Globe is ramping up efforts to collaborate with property owners and developers to eliminate lease fees for in-building telecom solutions and incorporate connectivity infrastructure during the planning phase. This initiative aims to reduce telcos’ operating costs, promote a more competitive market, and improve public internet accessibility.
Michelle Ora, Globe’s Vice President and Head for Site Lifecycle Management Services, emphasized Globe’s commitment to advocating for zero lease fees across various venues by engaging property developers. She highlighted the importance of treating connectivity with the same priority as utilities like power and water, and ensuring space is allocated for it in buildings and developments.
“We are dedicated to promoting zero lease fees across different venues and stakeholders. We work closely with our property developer partners by conducting workshops to help them master plan their developments,” Ora said.
“We encourage developers to collaborate with us from the earliest stages so we can integrate telecom infrastructure from the beginning, even before construction starts. This ensures that when they hand over the property to residents or tenants, it is equipped with not just power and water but also connectivity,” she added.
Globe has been proactive in engaging property owners and developers to support this cause. To date, 615 properties, including malls, offices, and hotels across the Philippines, have already provided space without charging lease fees to accommodate telecom companies’ in-building solutions.
“When we install facilities, they benefit the various customers or tenants that these property owners serve. Connectivity is essential for residents or tenants, making it crucial for developers to collaborate with us and view this as a mutually beneficial situation. Developers need to ensure that the connectivity infrastructure is ready at no cost to providers,” Ora explained.
However, Ora acknowledged that some developers remain resistant to change.
“We have had discussions with various partners in the real estate sector and received mixed responses. We have found fellow advocates for our zero lease initiative among developers who see connectivity as a necessity and a distinguishing feature for their townships and buildings. Nevertheless, some developers continue to resist,” she said.
Globe also backs legislative reforms to institutionalize the removal of lease fees. Current proposals, such as House Bill 8534 by Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda and House Bill 900 by Tarlac 2nd District Rep. Christian Tell Yap, aim to mandate buildings to be prepared for ICT infrastructure and make in-building solutions a standard feature in multi-dwelling, commercial, school, and hospital buildings.
Ora highlighted the importance of industry collaboration. Globe has been working closely with other telcos, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) to streamline processes and share best practices.
While Globe views connectivity infrastructure as an essential component of modern living, the costs of installing and maintaining these facilities are significant financial burdens for telecom companies.
By eliminating these fees, Globe aims to reallocate resources towards expanding and improving its network, ultimately benefiting property owners, their tenants, and the broader public.