Philippines Off‑Island 5G Expansion Brings the Waves of Change

As the Philippines pushes forward with digital transformation, accelerating Philippines Off‑Island 5G Expansion has become a key priority. With millions of Filipinos still living in rural and island regions, bridging the connectivity gap is essential for inclusive economic growth and social development.

Impressive Philippines Off‑Island 5G Expansion and Coverage Milestones

As of Q1 2025, Globe Telecom achieved remarkable progress, expanding 5G coverage to 98.71% of Metro Manila and 97.97% of major cities in Visayas and Mindanao. This was made possible by building 235 new 5G sites and connecting over 9.5 million 5G-enabled devices.

Globe’s efforts also include constructing 487 new towers and upgrading nearly 4,000 existing ones using advanced 32T32R Massive MIMO technology. These upgrades significantly improve network performance, enabling faster speeds and more reliable connections.

The Challenge Beyond the Cities

Despite this rapid urban progress, about 70% of the Philippine population has access to 5G as of early 2025 — a figure that reveals big gaps when it comes to provincial and island communities. Many rural towns still rely on 4G or even 3G networks, limiting digital opportunities for millions of people.

Recognizing this gap, Globe and PLDT-Smart have been working to extend services beyond major cities. Globe plans to add at least 100 new cell sites in remote regions by the end of 2025 and reach 700 new sites by 2028, with a clear focus on off-island and underserved areas.

Philippines Off‑Island 5G Expansion: Closing the Digital Divide

The Philippines Off‑Island 5G Expansion is not just about increasing coverage numbers — it’s about empowering communities. In 2025 alone, Globe launched 600 new cell sites in underserved areas, and it aims to hit 700 by the end of the year.

Expanding 5G access allows residents in remote towns to benefit from telehealth, online education, digital payments, and e-commerce. These services are vital for local economic development and help reduce inequalities between urban and rural areas.

Boosting Competition and Connectivity

The entry of DITO as the Philippines’ third telco has intensified market competition. While most rural communities still rely mainly on Smart or Globe, increased competition has pushed these providers to invest more aggressively in tower deployment and network upgrades.

This competitive environment supports faster expansion and encourages innovation in service delivery, benefiting consumers across the archipelago.

Economic Impact of 5G Expansion

Wider 5G coverage does not only improve connectivity — it also strengthens the national economy. The country’s mobile services revenue is projected to grow from $4 billion in 2024 to $5.1 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2%.

This growth is largely driven by the surge in 5G adoption and the expansion of infrastructure into island and rural regions. As more Filipinos gain access to high-speed internet, businesses can reach new customers, and communities can access more digital services.

Looking Into The Future of Inclusive Connectivity with Philippines Off‑Island 5G Expansion

The ongoing Philippines Off‑Island 5G Expansion is a critical step toward nationwide digital inclusion. By 2028, with 700 new cell sites in remote areas, the Philippines aims to significantly reduce the digital divide and create opportunities for millions who have long been left behind. The dream of a truly connected Philippine archipelago is coming closer to reality.