Globe Telecom is backing a national underground conduit policy to reduce fiber cuts and cable theft. The company submitted its proposal through the Private Sector Advisory Council to President Marcos, asking for clear rules, national standards, and a master plan.
Overhead lines are easy targets for theft and accidental damage. Globe said there were more than 14,000 fiber-cut incidents in 2025. To show the benefits of buried cables, the telco pointed to its 1,500 km of completed underground fiber facilities, which have improved service stability.
The plan also supports the “Dig Once Policy” under the Konektadong Pinoy Act. This rule aims to cut down on repeated roadworks by requiring shared conduits. Globe and the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators believe this will lower costs, speed up rollouts, and prevent multiple excavations in the same areas.
Globe is asking the government to assign a lead agency and ensure coordination among departments. The company said a unified policy will protect investments, improve internet reliability, and support the country’s digital goals.
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If approved, the move would phase out overhead lines and make underground conduits the standard for future network expansion. This could lead to faster and more stable internet access across the Philippines.
