The telecommunications landscape in the Philippines is experiencing a seismic shift, thanks largely to the rapid deployment of 5G technology championed by Globe Telecom, Inc. Once a country wrestling with spotty coverage and slow speeds amid its sprawling archipelago, the nation is now stepping into a new era of connectivity. Globe’s aggressive expansion of its 5G network is transforming not only the urban centers of Metro Manila but also reaching into key cities and countless towns throughout the Visayas and Mindanao regions. This rollout isn’t just about faster internet—it’s a harbinger of broader socio-economic changes set to ripple across the Philippine archipelago.
Globe’s commitment to expanding its 5G presence can’t just be chalked up to ambition; it’s backed by hard numbers. In a whirlwind nine months leading up to early 2025, Globe installed approximately 716 new 5G sites. That infrastructure blitz moved outdoor 5G coverage to an astonishing 98.7% within Metro Manila and about 97% across vital cities in Visayas and Mindanao. Given the Philippines’ challenging geography—smattering islands, varying population densities, and occasional power and logistical hurdles—achieving nearly full urban coverage is a feat. This scale-up underscores Globe’s operational muscle to cover not just the main commercial hubs but also the more nuanced, underserved pockets scattered across the regions.
But it’s not just about quantity. Globe’s expansion makes tangible quality-of-life improvements for millions. Previously underserved territories and neighborhoods now enjoy faster, more reliable mobile internet. Taking Bacolod, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro as examples, the upgrade to 5G towers has revamped residents’ digital experiences significantly. Even Metro Manila’s network growth isn’t confined to the usual suspects like Bonifacio Global City or Makati’s financial district. Coverage has now spread along major roads such as EDSA and C5, catering to commuters, businesses, and residents alike. Supporting over 9.5 million active 5G-capable devices, this robust network capacity reveals both growing consumer appetite and dependency on instantaneous, high-bandwidth wireless connectivity.
From a tech standpoint, Globe opted for a pragmatic strategy by primarily deploying Non-Standalone (NSA) 5G architecture. This approach piggybacks on the existing 4G framework to speed up rollout and contain costs. By leveraging this hybrid setup, Globe can rapidly offer ultra-high-definition streaming, real-time gaming, cloud-based applications, and the expanding Internet of Things ecosystem without waiting to build a fully independent 5G core. Notably, Globe’s reach isn’t limited to the metropolises and established cities; their expansion encompasses more than 100 towns nationwide, many in remote or provincial areas long left on the wrong side of the digital divide. This move to democratize access to advanced mobile broadband is a direct nod toward bridging urban-rural disparities, fostering inclusion in an increasingly digital economy.
Beyond the tech layer, the socio-economic impact of Globe’s 5G rollout is poised to be profound and multifaceted. Industry experts and Globe’s own leadership view 5G as a catalyst for economic acceleration and job creation. Fast, reliable connectivity opens doors for diverse sectors—e-commerce platforms can tap new markets, telemedicine ventures can reach rural patients, and education can leverage remote learning at scale. Small and medium enterprises particularly stand to gain, using enhanced mobile networks to streamline operations and expand customer bases. Healthcare, logistics, digital entertainment, and even emerging industries like smart agriculture can thrive on this improved digital infrastructure. Moreover, Globe’s investments stimulate local economies through infrastructure development, job creation in construction and tech, and the growth of digital services that ripple outward across communities.
Looking ahead, Globe isn’t hitting the brakes. The company aims to extend 5G coverage to over 100 additional remote areas within the year, keeping its momentum rolling toward full population coverage. Strategic partnerships, including joint ventures focused on tower infrastructure, bolster its capacity for sustainable network growth. There’s also a global angle: Globe plans to expand roaming capabilities, allowing Filipino users to seamlessly tap into 5G networks abroad while welcoming foreign visitors into its own 5G ecosystem. This international connectivity is poised to enrich experiences for business travelers and tourists alike, integrating the Philippines more tightly into the global digital web.
In sum, Globe Telecom’s accelerated 5G rollout represents a pivotal chapter in the Philippines’ journey toward digital transformation. Near-total coverage in Metro Manila and substantial reach into Visayas and Mindanao mark a technological milestone, but the story doesn’t stop there. By upgrading infrastructure and planting new 5G sites, Globe is weaving a digital fabric that supports not just faster mobile internet, but a broad spectrum of economic and social advancement. As 5G tech saturates more communities, millions of Filipinos stand to gain unprecedented access to information, services, and opportunities—propelling innovation and inclusion forward in a digital era where connectivity is key. The case is closed: the future is wireless, fast, and decidedly Filipino.
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