Globe’s construction of new cell sites jumps 152% in Q1

Ayala-led Globe Telecom Inc. said Tuesday it ramped up its construction of new cell sites in the first quarter of 2021 despite the lingering COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement, Globe said it built 318 new cell sites, up 152% from 126 sites built in the same period last year.

Globe said it also installed over 287,000 high-speed lines reflecting a 212% increase year-on-year, while 844 areas benefited from in-building solutions and strategic property business development initiatives for the period.

Wireless expansion, which includes 4G LTE and 5G builds also reached 7,065 sites in the first quarter of 2021 or up 245% from a year earlier, the telco said.

Globe is allotting P70 billion this year to upgrade, improve, and expand its network buoyed by strong demand for connectivity and the ensuing economic recovery post-vaccinations.

Substantial CAPEX will be used for the aggressive rollout of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network, and widen its 5G footprint, it said.

“Armed with our purpose, Globe is resolutely marching forward, staying attuned to the new customer and reinventing their experience to make us more relevant. Together with all our stakeholders, we are one with the nation on working towards our country's economic recovery in the days ahead,” said Ernest Cu, Globe president and CEO.

The telco also announced the appointment of its new chief commercial officer, Issa Guevarra-Cabreira, replacing Albert de Larrazabal, who has been nominated to Ayala Corp. as new chief finance officer.

Guevarra-Cabreira, a 25-year brand marketing and mobile telco business veteran will lead the whole commercial business unit of Globe.

Her expertise and valued insights will help drive strategies to fuel the telco conglomerate’s growth in a highly competitive market, Globe said.

Guevarra-Cabreira held various leadership roles within Globe, and consistently brought the brand to number one status.

She was previously head of Globe’s Consumer Mobile Business where she was credited for taking the value brand TM mobile to top post in terms of subscriber count.

Cabreira also served as  917Ventures managing partner, a corporate incubator under the Globe Group.

“Issa’s experience and deep knowledge of the industry equips her with the ability to steer the team effectively towards the achievement of Globe's goals,” said Cu.

“I am humbled, honored and excited to take on this role. At the heart of what we do are our customers. We want to provide them with products and services that not only enhance their overall connectivity experience, but more importantly uplift and enrich their lives,” said Guevarra-Cabreira. — RSJ, GMA News