GLOBE Telecom Inc. over the weekend said that it had significantly expanded its network to provide services to over 500 geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) in the Philippines.

The expansion was in line with a push for inclusive connectivity, the telco said, adding that it had spent P265 billion for capital expenditures and P236 billion for operational expenses over the past three years to boost its network capabilities.

Globe said that it was also engaging the government to jointly boost the country's connectivity infrastructure.

A recently created Connectivity Plan Task Force (CPTF) is working on complementing the Department of Information and Communications Technology's (DICT) rollout of internet infrastructure in GIDAs.

The CPTF is under the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) established by the government to foster public-private sector collaboration.

"Bringing connectivity to the entire Philippines, including remote areas across the country, requires collaboration between the private sector and the government," Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu said.

"Through this task force, we hope to synergize our efforts so that every corner of the country is connected, and Filipinos are able to enjoy the benefits of digital connectivity in an equitable way," he added.

The PSAC has urged the government to allocate at least P240 billion to enhance internet infrastructure, emphasizing the need for a commercial partnership to build 35,000 new cell sites.

It has also requested an annual allocation of at least 60 billion for the DICT to lease towers, build last-mile facilities and optimize existing telco infrastructure.

The PSAC called for the strict implementation of Executive Order 32 to streamline and expedite telco infrastructure permits.

"We are very grateful that the President issued Executive Order No. 32 in July last year to streamline the permitting process for ICT infrastructure," Cu said.

"But nearly a year since, we still experience barriers on the ground. We hope that LGUs (local government units) will honor the President's order to the letter and enable, instead of hinder, the enhancement and expansion of connectivity across the country," he added.

Globe shares closed unchanged at P1,990 apiece on Friday.