Globe’s mobile data users hit 39.6 million as connectivity becomes ‘Fifth Utility’

• Contributed photo

Globe Telecom’s active mobile data users reached 39.6 million in the first half of 2026, reflecting Filipinos’ growing dependence on internet connectivity for work, education, commerce, entertainment and financial services.

Average monthly mobile data consumption increased to approximately 17 GB per subscriber, up from 15 GB a year earlier. Globe attributed the growth to rising use of video streaming, social media, gaming, e-commerce, digital payments, productivity tools and artificial intelligence applications.

The shift underscores how connectivity is increasingly being treated as the Philippines’ “fifth utility,” alongside water, electricity, gas and transportation. Calls and text messages, once the center of mobile communications, have given way to always-on internet access supporting everyday digital activity.

Data-driven services accounted for 91% of Globe’s consolidated gross service revenues during the six-month period, further demonstrating how digital connectivity has become the company’s primary business.

“The way Filipinos use connectivity tells us we are progressively becoming a digital nation,” Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz said. “We are grateful that more customers are choosing Globe to be part of their everyday lives. We will build on this trust by continuously improving our network and delivering experiences that customers can rely on.”

Globe spent ₱26.3 billion on capital expenditures during the first half of the year as it continued expanding and strengthening its digital infrastructure.

The telecommunications company said it would focus its investments on improving network capacity, stability and service quality as demand for reliable connectivity continues to rise across the country.