Globe, Smart complete interconnection of networks in Bulacan

MANILA, Philippines—Landline phone users in Bulacan can expect a reduction in their phone bills following the recent completion of the interconnection of networks of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. and Globe Telecom Inc.

The interconnection of the two networks in Bulacan was completed earlier this week, Globe said. This unifies the fixed-line voice rates for subscribers of both networks, it added.

Prior to the interconnection, callers in the area using one network had to pay long distance rates to reach users of a different network.

With the full activation of local interconnection services between Globe and PLDT, residents of Angat, Balagtas, Baliuag, Bocaue, Bulacan, Bustos, Calumpit, Hagonoy, Malolos, Marilao, Meycauayan, Obando, Pandi, Paombong, Plaridel, Pulilan, San Ildefonso, San Jose Del Monte, San Miguel, San Rafael and Sta. Maria can now call each other without having to pay long distance charges.

“Bulacan is one of the biggest provinces in the country in terms of population. This initiative will definitely impact and benefit a lot of subscribers,” said Froilan M. Castelo, head for corporate and legal services group of Globe.

“Public service is top priority for Globe. The delays we experienced in the past did not dampen our efforts to provide quality but affordable telecommunications services for the people of Bulacan, which ultimately impacts the viability of the province’s economy as a whole,” Globe said.

In March 2011, the provincial government of Bulacan passed Resolution 2011-04 to fast-track the implementation of interconnection services among major telecommunications operators in the province. The resolution said the move would “promote Php1.2 billion worth of investments in Bulacan, as well as produce more than 4,000 jobs specifically in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry.”

Bulacan is the third area where Globe and PLDT have completed the interconnection of their services, after Davao City and Pampanga.

To date, there are more than 30 provinces and cities nationwide awaiting full interconnection between Globe and PLDT.