Globe Cuts Capex, Expands 5G and Fiber Network

Globe Telecom reduced its capital expenditures (capex) by 20% year-over-year (YoY) in 2024, bringing its total spending to PHP 56.2 billion as part of a strategic move to optimize resources while maintaining its aggressive network expansion.

The company’s cash capex-to-revenue ratio dropped from 44% in 2023 to 34% in 2024, while its cash capex-to-EBITDA ratio fell from 87% to 65%.

“Our capex strategy aims to balance network expansion with financial sustainability. We are committed to optimizing our capital utilization while ensuring strong connectivity and digital access for our customers,” Globe said in a statement.

Despite the cut in expenditures, 90% of the budget was still allocated for data network expansion, reinforcing the company’s focus on 5G, LTE, and fiber deployment. 

5G Expansion and Fiber Rollout

Globe continues to expand its network infrastructure, with 1,212 new cell sites built and 4,613 mobile sites upgraded with LTE technology in 2024.

Additionally, the company deployed 67,456 fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) lines, prioritizing the optimization of existing fiber resources to maximize efficiency.

The telco also ramped up its 5G deployment, adding 587 new 5G sites across the country. The expansion brought 5G coverage to 98.69% of Metro Manila and 96.95% of key cities in Visayas and Mindanao, reaching a total of 106 towns nationwide.

As a result, over 9 million devices were connected to Globe’s 5G network in December 2024, underscoring the increasing adoption of next-generation mobile technology.

To further strengthen its global presence, Globe secured 5G roaming partnerships with 168 inbound and 182 outbound global partners across 99 destinations. 

Tower Sale Raises PHP 85.7 Billion

Globe continues to monetize its tower assets, completing additional sales to Unity Digital Infrastructure in late 2024.

The company closed the sale of 25 towers on October 28, 2024, for PHP 300 million and an additional 19 towers on December 19, 2024, for PHP 228 million.

Overall, Globe has turned over ownership of 6,672 towers out of the 7,506 sold, raising PHP 85.7 billion from the transactions.

The tower sales are part of a long-term strategy to unlock capital and reduce operational costs, allowing Globe to reinvest in its core business.

New Broadband and Prepaid Fiber Offers

Globe enhanced its fiber broadband services with the launch of new GFiber plans just in time for the holidays.

Customers can now enjoy speeds from 300 Mbps to 1.5 Gbps, along with exclusive freebies under Globe at Home’s new GFiber portfolio.

For prepaid users, Globe introduced GFiber Prepaid, a first-of-its-kind product that offers flexible speed upgrades.

Subscribers can boost their internet speed up to 100 Mbps for seven days at PHP 399 or opt for a 30-day upgrade at PHP 1,299.

A more budget-friendly option offers unlimited internet at speeds up to 50 Mbps for PHP 699 per month. 

Globe Expands Roaming Services for OFWs

Globe strengthened its international connectivity offerings with the launch of the GoRoam UAE plan, providing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with 10 GB of data for 30 days, aligning with local UAE SIM offers.

The plan ensures seamless access to voice and video calls, which are typically restricted in the UAE, allowing Filipinos abroad to stay connected with their loved ones.

Additionally, Globe expanded its GoRoam service to Japan, Canada, Vietnam, and Australia, adding to earlier destinations such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, and the United States.

Meanwhile, GOMO Fiber, a product under the GOMO brand, was introduced for just PHP 999, including a modem and a one-time installation fee, providing customers with a seven-day free trial of unlimited fiber internet.

Data Center Expansion to Support AI Workloads

Globe’s data center subsidiary, STT GDC Philippines, is set to expand its IT capacity from 22 MW to 33 MW by 2025 and further to 52 MW by 2026.

The company currently operates over 3,200 racks with a 75% utilization rate, reflecting strong demand for cloud and AI-driven solutions.

STT GDC Philippines will launch an AI Direct-to-Chip Liquid Cooling showroom in STT Makati, showcasing advanced cooling technology for AI workloads.

Meanwhile, its STT Fairview data center is progressing on schedule, with Phase 1B set to go live in Q2 2025, delivering an initial 12 MW IT load by year-end.

Construction of STT Cavite 2 was completed in January 2025, with full operations expected to begin later in the year.

Globe Deploys First Private 5G Network in PH

Globe achieved a major milestone in 5G innovation by deploying the Philippines’ first fully functional private 5G network at its facility in Makati City.

This dedicated, on-premise wireless network is designed to enhance business operations, offering high-speed, ultra-reliable connectivity for industries requiring low-latency and mission-critical applications.

Globe aims to expand private 5G deployment to businesses across various sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare, leveraging the technology’s potential for automation and smart solutions.

Sustainable Network Innovations

Globe is investing in sustainable network solutions, including the deployment of the first off-grid solar-powered cell site on Taganak Island in Tawi-Tawi.

The heritage-protected island and wildlife sanctuary will benefit from mobile and data connectivity, helping 10,000 residents and visitors access essential services.

The project, set for completion by mid-2025, aims to support environmental conservation, education, and economic opportunities in the remote island community.

Additionally, Globe has upgraded 450 cities and towns nationwide to fiber-optic technology, replacing outdated copper lines to enhance connectivity and energy efficiency.

AI-Powered Energy Savings and Network Expansion

Globe is leveraging AI-based energy efficiency solutions through its partnership with Qualcomm and Amdocs.

The initiative, powered by AWS Cloud, has achieved a 4.2% reduction in energy consumption across Globe’s network over the past seven months.

Meanwhile, the company is rolling out 32T32R Massive MIMO technology to improve LTE and 5G capacity in 200 high-density areas across the country.

The project, in partnership with Nokia, aims to boost network efficiency while lowering energy consumption, reinforcing Globe’s commitment to sustainability and technological innovation.

Strengthening Connectivity in Mindanao

Globe continues to expand its network coverage in Mindanao, with a new tower in Malaybalay City and 16 site upgrades across Bukidnon.

These upgrades are strategically distributed across key locations, including Libona, Manolo Fortich, Quezon, Malaybalay City, Valencia City, Lantapan, San Fernando, and Maramag.

By enhancing its mobile and broadband infrastructure, Globe aims to bridge the digital divide and support economic growth in underserved areas.