MANILA, Philippines — Globe Telecom is accelerating its push to strengthen the Philippines’ digital backbone, investing ₱26.3 billion in capital expenditures during the first half of 2026, with the overwhelming majority of the spending directed toward data, 5G and other digital infrastructure.
The investment, which was 39% higher than the amount spent during the same period last year, underscores the intensifying race among telecommunications companies to meet Filipinos’ growing appetite for faster, more reliable internet.
According to Globe, about 91% of its first-half capital expenditures went to data-related initiatives, including network capacity upgrades and infrastructure designed to improve service quality. Despite the increase in spending, the company said it remains on track to keep its full-year capital expenditure below US$1 billion, reflecting what it describes as a disciplined approach to expansion and financial management.
5G Expansion Moves Beyond Major Cities
A major part of Globe’s strategy is the continued expansion of its 5G network. The company said its outdoor 5G coverage has now reached more than 98% of the population in Metro Manila and key cities in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Meanwhile, Globe said it has expanded its next-generation network into other cities and areas, reaching at least 80% of the population in non-key cities—a move that could help bring faster connectivity beyond the country’s largest urban centers.
The company’s broader network push included the deployment of 878 new 5G sites and 80,052 fiber-to-the-home lines during the first half of 2026, according to Globe’s latest corporate update.
“Globe’s continued investments in network infrastructure are about more than expanding capacity; they are about delivering a better everyday experience for our customers,” Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz said in a company statement.
Why Globe Is Spending Billions on Connectivity
The massive infrastructure spending comes as mobile data becomes increasingly central to how Filipinos work, study, communicate and access digital services.
Globe reported that its active mobile data users reached 39.6 million in the first half of 2026, while average monthly data usage climbed to around 17 GB per subscriber, up from approximately 15 GB a year earlier. The company said data-driven revenues accounted for 91% of its consolidated gross service revenues, highlighting how dramatically consumer behavior has shifted toward an always-connected lifestyle.
The growing use of video streaming, online gaming, e-commerce, digital payments, productivity tools and AI-powered applications is placing greater pressure on telecommunications networks—making network capacity and reliability increasingly important.
Industry Recognition, but the Real Test Is Customer Experience
Globe says its investments are beginning to translate into improved network performance. Citing Ookla Speedtest Intelligence data covering the second half of 2024 through the first half of 2026, the company said it received consecutive recognitions for mobile network consistency, 5G coverage and home internet consistency.
However, for ordinary consumers, the ultimate measure will be simpler: Will the billions spent result in faster speeds, fewer disruptions and better coverage where people actually live and work?
That question could become even more important as internet connectivity increasingly functions like an essential utility. Globe itself has described connectivity as a growing part of everyday life alongside traditional services such as electricity and transportation.
The Bigger Picture: A Digital Economy Demands a Stronger Network
Globe’s latest spending push also comes as the Philippines enters a new phase of economic and digital development. The company has positioned its network investments as part of the infrastructure needed to support a more digitally connected economy, where businesses and consumers increasingly depend on reliable high-speed connectivity.
Earlier this year, Globe said network investments and the use of AI would remain among its key priorities for 2026, while maintaining a focus on efficient capital allocation.
For now, Globe’s ₱26.3-billion first-half investment sends a clear message: the battle for the Philippines’ digital future is accelerating.
But as 5G towers rise and fiber lines expand, Filipino consumers will be watching one thing closely—whether this record network push finally delivers a noticeably better internet experience where it matters most.
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