Globe Telecom seeking interconnection deals

Filipino telecommunications group Globe Telecom Inc has announced plans to seek new interconnection deals with rival operators as it looks to expand its network to take in more customers. The Philippine Daily Inquirer reports a company statement in which Globe confirms plans to forge interconnection deals with Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co (PLDT), Bayan Telecommunications (Bayantel) and Digitel Telecommunications Philippines Inc, to include key cities outside the National Capital Region with strong economic growth. ‘Local interconnection means that households and business establishments in various provinces or cities can make local calls without any extra charges,’ the company statement read. Without such interconnection agreements, a Globe landline customer is forced to pay long-distance rates to call a Digitel, PLDT or Bayantel landline within the same area, and vice-versa.