Globe sustains mobile leadership, sees growth in data usage and personalization

Mobile connectivity continues to shape how Filipinos work, learn, and stay connected, with Globe Telecom reporting steady growth in its mobile business driven by data usage and digital services in the first quarter of 2026.

Why it matters: Mobile data is no longer just an add-on. It has become the core of how telecom companies generate revenue and deliver services, reflecting a shift in how Filipinos use their devices daily.

Globe reported that mobile data now accounts for 89 percent of its total mobile service revenues, up from 85 percent a year earlier. This shift highlights the declining reliance on traditional voice calls and SMS, as more users turn to streaming, social media, gaming, and digital transactions.

The details: Globe’s mobile business generated PHP 30.0 billion in revenues in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 6 percent increase year on year. Its subscriber base also grew to around 67 million users.

Data-related services drove much of this growth. Mobile data revenues rose 11 percent year on year, supported by higher usage across video streaming platforms, social media apps, online games, and digital payment services. Total mobile data traffic increased by 18 percent, while average monthly data usage reached around 16 GB per subscriber.

The number of active mobile data users also expanded, with more than 39 million Globe customers now regularly using mobile internet services. Meanwhile, the GlobeOne app recorded about 8 million monthly active users, reflecting increased adoption of digital self-service platforms.

The bigger picture: Globe continues to invest in its network infrastructure to support rising demand. During the first quarter, the company deployed 408 new 5G sites, pushing its outdoor 5G population coverage to over 98 percent in Metro Manila and key cities in the Visayas and Mindanao.

This expansion is part of a broader effort to keep up with increasing digital consumption across the country, as more services move online.

Between the lines: The company’s focus is shifting beyond connectivity alone. Globe is also investing in hyperpersonalization, using digital tools to tailor services and offers based on customer behavior and preferences.

“Our priority is to execute on our plans well. We will deliver better customer experience through our digital platforms, and serve products that are relevant through hyperpersonalization. While we continue to expand our 5G network, we intend to deepen our fiber footprint, and differentiate more using digital technologies,” said Darius Delgado, Globe Chief Commercial Officer.

For Filipinos: The continued expansion of mobile data services and 5G coverage means more reliable access to online services, from entertainment and communication to education and digital finance, especially in urban areas and key regional cities.

What’s next: Globe is expected to continue expanding both its mobile and fiber networks while refining its digital platforms to better match evolving user behavior.

The Bottom Line: Globe’s latest figures show that data is firmly at the center of the telecom business, with growth increasingly tied to how Filipinos live and interact online.