Globe Telecom, a mobile operator in the Philippines and a part of SingTel, today shared its strategy for investment in networks.

The telecom network operator said the main focus of its Capex (capital expenditure) will be to make data-driven investments to provide increased telecom network capacities and enhance mobile user satisfaction.

“As more and more of our customers shift to a digital lifestyle, we are continuing to build capacities of our network to handle the explosive growth of data traffic of our customers,” said Ernest Cu, president and CEO of Globe Telecom.

The Capex of Globe Telecom was P11.4 billion in the first half of the year, focusing on data-related projects that include investments for the company’s broadband network, capacities for wireless data, LTE, domestic and international transmission facilities.

“A significant portion of the Capex for the year was allotted for its IT infrastructure as we continue to create platform for new products as well as to build on its IT transmission initiatives,” said Cu.

At present, more than a third of Globe Telecom’s mobile customers are using smartphones.

The telecoms mobile data revenues rose 53 percent to P9.5 billion in the first six months of the year. Mobile data revenues contribute 23 percent to total mobile revenues against 16 percent. Data users form 37 percent of its total mobile user-base against 17 percent. Wireless data traffic on the Globe network increased 82 percent.

Globe Telecom is betting mobile broadband. Asia Pacific will have 1.9 billion LTE users and about the same number of 3G users by 2020.

Baburajan K
[email protected]