Globe, PLDT expand interconnection arrangements

MANILA, Philippines – Ayala-led Globe Telecom Inc. and dominant carrier Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) are further expanding their interconnection arrangements to cover more provinces, thus allowing their subscribers to call each other without additional charges.

The companies are eyeing Zambales, Misamis Occidental, and Ilocos Norte after completing interconnection in Pangasinan on July 1, Globe general counsel Froilan Castelo, said Tuesday, July 8.

Republic Act No. 7925 or the Public Telecommunications Policy Act mandates the compulsory interconnection of authorized public telecommunications carriers to create a universally accessible and fully integrated nationwide telecommunications network.

The law also encourages more infrastructure investments from the private sector that will benefit consumers.

Interconnection between Globe and PLDT allows landline customers of both entities to realize substantial savings as they no longer have to pay for long-distance charges when calling each other.

Prior to the commercial activation of the interconnection, landline customers of both Globe and PLDT were charged with long-distance rates when making calls to one another.

More interconnection arrangements

With the commercial availability of the interconnection, Globe subscribers can simply dial the 7-digit telephone number to connect with PLDT and vice versa.

Globe and PLDT already have an existing interconnection in Metro Manila and provinces of Batangas, Benguet, Bohol, Bulacan, Capiz, Cavite, Cebu, Davao City, Davao Del Norte, General Santos / South Cotabato, Iloilo, La Union, Laguna, Leyte, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Quezon, Tarlac, and Zamboanga.

Apart from PLDT, Globe is also open to discussions for potential interconnection arrangements with other local exchange carriers, Castelo said.

Globe earlier completed and activated the interconnection of its landline service with Datelcom in Pampanga, paving the way for subscribers of both companies to call each other without incurring additional charges.

“Rest assured that Globe will continue to pursue collaboration and cooperation with competition to enhance our customers’ access to telecommunication services. We are hopeful that we will be able to establish the same kind of collaboration in other areas of the country to provide cost-effective services to our customers,” Castelo said. – Rappler.com

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