Globe to build infra in 100 remote towns

MANILA, Philippines — Telco-to-tech provider Globe Telecom Inc. is placing cellular sites in 100 geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) to narrow the digital divide in the Philippines.

For 2025, Globe has committed to locate cell towers in 100 GIDAs to bring connectivity services to some of the most unconnected communities in the archipelago.

Currently, the telco operates cell sites in at least 600 GIDAs and plans to bring the number up to 700 by the end of the year.

Globe chief commercial officer Darius Delgado said GIDAs deserve to get their own cell towers for ease of connectivity. He underscored that in this day and age, individuals have to get access to the internet for learning and livelihood.

“Connectivity is a fundamental enabler of progress. By expanding our network infrastructure in GIDAs, we are unlocking access to education, health and economic opportunities for millions of Filipinos,” Delgado said.

Globe is complying with commitments to the government as a member of the Connectivity Plan Task Force (CPTF) under the Private Sector Advisory Council that reports to President Marcos.

Telcos forming the CPTF have pledged to set up 1,050 new towers in GIDAs between 2025 and 2028, an initiative seen to benefit 12 million Filipinos in underserved markets.

Telcos have also promised to enhance service quality in GIDAs through 2028 in line with efforts to bridge the digital gap in the countryside.

Globe is investing below $1 billion for capital expenditures this year, aligned with its fiscal plan to wind down spending. Although capex is reduced, Globe is keen on building more telco assets to expand its network coverage and improve connectivity services.

In a disclosure before the Philippine Stock Exchange, Globe said it has signed term loan facilities of P10 billion each with BDO Unibank Inc. and Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. The amount will be used for network upgrades and debt payments.

“The loans shall be used to finance the company’s capex, debt refinancing and general corporate requirements,” Globe said.

The telco invested in 1,212 new cell towers and migrated 4,613 existing sites to LTE in 2024 to meet the connectivity requirements of Filipinos.