The Philippines Telecom Infrastructure Races to Expand

The Philippines is in the middle of a major telecom transformation. Valued at USD 11.48 billion in 2024, the Philippines Telecom Infrastructure and market are projected to reach USD 18.16 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.12%. This momentum is driven by expanding mobile connectivity, increasing smartphone use, and a steady rise in broadband demand. But behind the growth lies a tough challenge: a critical infrastructure gap. Let’s talk about it!

Philippines Telecom Infrastructure: A Tower Deficit in a Mobile-First Nation

As of late 2020, the Philippines had around 23,000 cell towers, far behind neighbors like Vietnam (90,000) and Bangladesh (30,000). With mobile data accounting for 81% of all telecom revenue, the system is under immense pressure.

To support growing demand, especially in remote and underserved areas, the country needs an estimated 60,000 more towers by 2031. These towers are essential to close coverage gaps and bring high-speed internet to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

Policy Support for Faster Rollouts

The Common Tower Policy, introduced in May 2020, is a game-changer. It allows third-party providers to build and lease towers to multiple operators, reducing costs and speeding up deployment. In parallel, the National Broadband Plan, backed by $20 million, supports initiatives like the Free Wi-Fi Program and satellite expansion to boost nationwide access.

Together, these programs are helping to modernize the Philippines telecom infrastructure, making it more inclusive and scalable.

5G Deployment Accelerates Across Philippines Telecom Infrastructure Networks

In 2023, only 6% of mobile connections in the Philippines were 5G. But by 2030, this figure is expected to climb to nearly 50%. That shift is being powered by aggressive network expansion from Globe Telecom, PLDT-Smart, and DITO Telecommunity.

Today, there are about 3,669 active 5G sites across the country. Over the next three years, major telecom players plan to invest $15 billion in expanding 5G networks and upgrading infrastructure. This reflects not just a technology upgrade—but a national push toward smarter, more efficient digital services.

Urban Growth Meets Rural Challenges

As mobile subscribers are expected to hit 159 million by 2025, and broadband users reach 10.8 million, the strain on networks will only increase. Urban centers are seeing faster 5G adoption, while rural areas still struggle with slow or spotty coverage.

Current internet speeds reflect this divide. Mobile internet in the Philippines averages 31.98 Mbps, far below the global average of 54.53 Mbps. Fixed broadband is better at 58.73 Mbps, but still lags behind the global 105.15 Mbps benchmark.

Philippines Telecom Infrastructure: Infrastructure Is the Backbone of Inclusion

The future of Philippines telecom infrastructure depends on fast action. With a fast-growing population of mobile users and a rising demand for reliable data, expanding both coverage and capacity is urgent. Tower builds, policy support, 5G investment, and inclusive broadband programs all point to a telecom sector in transition. The road ahead is long, but with coordinated efforts and bold investments, the country is building the digital backbone it needs to grow—and connect—all Filipinos.