Globe underscored the need to advance practical policy reforms that enable more efficient telecommunications infrastructure development, resulting in more reliable internet services for all Filipinos. At the same time, the company called for long-overdue action on structural cost and operational barriers to make digital services more affordable and accessible to a broader segment of the population.
The company framed connectivity as the country’s fifth utility, at par with water, electricity, sanitation, and transport, noting its direct influence on work, learning, livelihood, and participation in the digital economy.
Speaking at the DICT-led PH Telecom Summit 2026, Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz emphasized, “Filipinos deserve more than access; they deserve quality. That means policy must shift to enable inclusive, long-term strategic investments supporting the country’s digital connectivity roadmap. Connectivity shouldn’t be a luxury. It’s the backbone of how people work, learn, and live today.”
“The industry heavily relies on investments and capital expenditures to deliver services to the country. To move forward, government and industry must collaborate so that investments are protected, and the industry gains translate to real benefit to customers in terms of universal access, reliable and consistent service that’s affordable to many,” Cruz added.
Globe is driving digital inclusion by transforming neighborhood businesses such as sari-sari stores, auto repair shops, and small logistics providers into active digital touchpoints. These microenterprises are now positioned to offer basic connectivity and digital services within their communities, helping close access gaps while creating new livelihood opportunities.
This shift is made possible through a well-organized national distribution system that involves larger SME partners, sub-dealers, and community-level agents. By embedding small businesses into this supply chain, Globe is building a scalable model that supports both digital adoption and local economic resilience, especially in areas where formal infrastructure and digital access remain limited.
On the Konektadong Pinoy Act, Globe expressed measured support, citing opportunities and improvements in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) that address its earlier concerns around security, infrastructure protection, and fair competition. The law, which opens the country’s data transmission market to new entrants by removing the congressional franchise requirement, aims to expand access and encourage investment in underserved areas. Globe has worked closely with the DICT to ensure that new players, now classified as Data Transmission Industry Participants (DTIPs), are subject to strict cybersecurity vetting and certification, with no room for exploitation during the two-year grace period.
Globe also pushed for rules that protect existing infrastructure from duplication or disruption and advocated for fair, transparent spectrum allocation, particularly with the rise of satellite providers. “We need rules that balance openness with accountability, especially around infra use, security standards, and spectrum coordination,” Cruz said.
At the summit, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda delivered a compelling address on the government’s National Digital Connectivity Plan (NDCP), underscoring the Philippines’ ambition to climb the ranks of Southeast Asia’s digital landscape. Aguda highlighted progress in network performance and reaffirmed the administration’s drive to expand infrastructure and close the digital divide. His remarks were delivered with the support and presence of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., reinforcing digital inclusion as a national priority.
National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez called for sustained collaboration among regulators, government, and industry to ensure equitable and quality connectivity. Summit panels featured key voices, including House Rep. Brian Poe Llamanzares on advancing the digital agenda, Camarines Sur 5th district Rep. Miguel Luis “Migz” Villafuerte, advocating local government digital readiness, and Bataan 1st District Rep. Geraldine Roman, former Representative of Bataan’s 1st District and long‑time legislator on technology and inclusion. Other government leaders, industry pioneers, and civil society figures contributed to discussions on investment, policy reform, infrastructure deployment, and community impact.
