Globe Telecom Inc. is prioritizing network expansion in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) to bridge the digital divide across the Philippines, aiming to provide more Filipinos with access to vital connectivity.
The Ayala-led telecommunications company announced its mobile network now covers 96.13 percent of the Philippine population.
Based on the 2020 population tally, this means more than 106 million people can rely on mobile signals for calls, internet access and daily communication.
Despite this, about 4.2 million Filipinos still remain outside coverage areas.
These individuals reside in remote towns situated on sparsely inhabited islands, mountainous regions or places where difficult terrain and a lack of basic infrastructure like electricity have hindered the establishment of digital infrastructure. Reaching these communities presents a significant challenge.
“There is still much work to be done to bring quality connectivity to every Filipino. Globe remains fully committed to making it happen,” said Joel Agustin, senior vice president for Network Planning and Engineering.
With continuous network builds, Globe expects to increase its population coverage, recognizing that every bit of progress means more people gaining access to vital services and opportunities.
In 2024, Globe invested P56.2 billion in capital expenditures. Most of that was spent to strengthen the network, including building more than 1,200 new cell sites, upgrading over 4,600 to LTE and establishing nearly 600 new 5G sites.
This helped bring mobile coverage to near-universal levels in key cities: close to full coverage in Metro Manila, and nearly 97 percent across major cities in Visayas and Mindanao.
Globe continues to focus on underserved areas with limited or no access, prioritizing these in the company’s expansion plans.
The goal is not just broader reach but deeper impact, as a stable mobile signal can open doors to education, livelihood and business development for many of these communities.
“We remain targeted and strategic in our network builds, focused on enabling and uplifting the lives of more Filipinos, and contributing to national development,” Agustin said.
Even as the network grows, Globe remains focused on quality. Over the past three years, it has consistently been recognized as the country’s most reliable mobile network, reflecting its ongoing efforts to deliver stable and dependable service wherever possible.
To reach communities where electricity is unreliable or unavailable, Globe also utilizes off-grid and solar-powered towers.
The company works closely with local governments to expedite permitting and community coordination.
