Globe blames homeowners for barring cell site construction

Ayala-led Globe Telecom Inc. on Monday blamed homeowners' associations in at least 25 villages in Metro Manila for blocking the construction of cell sites and, as a result, causing insufficient telecom service in particular areas.

"The simple truth is that we are not being allowed to construct cell sites ...  roll out fiber optic cables, and other telecommunications facilities in your area which are necessary to improve mobile signals and provide access to internet services," it said in an open letter.

The open letter was addressed to customers living in the following villages: Forbes Park, Dasmariñas, Magallanes, San Lorenzo, Bel-Air, Green Meadows, La Vista, Greenhills North, Fruitville, JEE Village, BF Homes, Merville and South Bay Garden.

It was also addressed to customers in Concepcion, Modesta, Loyola Grand Villas, Jaybee, St. Mary’s Subdivision, Vista Real Classica Subdivision, Meteor Homes, Valle Verde 1, Kingsville Executive Village, Smile CitiHomes Condominium, Thomas Homes and Vista Rio.

Metro Manila was the "most problematic area"  when it comes putting up new cell sites due to a myriad of issues such the opposition of neighborhoods and homeowners associations and "political bickering," Globe said last year.

"Sadly, despite heavy investments, Globe is still unable to provide you with sufficient mobile and internet coverage at your homes inside villages and subdivisions due to continuing challenges in securing the necessary permits and right-of-way approval from your respective homeowner associations (HOAs) and barangays," it said Monday.

In the same letter, Globe noted that access to internet is now a basic human right, as declared by the United Nations Human Rights Council.

"If the homeowner's associations will continue to disallow telecommunications facilities inside villages, then they are violating the rights of residents who are being deprived of their right to internet access," it said.

"You have a choice – for yourselves, your children, and your country. Our communication lines are open, as we remain hopeful of your cooperation in building first world internet in the Philippines," it said.

Globe has allocated $750 million to capital expenditures this year, to support expansion as well as the rollout of new products. — Jon Viktor Cabuenas/VDS, GMA News