Globe offers new government support for digitization

MANILA, Philippines — Globe Telecom Inc., led by Ayala, is committed to supporting Marcos administration programs to strengthen digital infrastructure to streamline services.

Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu said the digital solutions platform is ready to work with the new administration to energize the digital platforms of state agencies and offices.

“This will ultimately result in improved public service – an aspiration that Globe shares deeply with government as we serve a customer base of 92 million people,” Cu said.

Cu also said the government could leverage Globe’s network and infrastructure as it tries to improve the efficiency of public services through digitalization.

Cu pointed out that going digital could improve the economy’s chances of recouping its losses from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cu said Globe has maintained investments in building the network to support recovery from the pandemic.

Assigned to the simplified permit system, Globe delivered a total of 234 cell sites in the first quarter as part of its commitment to complete 1,700 for the year.

Likewise, it upgraded more than 3,500 mobile sites and installed 380 new 5G sites during the same period in line with its program to increase mobile connectivity nationwide.

According to Cu, Globe connected at least two million devices to 5G in the first quarter, covering at least 96% of Metro Manila and 85% of urban centers in Visayas and Mindanao.

All of these developments, Cu explained, are part of Globe’s infrastructure expansion in 2021, when a record 92.8 billion pesos was spent to build 1,407 new towers.

The telecommunications giant has pledged to continue spending on improving its network in line with its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Under the UN goals, the public and private sectors are responsible for building infrastructure and promoting innovation to foster inclusive development and growth.

During the campaign period, President Marcos promised that his administration would prioritize upgrading digital infrastructure. He said his government would procure the latest technologies to catch up with the capabilities of neighboring economies.

“I think we can do it because we don’t have to invent new technology; what we have to do is we have to adapt the best technologies around the world [and apply them] to the Filipino condition,” Marcos said.

Marcos said infrastructure spending shouldn’t just focus on tough projects like bridges and roads, but also on digital assets that the public needs.