Globe, PLDT link networks in GenSan, S. Cotabato

Landline phone users in General Santos City and South Cotabato are set to enjoy lower voice call rates following the successful interconnection of the country’s two largest phone networks.

In a statement, Ayala-led Globe Telecom said it had completed its landline interconnection with rival Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) in the two key areas in Mindanao.

The move is in compliance with the compulsory interconnection of phone networks under Republic Act 7925, which aims to create a universally accessible and fully integrated nationwide telecommunications network.

“The ones who will benefit from this cooperation and healthy competition are the Filipino consumers, both residential and commercial, as they can now realize substantial savings in their phone bills as well as gain greater access to telecommunications,” said Globe corporate and legal affairs head Froilan M. Castelo.

Interconnection allows subscribers of both firms to call each other locally within the same area. In the past, a Globeline user calling a PLDT landline subscriber next door will be charged for long -istance calls amounting to P6.50 per minute since there was no direct connection between the two companies.