By Alithea De Jesus
Despite the challenging 2020 for all businesses even for the telco. Globe is allotting 80% of its unprecedented P70 billion capital expenditure program this year on data network builds as it aims to deliver first-world internet connectivity for the Filipino.
With the target to build 2,000 towers and 1 million fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) lines, Globe is committed to achieving its network expansion and to support the much needed connectivity.
Currently, Globe was able to build close to 1,300 new cell sites or towers and have modernized 11,529 existing network infrastructure to 4G/LTE. It also delivered 5G services in 1,045 areas across the country. Its fiber-to-the-home rollout also grew 275% in 2020.
While COVID-19 limited mobility, it also fast-tracked the country’s digital transition. Work and study from home arrangements became the norm, boosting demand for a fast and reliable internet connection.
This led to a banner year for Globe’s Home Broadband business which posted revenues of P26.8 billion in 2020, a 23% hike year-on-year from P21.7 billion in 2019.
Total home broadband subscriber base now stands at 3.8 million, an 88% increase from 2019 and a 9% improvement versus the third quarter, driven mainly by the sustained increase in fixed wireless broadband users.
“2020 was a challenging year for Globe but we pulled it through despite the COVID-19 pandemic and adverse economic environment. Our prudent financial management in these turbulent times allowed us to maintain strong cash flows, giving us flexibility to continue to invest back into our network. We are proud of what we have achieved this year, particularly the significant gains at the network front,” said Ernest L. Cu, President and CEO of Globe.
As of end 2020, Globe’s Home Prepaid WiFi data traffic surged 373% from a year ago to 545 petabytes from 115 petabytes in 2019.
Since the launch of the company’s network upgrade, it has been seeing improved results on customers’ overall experience.
With the support of the Anti Red Tape Authority and the Bayanihan Act 2, Globe was able to see a marked increase in the number of issued permits for the construction of cell sites.
“We were able to secure the necessary permits to put up close to 1,300 new towers in 2020 as well as upgrade over 11,500 sites with 4G/LTE, resulting in improved network experience for our customers according to third party mobile analytics provider Ookla. A recent Ookla report showed a boost in Globe’s overall consistency score to 60.82% from 56.83% and marked improvements across 16 out of 17 regions,” added Cu.
According to the latest Ookla® data, Globe has a better consistency score than competition in several regions including the Ilocos Region at 64.46% with an increase of 11.58 PPTs (percentage points)[1]. In fact, Globe’s regional mobile Consistency Score™ registered improvements in 16 out of 17 regions, comparing Q4 2020 to Q3 2020 results.
Ookla®’s quarterly data shows that Globe’s overall Consistency Score™ in Q4 2020 improved to 60.82% from Q3’s 56.83%. The company registered increases as high as 10 PPTs, with Consistency Scores of up to 65% in Q4 2020[2].
Mobile Consistency Score measures the number of incidences (viewed as a percentage) of a provider’s samples equal or exceeds both a download threshold of 5 Mbps and an upload threshold of 1 Mbps.
The company strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9 which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe is committed to upholding the 10 United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs.
For more information, visit www.globe.com.ph or download the Globe At Home app on Android and IOS.
[1]Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data Q4 2020 in Ilocos Region. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.
[2]Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data comparing Q3 2020 to Q4 2020. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.