Telco players support gov’t digitalization efforts

base station network operator. 5G. 4G, 3G mobile technologies.

The country’s biggest telecommunication companies back the government’s push to expand digital infrastructure, especially in far-flung areas, through common tower policy and streamlining of permit processes.

Globe Telecom Inc. and PLDT Inc. extended their support following the delivery of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address where he vowed to make connectivity more accessible to Filipinos.

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“Our goals are well-aligned, and we look forward to our sustained collaboration with the government and other stakeholders to bring to fruition our parallel vision of a digitalized nation,” Globe president and CEO Ernest Cu said.

One of the initiatives imposed by the government is the common tower policy or tower sharing, which is a cost-effective solution that enables operators to expand footprint across the country without putting up more facilities. Instead, operators will lease the towers from the independent tower companies that allow multiple users at a time.

In addition, the government issued a joint memorandum circular last year mandating that permits related to construction of telecommunication and internet infrastructure be processed within seven days in a bid to speed up the rollout of networks supporting connectivity across the country.

Globe, for its part, is also pushing to scrap the lease fees for the installation of telco facilities at buildings to make internet connectivity more accessible.

“We’re ready to work together on necessary policy reforms and collaborate more closely so that every Filipino experiences the life-changing benefits of reliable connectivity,” Cu said.

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PLDT, meanwhile, said that digitization efforts can both support the education sector and enterprises, which can translate to economic gains for the country.

It has been working with several government agencies in streamlining the permits for the telco infrastructure rollout. In addition, PLDT teams up with local government units in setting up digital platforms for the delivery of government services.

“We at PLDT support the President’s vision for a digitally empowered Philippines, where technology uplifts Filipino lives, helps foster meaningful connections, enables livelihoods and businesses of all sizes, transforms government service and ultimately drives economic progress,” PLDT chair Manuel Pangilinan said. —With a report from Erica Ann Villasorda