Globe has made notable strides in its push for the removal of lease fees for in-building telecom facilities, with more property owners and developers embracing the initiative.

“We have made some progress along these lines, getting a number of developers to already agree on this concept,” shared Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO. “We’re just glad to report things are moving and moving in the right direction.”

Cu noted that unlike water and power utilities, which are welcomed without charges, the telecom sector faces a starkly different reality, where leases, access to telco rooms, and various other fees still persist.

Such unregulated fees, which bloat telco expenses, derail efforts to expand connectivity as demand continues to rise, with more and more Filipinos using the internet for daily activities, whether for work, school, livelihood or entertainment.

As connectivity is now a basic necessity, Cu’s vision is to remove obstacles hindering its growth and pave the way for telco services to be more affordable and readily available for all.

Globe is currently working with both real property developers and the government to align priorities for connectivity by encouraging them to remove lease fees for in-building solutions. It also supports bills that seek to amend the outdated National Building Code so that connectivity would be recognized as a basic necessity, paving the way for the removal of lease fees for the installation of relevant infrastructure and the automatic allocation of space for telco cables and equipment in property projects.

Globe’s zero lease initiative is inspired by successful implementations in other Asia-Pacific countries, demonstrating that such a practice can reduce operational costs for telecom companies, foster a more competitive market, and ultimately benefit consumers with improved connectivity and services.

For instance, property developers in Australia are responsible for arranging and financing pit and pipe infrastructure, ensuring that telecom services are in place when new properties are occupied.

In Singapore and Hong Kong, building owners and developers are required to provide space and access for telecom licensees without imposing additional costs, a policy that underscores the mutual benefits for both the buildings and their tenants, creating a win-win situation.

Globe remains committed to driving the adoption of zero lease practices across the Philippines. By reducing barriers and lowering costs, Globe aims to improve access to digital services for businesses and consumers alike, ultimately contributing to a more connected and competitive economy.

To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.