Globe: PH must treat internet connectivity as ‘fifth utility’
The Philippines should treat internet connectivity as its “fifth utility,” alongside water, electricity, sanitation and transport, the top executive of Globe Telecom Inc. said.
At the Philippine Telecom Summit 2026, Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz said connectivity had ceased to become a luxury and was now a necessity, as he urged policy reforms to expand access.
“Filipinos deserve more than access, they deserve quality,” Cruz said at the summit held earlier in February. “That means policy must shift to enable inclusive, long-term strategic investments supporting the country’s digital connectivity roadmap.”
Cruz highlighted the need to remove structural cost and operational barriers that make digital services expensive and less accessible.
“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,” he added.
His call echoes those made by President Marcos at the same summit, where he cited the need for collaboration to address long-standing challenges in the sector.
“Delays in permits, right-of-way restrictions, fiber cuts, and power interruptions further widen these gaps. These affect real lives. They limit access to education, they constrain economic opportunity, and slow national progress,” Mr. Marcos said.
“Ito ang dahilan kung bakit mahalaga ang ating pagtutulungan (This is the ready why it is important that we collaborate,” he added.
Globe also called for fair spectrum allocation and stronger protections for existing infrastructure to prevent duplication and ensure accountability, especially as satellite-based providers enter the market.
‘Konektadong Pinoy’
At the summit, Globe expressed cautious support for the contentious Konektadong Pinoy Act, which it had flagged as potentially posing cybersecurity risks and unsettling the local telco industry.
Among the most prominent provisions of the act, which lapsed into law last August, is the removal of the legislative franchise requirement for companies operating data transmission infrastructure.
Globe noted that improvements have been made to the law’s implementing rules and regulations.
“We need rules that balance openness with accountability, especially around infra use, security standards, and spectrum coordination,” Cruz said.
