Globe posts 23% growth in mobile data business

CEBU, Philippines - Globe Telecom saw an uplift in its mobile data business in 2014, after reporting a double-digit growth in mobile browsing and data revenues on the back of the continuous demand for data services, popularity of data-driven products and applications, and the continuing shift among consumers to a digital lifestyle.

Mobile browsing and other data revenues reached P14.3 billion, up 23% from P11.6 billion in the previous year, accounting for 18% of total mobile service revenues and posting higher revenue contributions to overall mobile business.

Citing data and content as some of the major trends that will define mobile usage in 2015, Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu says, “Content through on-demand services will be king. Rich media content such as video and music streaming will define the use of mobile, either through smartphones or tablets, toward a “multi-channel experience” as they are accessed simultaneously through multiple devices.”

He adds, “The Internet of Things will also dominate the lifestyle of many. This encompasses multiple aspects of everyday living, such as mobile commerce, mobile advertising, health monitoring through wearables, GPS-controlled mobility, and machine-to-machine connectivity, among others.”

As part of its digital roadmap to provide customers a differentiated content experience, Globe launched its partnership with HOOQ, a start-up joint venture between Singtel, Sony Pictures Television, and Warner Bros. Entertainment, to become the first telecom company in Asia to offer a video-on-demand service available across multiple devices.

“The Philippines is a natural first market for us. Filipinos’ dual love of local and Hollywood content combined with their digital savviness makes the Philippines a perfect place for us to start. Our partnership with Globe Telecom helps us bring Philippine customers a premium video service and new form of entertainment that combines the best of Hollywood, Asian and Philippine video content across all devices,” reveals Peter Bithos, HOOQ Chief Executive Officer and former Globe Telecom Chief Operating Advisor.

With HOOQ, Globe customers get online streaming access and an offline viewing option to top Hollywood and Filipino movie and television content via computers, smartphones, and tablets. Over 10,000 movies and television episodes and TV shows are available in HOOQ’s extensive media library. Local film and TV content will also be available through partnerships with the country’s top studios, such as GMA Network, Viva Communications, Regal Entertainment, and ABS-CBN.

“Globe has become the leader in enabling digital lifestyle as more people have preferred our digital services. Over the last two years, we strengthened our presence in the global mobile arena through our solid partnerships with Facebook, Google, Spotify, NBA and Viber to give Filipinos the best digital lifestyle experience. And now, as market purveyor, we are now first in Asia with HOOQ. These strategic and valuable partnerships have made Globe the No. 1 in the realm of digital services,” shares Cu.

The service will soon be available to Globe customers on a plan-based service for P199 per month for access to thousands of movies and TV shows. It will also be offered as a bundled service with the telco’s GoSURF and Tattoo broadband plans.  (FREEMAN)