Globe allots add’l $100-million capex for mobile data

Globe Telecom, Inc. is spending additional US$100 million for its mobile data network expansion this year, bringing its full 2017 capital expenditure (capex) to around US$850 million, the telco firm disclosed.

Globe’s Board of Directors has approved the additional US$100-million capex after setting a full year capex guidance of US$750 million, with the additional investment to be spent in the balance of the year.

The added investment in mobile data network expansion was in line with Globe’s commitment to improve Internet services in the Philippines, with the ultimate goal of “becoming an admired nation for having first world Internet connectivity.”

The telco is fast-tracking its mobile capex program, allowing for more deployments of Long Term Evolution (LTE) services using the 700 megahertz (MHz) and 2600 MHz frequencies, increased 3G capacities and further expansion of mobile coverage.

Globe’s LTE roll-out is expected to ramp up progressively moving forward, targeting sites with high demand.

“We expect to enhance customer experience as we continue with the aggressive deployment of LTE sites, using the 700 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2600 MHz frequencies to address the growing customer demand for bandwidth amid the swelling consumption of multi-media content,” confirmed Globe President and CEO Ernest L. Cu.

From a product perspective, data has remained Globe’s catalyst for growth across all product segments.

For the first half of 2017, the company’s data-related revenues accounted for 53% of consolidated service revenues, up from 50% in the first half of last year.

Total data revenues, which consisted of mobile data, home broadband, and corporate data services, reached R33.1 billion in the first six months of the year, up by 10% from the R29.9 billion reported last year.