Globe pushes early telecom infrastructure inclusion in Philippine building plans

Globe Telecom has backed the inclusion of network requirements in property development plans as lawmakers consider updating the National Building Code. The company says early coordination between developers and technical teams can cut retrofitting costs and ensure properties are connectivity-ready f

Globe Telecom, Inc. has backed a push to include network requirements in property development plans amid calls to renew building construction policies in the Philippines. The telco company noted that the proposal for early provision will help eliminate potential challenges in installing connectivity facilities across fully constructed residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties.

“The earlier we bring those perspectives together, the better we can plan for what comes next,” Globe President and Chief Executive Officer Carlo Raymond R. Cruz said in a statement on Monday. “While the plans are still being shaped, let us sit down together and determine what needs to be built in from the start, with enough flexibility to evolve over time.”

Early coordination among property developers, architects, and technical teams would also help cut costs for redesign and retrofitting upon installation. “Network requirements may become more difficult to accommodate once building designs are finalised or construction is underway,” Globe said.

The initiative to include telecommunications infrastructure in building designs and master plans comes as lawmakers seek to update national building regulations and policies. Senate Bill No. 2159, or the New Philippine Building Act, aims to replace Presidential Decree No. 1096, the current National Building Code of the Philippines, which has been in effect since 1977.

Under the proposed measure, structures must include information and communication technology facilities and in-building digital infrastructure in their design when feasible. “Among its proposals is the incorporation of fibre-ready facilities and in-building connectivity solutions to ensure that properties can accommodate telecommunications services from the time they become operational,” Globe said. “Integrating network requirements into development plans would also allow properties to adapt to future technologies and growing demand for digital services.”

Online platform DataReportal reported that about 98 million individuals are using the internet nationwide at the end of 2025, while online penetration stood at 81.9 per cent. — Almira Louise S. Martinez