The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reported that 12,241 permits and clearances for telecommunications infrastructure projects had been approved across 707 cities and municipalities as of September 2026.
In a statement, Globe welcomed the progress, saying faster and more predictable permitting processes would allow telecommunications providers to move planned cell sites and network upgrades into construction sooner.
Why it matters
Delays in securing local government approvals have been among the administrative hurdles affecting telecommunications infrastructure deployment.
Executive Order No. 32, issued in 2023, simplified permitting requirements for telecommunications and internet infrastructure projects and directed local government units (LGUs) to process applications within prescribed timelines.
“Faster permitting is important in bringing better connectivity to more Filipinos. We appreciate the efforts of LGUs to simplify these processes and help telecommunications providers move forward with their projects,” said Globe senior vice president and head of network planning and engineering Joel Agustin.
By the numbers
Globe spent P26.3 billion in capital expenditures during the first half of 2026, with 91 percent allocated to data-related initiatives.
During the same period, the company deployed 878 new 5G sites and 80,052 fiber-to-the-home lines.
Its outdoor 5G population coverage also exceeded 98 percent in Metro Manila and key cities in the Visayas and Mindanao.
What's next
Globe said it would continue coordinating with national government agencies and LGUs to accelerate infrastructure deployment.
Sustained investment and streamlined approvals are expected to support network expansion as demand for reliable mobile and home internet services continues to grow nationwide. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
