Globe backs new DICT chief’s priority agenda

MANILA, Philippines — Globe Telecom Inc. is ready to support the priority agenda of the new chief of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), particularly on raising network reach and security guardrails.

Globe president and CEO Carl Raymond Cruz yesterday said the telco’s network buildup aligns with the infrastructure and security priorities of Information Secretary Robert Joseph de Claro.

De Claro is keen on speeding up telco permitting on the local and national levels, so that providers would be able to expand their infrastructure networks quicker.

Cruz said this can be achieved if the government integrates connectivity lines into building plans as proposed in the review of the National Building Code of the Philippines. Cruz hopes De Claro could recognize fiber cables as an essential component of new buildings.

Cruz said planning for telco lines ahead can expedite network deployment and reduce retrofitting costs. It will also provide Filipinos ready-made connectivity, whether in residential, commercial or public developments.

De Claro wants telcos to accelerate network expansion, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), to bridge the digital divide.

In response, Cruz underscored how in spite of economic hardships, Globe has spent P26.3 billion for capital expenditures as of June, with 91 percent invested on data networks.

Between January and June, Globe activated 878 5G sites and 80,052 fiber-to-the-home lines, as it improves network capacity to meet future demand.

The telco is also reaching new areas, switching on connectivity services in 180 GIDAs, including 52 that are previously unserved. Globe is also working with the DICT on Bayanihan SIM, which distributes free SIMs with monthly data to students in GIDAs.

De Claro isalso  pushing providers to reinforce security protocols given the increasing number of cyber attacks. To this, Cruz said Globe employs an anti-fraud system that detects and blocks scam messages.

Cruz told De Claro that he can depend on Globe for higher investments on network and security infrastructure, aligning its buildup with the DICT’s requirements.

In August, Globe posted higher scores in the DICT’s telco performance monitor, as the provider turned in an overall rating of 81.5 and download speed of 45.9 Mbps.