Globe pushes for zero lease connectivity in building plans

Globe Telecom is ramping up efforts to collaborate with property developers to eliminate lease fees for in-building telecom solutions and integrate connectivity infrastructure during the planning stages of new developments.

The move aims to reduce operating costs for telecom companies, foster a more competitive market, and improve internet access for the public.

Michelle Ora, Globe Vice President and Head for Site Lifecycle Management Services, highlighted the importance of including connectivity infrastructure in initial building plans.

“We continue to champion zero lease across different venues and stakeholders. We work closely with our property developer partners through holding workshops, where we talk to them about how to master plan their developments,” Ora said.

She emphasized that connectivity should be regarded as essential as utilities like power and water. “We invite them to work with us at the earliest stage possible so we can integrate telco infra at the onset, even prior to their actual construction. So that when they turnover the property to the resident or the tenant, it is already complete, not just with power and water but also connectivity,” she added.

Globe has actively engaged with property owners and developers, securing zero lease agreements for telecom infrastructure in 615 properties, including malls, offices, and hotels across the Philippines.

However, some developers remain resistant to the initiative.

“We have been speaking to various partners from the real estate sector, and we have received mixed responses. We have found fellow champions and advocates of our zero lease push. These are developers who are more progressive in viewing connectivity as a necessity and a differentiator for their townships and buildings. There are also those who continue to push back,” Ora noted

Globe supports legislative reforms to institutionalize the removal of lease fees. Proposed bills such as House Bill 8534 by Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda and House Bill 900 by Tarlac 2nd District Rep. Christian Tell Yap aim to mandate buildings’ readiness to accommodate ICT infrastructure, making in-building solutions a standard feature in various properties.

Ora also stressed the importance of collaboration with other industry stakeholders. Globe has been working with other telecom companies, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) to streamline processes and share best practices.

By eliminating lease fees, Globe aims to reallocate resources towards expanding and enhancing its network, ultimately benefiting property owners, their tenants, and the public. “When we put in the facilities, they’re meant to enable the different customers or tenants that these property owners also serve. Connectivity is something that residents or tenants cannot do away with. That’s why it’s important for developers to work with us and see this as a win-win situation,” Ora explained.

As Globe continues its zero lease advocacy, it remains committed to making connectivity infrastructure a fundamental component of modern living, ensuring that it is readily available and cost-effective.