Globe renews call to institutionalize streamlined permitting process for telco infra

Globe has renewed its call for the government to institutionalize streamlined procedures to obtain permits, licenses, and certifications for telecom infrastructure, as mandated by Section 15 of Republic Act No. 11032.

The leading digital solutions platform has been a strong advocate for the extension of the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s (ARTA) Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC), which took effect at the height of the pandemic in 2020.

The JMC has enabled the company to fast-track its infrastructure buildup amid increased demand, with close to 4,500 cell sites built from 2020 to 2022, twice as fast as network builds from 2017 to 2019 and more efficiently than in previous years.

In a letter transmitted to the President by the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), the body convened by Malacañang to facilitate closer public-private sector collaboration, Globe emphasized the urgency of the request.

“Institutionalizing the JMC as an Executive Order is one of the critical steps towards serving the geographically isolated areas.  Hopefully, we can fulfill the President’s promise of making connectivity universal as a vital component to ensure that no citizen is left behind,” said Ernest Cu, Globe Group President and CEO.

Cu expressed his appreciation for the ARTA’s efforts to improve and streamline the permitting process, which has been a challenge for the industry. However, he acknowledged the issue of permitting that still arises occasionally despite the JMC.

“With regard to the permitting issue, yes, it still comes up every now and then,” he said. “Sometimes areas are not isolated geographically, but they become isolated because of the local government unit itself that prevents telcos from going in.”

Cu also highlighted the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors in bringing internet connectivity to all parts of the Philippines.

“I don’t think the private sector should be solely responsible for bringing the internet to all parts of the country. After all, we do need to account for the business casing and economic visibility of such an endeavor,” he pointed out.

Globe has poured unprecedented amounts in capital expenditures in the past two years alone to provide a #1stWorldNetwork for its customers nationwide. It closed 2022 with a CAPEX of ₱101.4 billion for its mobile and fixed network, 9% higher than in 2021.