The Globe Group and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to pave the way for establishing a standardized Connectivity Index Rating across the country. The move is aimed at enhancing the quality of the Internet experience in indoor spaces.
In a ceremony held at the DICT office in Quezon City, other telecom giants such as PLDT-SMART, Converge ICT, and DITO Telecommunity also participated in the signing, showing their collective commitment to improving internet connectivity for Filipinos.
“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding is an important step towards truly enhancing the digital landscape of the country. Indoor service experience has been a common complaint among customers and the decision of selecting service providers, including which data plan to get lies in the hands of building and establishment owners. Through this rating, public and private sector players will be able to easily identify areas that need connectivity improvement, leading to efficient and effective network investments. Customers can immediately give feedback about their experience which will ultimately redound to improving overall internet service in the country,” according to Ernest Cu, Globe Group President and CEO.
Globe and its industry allies proposed the idea of the Connectivity Index Rating to the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC). This user-friendly rating system will empower consumers to assess the quality of their indoor internet experience and provide valuable feedback to building and establishment owners. By evaluating parameters such as speed, accessibility, availability, and security of internet services, the index will serve as a reference point for property owners and government institutions to determine the required level of connectivity based on user traffic within specific areas or buildings.
“The Connectivity Index Rating will serve as a compelling incentive for private and public establishments, encouraging them to prioritize high-quality connectivity services in their spaces, benefiting consumers and driving competitiveness,” said Atty. Froilan Castelo, Globe’s General Counsel.
At present, there is a lack of accessible methods for consumers to gauge internet connectivity quality in places like airports, shopping malls, hotels, libraries, and coffee shops. The Connectivity Index Rating aims to bridge this gap by adopting an intuitive and user-friendly approach, akin to the traditional 5-star system used for rating hotels.
Globe’s unswerving commitment to providing fast and reliable internet services to the Filipino people has been evident over the years. With the introduction of the Connectivity Rating Index, the company seizes another opportunity to contribute to the country’s digital environment, making it more dynamic, consumer-oriented, and aligned with international standards.
The MOU signing marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of a better-connected Philippines. With collaboration among the major players in the telecom sector and the support of the DICT, the standardized Connectivity Index Rating promises to revolutionize indoor internet experiences and empower consumers across the nation.