Globe says Open Access Law crucial to network capacity

 

Open Access legislation is vital to the telecommunications industry in rolling out network capacity building programs, Globe Telecom Inc. said on Friday.
 
Iterating its call for legislation, the telco on Friday said such a law in place would "... help mitigate bureaucratic red tape and other political hurdles that stand in the way in the deployment of telecommunication and broadband infrastructure."

Globe claimed its spending on network infrastructure is one of highest in Asia in terms of capex-to-revenue ratio – at 28 percent last year and 27 percent in 2014, compared with an industry average of 23 percent in both years.
 
Citing published data, the telco said only China’s capex-to-revenue ratio of 36 percent in 2015 and 33 percent in 2014 exceeded those of Globe.

Globe said it has invested over $2.2 billion for network and IT infrastructure to enhance its data network capacities.

“Over the past several years, we have invested in our network to enable our customers to enjoy their digital lifestyle and empower businesses with digital capabilities, enhance their productivity and make them globally competitive,” Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu said.

“We are moving to enhance the internet experience of the Filipino people and position ICT as a major development contributor in the Philippines,” Cu added.

In November 2015, Globe signed a five-year partnership deal with Huawei Technologies to further enhance and expand the Philippine telco's mobile network. 

The partnership involves planning and design of a mobile broadband network utilizing latest state of the art technology trends.

The rationalization of permitting processes in deploying of ICT-related infrastructure is necessary to help the Philippines grow its Internet backbone so that local businesses will remain competitive amid rapid digitization of industries, Cu noted.

The Open Access legislation would speed up the issuance of relevant permits for all telecommunications facilities at the local government level.

Because telcos are required to secure a number of permits, the deployment of related infrastructure faces substantial delays. Globe said. – VS GMA News