Globe Elected to Prestigious GSMA Board

Marking an important milestone for Philippine representation on the global stage, Globe has been elected to the prestigious board of the GSMA, a global organization of mobile network operators.

Globe will be represented by Ernest Cu as Globe President and CEO. The Board will serve from January 2025 to December 2026.

The GSMA Board, composed of 26 senior leaders from top telecom companies as well as smaller independent operators from around the world, champions technological progress, interoperability, and international standards across the mobile industry. Together, the members work to unlock the full potential of connectivity, enhancing business environments and driving positive societal change.

In its new role, Globe will have a prominent voice in shaping the future of mobile technology, particularly in advancing digital inclusion and access in developing markets.

During his tenure, Cu will help guide GSMA’s strategic direction, offering insights alongside global leaders to encourage progress in policy, technology, and connectivity within the mobile industry.

"Building a collaborative environment that supports mobile technology and sustainability is essential for creating long-term, positive impact. By promoting digital adoption, we aim to improve lives and stimulate economic growth, particularly in areas lacking connectivity, where access to digital tools can pave the way for new opportunities and empower communities,” Cu said.

Globe’s ongoing mission is to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive growth in the Philippines, making sure that no Filipino is left behind in the digitalization journey.

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

ARTA, Smart co-host the 2nd Telco Workshop on Energizing Telco Towers

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and its Better Regulations Office (BRO) are all set for the 2nd Telco Workshop on 4 July 2023 at Ascott Makati, Glorietta 4 Ayala Center, Makati City. This event, hosted by Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), is part of ARTA's 'Bayanihan' initiatives, aiming to address bottlenecks in permitting, licensing, and authorizing processes for the energization of telecommunications towers in the Philippines, ultimately improving connectivity in remote areas.

Following the successful first workshop co-hosted by Globe Telecom on 19 May 2023, various concerns were raised, including non-standardized processes, delays, confusion, inconsistent fees, and requirements, and a lack of coordination and communication in energizing telco towers. The 2nd Telco Workshop aims to address these issues and foster collaboration among National Government Agencies (NGAs), Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), and Independent Tower Companies (ITCs) to accelerate internet connectivity nationwide.

The upcoming workshop provides a platform for government agencies and private sector partners to share recommended practices for fast-tracking the energization of telco towers. These efforts align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.'s directives to expedite government transactions and enhance bureaucratic efficiency in the country.

ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez will deliver opening remarks to reiterate the Authority's mandate under the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) law and advocate for streamlining and digitalization of government processes through a whole-of-nation approach. Alfredo S. Panlilio, President, and CEO of PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc., will also express support for the 2nd Telco Workshop and ARTA's efforts in improving the telco sector through public-private collaborations.

The workshop will see the participation of representatives from NGAs such as DHSUD, NEA, DPWH, PABO, DILG, and DICT. Confirmed participants from MNOs include Globe Telecom, Smart Communications Inc., PLDT Inc., Converge ICT Solutions Inc., and DITO Telecommmunity. Additionally, anticipated representatives from ITCs, such as ISON Towers Inc., SBA Towers, PhilTower Consortium Inc., and several others, will also attend.

Other participants from PSAC, PhilRECA, World Bank Group, USAID – Better Access and Connectivity Project Team, and PwC will also join the event.

ARTA remains committed to enhancing bureaucratic efficiency in the regulatory system to address connectivity issues in the Philippines, ensuring the digital transformation of government processes. Secretary Perez looks forward to the workshop's success in strengthening collaborations with private stakeholders in the telco sector to enhance public service delivery in the country.