GLOBE Telecom, Inc. during the weekend said that a second fiber optic network project with Converge Information and Communications Technology Solutions, Inc. was currently 80 percent complete and should be finished by the third quarter of this year.

The 209-kilometer project, which began construction in the third quarter of last year, aims to connect the cities of Tacloban and Maasin in Leyte and is the two telcos' second co-build project in the province.

Globe and Converge are partnering in the Bicol Region and in Leyte Province to extend fiber optic networks and improve the delivery of reliable connectivity. They signed a deal in February 2022 and embarked on their first joint project that year.

The first project, completed in the third quarter of 2022, spanned 137 kilometers from Pili, Camarines Sur, to Legazpi City, Albay.

"By pooling our resources and expertise, we're not only expanding our network more efficiently but also significantly lowering the costs associated with such extensive infrastructure projects," Globe Senior Vice President Joel Agustin said.

The collaboration with Converge, he added, allows Globe to continue improving its network availability and consistency.

"We truly appreciate the collaboration with Converge as we share the same focus on delivering reliable service to our customers as we look forward to a sustained and fruitful partnership," Agustin said.

Globe said the initiatives formed part of a core fortification program, which aims to enhance, expand, and upgrade fiber network capacity and accommodate hyperscalers' needs while also improving the resilience of the network against natural disasters.

Both telcos vowed to continue their collaboration to improve the nation's telecom framework and ensure wider access to dependable, high-quality internet services.

Globe's share price fell by 3.01 percent to P1,710 last Friday while Converge shares rose 3.49 percent to P8.60 apiece.

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