{
  "id": 18348478,
  "title": "Globe backs new DICT chief’s priority agenda",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/globe-backs-new-dict-chiefs-priority-agenda",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-05T16:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Philippine Star Business",
    "slug": "philippine-star-business",
    "url": "https://www.philstar.com/business/2026/11/06/2568135/globe-backs-new-dict-chiefs-priority-agenda"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Manila, Philippines — Globe Telecom Inc. is prepared to back the new chief of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in his top priorities, particularly expanding network reach and enforcing security measures. Globe's president and CEO, Carl Raymond Cruz, affirmed that the telco's network development aligns with Information Secretary Robert Joseph de Claro's goals. De Claro is eager to hasten telco permits at both local and national levels to accelerate infrastructure growth. Cruz suggested the government could expedite this process by incorporating connectivity lines into building plans as proposed in the National Building Code of the Philippines. He hopes De Claro will see the importance of fiber cables in new constructions. Cruz explained that planning for telco lines beforehand can speed up network deployment, lower retrofitting expenses, and grant Filipinos immediate connectivity, be it in residential, commercial, or public settings. De Claro aims to spur telcos to speed up network enlargement, especially in remote and underserved regions (GIDAs), to narrow the digital divide. Despite economic challenges, Globe has allocated P26.3 billion towards capital expenditures as of June, with 91 percent invested in data networks. From January to June, Globe activated 878 5G sites and 80,052 fiber-to-the-home lines, enhancing network capacity to meet future demand. The telco is also establishing connectivity in 180 GIDAs, with 52 previously unserved areas now covered. Globe is also collaborating with the DICT on Bayanihan SIM, which offers free SIMs with monthly data to students in GIDAs. De Claro is also encouraging providers to enhance security protocols due to the rising number of cyber attacks. Cruz stated that Globe is ready to invest more in network and security infrastructure, aligning with the DICT's requirements. In August, Globe earned higher scores in the DICT's telco performance monitor, securing an overall rating of 81.5 and achieving a download speed of 45.9 Mbps.",
  "summary": "Globe Telecom Inc. is ready to support the priority agenda of the new chief of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), particularly on raising network reach and security guardrails.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}