Globe Telecom Inc. is planning to expand its network to a total of 700 sites in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) by year-end.
To date, it has 600 operational sites, but still needs to expand its reach in remote and unserved areas, with about 4.2 million Filipinos still utside its mobile, and internet coverage.
In a statement, Globe said its targeted expansion is in line with plans to bring more than 1,000 new towers to underserved communities, between 2025 and 2028.
“Expanding our network is how we ensure the Philippines stays competitive in Asia’s digital future,” Carl Cruz, Globe president and CEO said in a statement on September 28.
Currently, Globe’s mobile network cover 96 percent of the Philippine population serving more than 106 million subscribers. But around 4.2 million Filipino remain outside coverage highlighting the need for continued expansion.
In the first quarter of 2025 alone, Globe rolled out 487 new towers, upgraded nearly 4,000 sites with LTE, and activated 235 additional 5G sites. Today, its 5G network supports over 9.5 million devices nationwide.
In 2024, Globe spent P56.2 billion in capital expenditures, the bulk of which was directed toward strengthening and expanding its network.
Globe claims that challenges remain in building new infrastructure. Lengthy permitting processes, difficulties in site acquisition, and local restrictions continue to slow down expansion. Globe has called for streamlined processes and closer coordination with stakeholders to accelerate network deployment.
