New builds keep Globe ahead in mobile space

MANILA, Philippines — Telco-to-tech giant Globe Telecom Inc. may be eyeing to challenge the broadband leaders soon, but it is keeping its foot on the pedal in the mobile space, where it is dominating rivals with new builds and products.

Based on its financial report, Globe hit a record P25.2 billion in mobile data revenues in the third quarter, picking up momentum from the accelerated 5G adoption among Filipinos.

Globe also cemented its grip in the subscriber race, expanding its customer base by five percent to 63.1 million, the largest in the industry.

Globe currently sources 86 percent of its mobile revenues from data, as Filipinos reload more frequently to access digital services. Thus, the telco is putting up new networks across the archipelago to keep up with the demand.

As of end-September, Globe has completed 1,375 new cellular builds and 8,699 mobile site upgrades. Also, it has invested in 877 new 5G sites in emerging regions and high-traffic cities.

Globe’s 5G coverage has reached 98.71 percent of Metro Manila and 98.31 percent of key cities in the provinces, placing it in a good position to capture future demand.

Globe president and CEO Carl Raymond Cruz said the mobile segment would remain the foundation of the telco even as it is trying to challenge broadband leadership.

“Mobile will remain the backbone of our growth as we push forward with our customer-focused innovations and inclusive services,” he said.

Recently, Globe launched new products aimed at responding to specific demands in the data market. Among its latest spinoffs are artificial intelligence (AI) programs in data bundles under its flagship Go Plus.

Globe added design app Canva, which relies on AI, to the list of sites that can be accessed when a subscriber chooses a Go Plus promo. Globe chief sustainability and corporate communications officer Yolanda Crisanto said the telco hopes to stay ahead of competitors with the launch of new products.

Globe is also out to become a broadband leader, setting its eyes on claiming the second spot from Converge ICT Solutions Inc. before it competes with industry leader PLDT Inc.

Globe serves a broadband base of 2.1 million, trailing PLDT’s 4.12 million and Converge’s 2.93 million, but it is gaining momentum from its low-cost product GFiber Prepaid.