Globe braces for strong growth in mobile internet

MANILA, Philippines - Ayala-led Globe Telecom Inc. is bracing for the steady and strong demand for mobile Internet as consumer use jumped 67 percent year-on-year.

Gil Genio, executive vice president of international and business markets of Globe, said the strong growth of mobile Internet is fueled by social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter.

“In the Philippines, social media is driving adoption of mobile Internet, with the country a high seventh worldwide in Internet usage in 2012. Despite online penetration being just at 35 percent, nine out of 10 Filipinos use the Internet solely for social media, particularly for the popular online sharing site Facebook,” he stressed.

He pointed out that Globe is aggressively supporting the adoption of Android and iOS platforms using devices that propel heavy mobile data consumption.

Coupled with business use especially from the business process outsourcing sector, he revealed that both Android and iOS platforms generate a massive 700 gigabyte per second outgoing network traffic.

Genio shared industry-based perspectives as well as Globe’s initiatives during the recently-staged 5th International Outsourcing Summit by the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP).

He discussed how Globe has made significant strides and investments in digital infrastructures for social, media, analytics, and cloud computing (SMAC).

Globe is also geared to serve the “customer of 1,” he said, that is why it has also invested resources on analytics, particularly on big data.

“Traditional IT has changed,” he said, pointing out to a market trend focusing heavily to adopt SMAC, particularly on analytics and the adoption of the cloud.

“That is why Globe is deploying world-class, cutting edge ICT solutions to tackle our clients’ pain points, as well as those of their own customers. They need look no further because what first-world countries offer for ICT, we already provide locally,” he added.

On the other hand, Globe Business vice president for enterprise sales and wholesale Grace Castillo addressed inquiries regarding the company’s initiatives for the outsourcing sector, especially in the midst of the recent US government shutdown.

She underscored confidence in the local business process outsourcing sector, noting that Globe remains bullish on its growth as it will remain attractive in domestic and overseas markets.

According to IBPAP and research firm Everest Group, the Philippines is gaining ground in the field of software development and information technology outsourcing, while the local healthcare information management  sector also earned $430 million in 2012 revenues.