20 percent of Internet traffic is local, the current peering limitations have up to 70 percent of domestic traffic routed outside of the country before returning to the Philippines, causing delays and leading to slow Internet experience. 

Through an all-inclusive IP peering, a big portion of domestic data traffic will be kept local, which would mean faster access.

As part of PLDT’s efforts to provide better Internet service, the company earlier entered into an agreement with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to link to the government hosted Internet exchange facility, Philippine Open Internet Exchange (PHOpenIX).