Globe, MMDA sign agreement to improve mobile experience along Metro Manila’s major roads

Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu (2nd to the left) and MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim (2nd to the right) lead the signing ceremony in Taguig City. With them are Globe Chief Technology and Information Officer Gil Genio (left) and MMDA Undersecretary Frisco San Juan (right)

Globe Telecom forged an agreement with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to speed up the deployment of over 120 cell sites along the major thoroughfares in Metro Manila. This is in line with the company’s efforts to further enhance wireless network coverage and improve customers’ internet experience.

The groundbreaking agreement will enable Globe to install small cell antennas along Metro Manila’s major thoroughfares, including EDSA, Roxas Boulevard, C5, and Congressional Avenue. Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu signed the agreement with MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim at Globe headquarters in Taguig City.

“Securing various permits for the construction of telco infrastructure such as cell sites has long been a major challenge of the industry. We want to thank MMDA for sharing our vision of a connected Philippines by allowing us to deploy sites faster thus improving mobile experience at the heart of Metro Manila,” said Cu.

This agreement allows Globe to put up cell sites without going through the regular circuitous approval process, which involves an average of 25 permits from local government units (LGUs) and takes up about eight months to secure.

Aside from enhancing mobile coverage and capacities in MMDA-controlled areas, Globe will also provide logistical support for the critical traffic management operations of MMDA.

“Globe Telecom has been a long time partner of the agency in terms of public service. This agreement is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s policy of easing the process of doing business in the Philippines and MMDA’s contribution to improving telecommunications service in Metro Manila,” said Lim.

Back in 2016, MMDA allowed Globe to deploy wireless infrastructure in its flood control facilities located in different areas in Metro Manila, including Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard and Barangay 190 in Pasay City. It was also in 2016 when Globe started providing free Wi-Fi services in all 13 MRT-3 stations along EDSA and 20 LRT-1 stations to address growing customer demand for connectivity.

Globe has been aggressively upgrading its wireless infrastructure to improve mobile coverage and enhance network capacities as more and more Filipinos are shifting to smartphone use. With data traffic continuing to be robust, the company has accelerated its capital expenditures guidance by $100 million this year to further develop its network infrastructure.