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The services sector in Quezon is expected to benefit from the successful activation of local network interconnection between Globe Telecom and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) with more efficient and affordable telecommunication services.

After five years of negotiation, the two major telecom players have finally completed their network link-up in the province, following the order of National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba to fast track implementation of local interconnection services between Globe and PLDT to better serve customers.

With the completion of interconnection services between the two operators, residents and enterprises in Lucena, Candelaria, Gen. Nakar, Infanta, Lopez, Mauban, Pagbilao, Sariaya, Tayabas, Tiaong, Calauag, Dolores, Lucban, Quezon, Polilio, Real, Unisan, Catanauan, Mulanay, Pitogo, Gumaca, and Atimonan can enjoy a more cost-efficient way of communicating with each other. Over 80% of business establishments in Quezon using telecom services in their day-to-day operations belong to the services sector.

Local interconnection means that individual and corporate subscribers in a specific province or city can make calls via 7-digit local dialing without having to pay long distance charges. Without network interconnection, a Globe landline subscriber would have to pay long-distance rates to call a PLDT landline subscriber within the same area, and vice-versa.

“We are very happy that we have successfully forged network interconnection between Globe and PLDT in Quezon, as this will definitely benefit not only individual subscribers but business customers who also need quality telecom services in their operations,” said Atty. Froilan M. Castelo, Head for Corporate and Legal Services Group of Globe. “We are thankful that this initiative has finally been completed, thanks to the relentless efforts of the NTC in encouraging all parties to cooperate to serve the interest of the public, as well as the intervention of the local government of Quezon to ensure that all commitments were fulfilled.”

This year, the NTC, together with the respective local government units paved the way to complete interconnection services between Globe and PLDT in Pampanga, Bulacan, Zamboanga, Laguna, and Quezon. Globe has earlier pledged its full support and commitment to NTC to activate local interconnection in more areas nationwide to protect consumer welfare and spur continued growth of the information and communications technology (ICT) industry in the country.

Meanwhile, the networks of Globe, Bayan Telecommunications (BayanTel) and Digitel Telecommunications Philippines (Digitel) have been 100% interconnected in all areas of common presence and operations nationwide since April 2011.

Under Republic Act 7925, the NTC mandates compulsory interconnection of authorized public telecommunications carriers. This aims to create a universally accessible and fully integrated nationwide telecommunications network to encourage more infrastructure investments from the private sector that would benefit the consumers.