BY MARCHEL P. ESPINA
Globe Telecom Inc. said they heeded the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to improve services.
In a statement, it said their service performance and increased consumer demand for data are the key reasons why they have been investing billions of dollars to upgrade and improve their network.
In his 5th State of the Nation Address yesterday, Duterte took a swipe at the country’s telecommunications, as he threatened to seize their assets if they will not improve their services by the end of the year.
Globe, in response, said it has earmarked $1.2 billion in capital expenditure, the majority of which goes to network and capacity builds.
“These substantial investments are paying off as we experience marked service improvements,” the statement said.
Although there have been improvements, the industry is not without its challenges, it said, citing that the long permitting process has hampered cell site builds and laying down of fiber to homes.
“We express our optimism that the recently signed Joint Memorandum Circular 01s.2020 spearheaded by the Department of Information and Communications Technology with other national agencies to fast track builds of telco towers will finally lead the way to more robust connectivity in the country and provide internet services to every Filipino,” the statement said.
It added that it has actively supported public and private hospitals, quarantine facilities, and frontliners during the pandemic.
“We are working with the Department of Education to assist the sector through low-cost data plans and devices as well as teacher training, online platforms, and mental health support,” it added.
Globe said it was able to provide over P1.3 billion in combined services and assistance package for Covid-19, benefitting customers through services and promos, monetary and in-kind donations.
As of this writing, Smart Communications Inc. has yet to issue a statement on the claims of Duterte.*
