Developers mixed on zero lease push for telco assets

MANILA, Philippines — Although some are receptive, not all real estate builders support the push to eliminate lease fees for connectivity assets in property developments.

Telco giant Globe Telecom Inc. said it has received mixed reactions from the property sector in its push for zero lease in real estate.

Globe vice president and head for site lifecycle management services Michelle Ora said the telco has found allies in its push to remove lease fees for telco infrastructure in property developments like condominiums, malls and offices.

However, there are also developers who reject the proposal for zero lease on connectivity assets.

Globe hopes to convince the opposition to switch stance, saying that it will benefit customers and tenants if telco is given the same importance as power and water.

“We have been speaking to our various partners from the real estate sector, and we have received mixed responses. We have found fellow champions and advocates for zero lease push,” Ora said.

“There are developers who are more progressive in viewing connectivity as a necessity and as a differentiator for their townships and buildings, and there also those who continue to push back,” she added.

To date, Globe has monitored at least 615 properties across the Philippines that provide space for connectivity solutions at no expense.

Globe is also hoping that legislators prioritize the passage of measures that seek to eliminate lease fees for telco assets.

In particular, Ora said these proposals include House Bill (HB) 8534 of Albay Rep. Joey Salceda and HB 900 of Tarlac Rep. Christian Yap, both of which seek to require builders to allocate space for connectivity infrastructure in their future projects.

Globe is pushing for the removal of lease fees for telco assets to improve connectivity quality in buildings and houses.

Likewise, it is asking developers to include telcos in the planning stage of property projects to ensure connectivity readiness.

“We invite them (builders) to work with us at the earliest stage possible so we can integrate telco infrastructure at the onset, even prior to the actual construction,” Ora said.

“So that when they turn over the property to the resident or the tenant, it is already complete, not just with power and water, but also connectivity,” she added.