
Globe reaches 61.6M mobile subscribers in Q1 2025
Globe Telecom has recorded 61.6 million mobile subscribers as of end-March 2025, up 5% from 58.8 million the same period last year.
Globe also said its broadband customers grew to 1.83 million as of end-March 2025, up from 1.72 million the same period last year.
The telecommunications company said 87% of its total service revenues in the first quarter of 2025 came from data, up from 85% the previous year.
Globe president and CEO Carl Cruz said it is a strong sign that Filipinos are embracing a digital-first lifestyle.
"We're not just going digital for the sake of it. We're building solutions that reflect real needs, real affordability, and real stories of connection. That means helping students with their online learning, helping an OFW see their family over a clear video call, or allowing small businesses to receive payments digitally. These moments are what matter,' said Cruz.
As of April, GFiber Prepaid (GFP), on the other hand, earned a standout Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 67—a strong indicator of satisfaction and trust among value-conscious households.
With 70% reload rates—the highest among prepaid fiber brands—and a 53% quarter-on-quarter subscriber growth, the product is expanding rapidly into income-challenged households, said Globe.
"These numbers are indicative that customers prefer our services. We'll keep innovating, investing, and pushing technology forward, but always with the customer in mind. When you build with empathy, the impact follows," Cruz said.—Jon Viktor Cabuenas/AOL, GMA Integrated News

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


GMA Network
3 hours ago
- GMA Network
OFWs in US face higher remittance tax under Trump 'big' bill
Sandi Agustin counts dollars as she and many other overseas FIlipino workers (OFWs) in America brace for a potential rise in the US tax for money remitted to families in the Philippines under the administration of Donald Trump. DAVE LLAVANES JR. NEW YORK — Thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the United States could soon be burdened with higher remittance costs if the proposed One Big, Beautiful Wall Act pushed by US President Donald Trump is enacted into law. Under the proposed measure, a 3.5% excise tax would be imposed on all money sent outside the US, including remittances to the Philippines. This means that non-US citizens sending money to their families back home could soon be paying significantly higher fees. For worker Sandi Agustin, who regularly sends money to relatives in the Philippines, the proposed tax is too heavy a burden. "For me, that's a big increase for ordinary workers like us here in America. Everyone knows that we don't just pick money up off the street here—we work hard for it. And instead of going entirely to our families, part of it will now go to taxes. It's really hard for us," Sandi told GMA Integrated News. Sandi sends money to her family in the Philippines about four times a month. Currently, she pays around $10 in transfer fees each time. But with the proposed excise tax, that amount could skyrocket to as much as $140 per month. "I usually send money weekly or bi-weekly. But if this tax becomes law, I might have to limit it to just once a month. If that's the rule, we'll follow it—we are law-abiding immigrants after all," she added. Arturo Reyes, a dialysis technician, shares Sandi's concern. He appealed to the US government to reconsider or reduce the proposed tax, especially since many Filipinos in America are already struggling to support families back home. According to Reyes, he typically pays $7 to send $1,000 to the Philippines. Under the new proposal, that fee could rise to $35 per $1,000 sent—a 500% increase. "That's a big deal for us because Filipinos here in America work double time just to send money home. I appeal to President Trump—please lower the 3.5%, make it even lower. I hope you understand the situation of all Filipinos here in America," Reyes said. Aside from higher fees, the proposed law also mandates stricter verification requirements for remittance centers, raising concerns that it might expose the immigration status of some senders, especially those who are undocumented. The United States remains the largest source of remittances to the Philippines, according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Last year alone, Filipino workers in the US sent about $14 billion back home. If passed, the One Big, Beautiful Wall Act could significantly impact the flow of remittances from the US, affecting countless Filipino families who rely on that financial lifeline for daily expenses, education, and medical needs. As of now, the bill is still pending in the US Congress, and many OFWs are closely watching developments, hoping for a more favorable outcome. — VDV, GMA Integrated News


GMA Network
6 hours ago
- GMA Network
UK urges PH to expand energy options, include renewables
'The Middle East crisis, as it has always done, puts pressure on oil prices, it's inflationary, and it drives costs up for business around the world,' Freeman told a group of journalists in a briefing in Manila. 'If the Philippines has more renewables, it's much more independent and more secure as its supply is more secure.' The United Kingdom is urging the Philippines to diversify its energy options and include renewable sources to reduce its exposure to geopolitical risks such as the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, which has already affected global oil prices. George Freeman, the United Kingdom's trade envoy for the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei, said investing in other energy sources would provide the country protection against external disruptions, such as Russia's war in Ukraine and the raging armed confrontation in the Middle East. 'The Middle East crisis, as it has always done, puts pressure on oil prices, it's inflationary, and it drives costs up for business around the world,' Freeman told a group of journalists in a briefing in Manila. 'If the Philippines has more renewables, it's much more independent and more secure as its supply is more secure.' The shift from oil and coal – the Philippines' main energy sources – to renewables not only brings greater energy independence, but also helps reduce global warming and create job opportunities, Freeman noted. 'Renewable transition is key for economic security and prosperity,' he said. 'If the Philippines generated more of its own electricity from solar, from wind, from geothermal, from tidal. It's much more secure and much less exposed to price volatility internationally. The Ukraine war, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, has caused a surge in energy prices, and now the Middle East.' By investing in and attracting investment into these industries, 'you create new jobs and clean jobs,' said Freeman, adding that renewables present 'wonderful opportunities for Filipinos.' Freeman said the UK is eyeing more 'heavy' investment opportunities in clean and renewable energy in the country and that it is committed to bringing its 'expertise here and to help the Philippines' to ensure that it will not be exposed to 'those same geopolitical supply chain risks. 'Renewables create opportunities for Filipinos not to work in coal mines and not to work in dangerous old industries, but to work in clean new industries, and the Philippines develops a clean energy sector,' Freeman said. Asked about U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of very high tariffs against China and America's security allies worldwide, Freeeman said the effect may be 'too early' to tell. However, he said the UK is determined to keep its 99% tariff-free policy on the Philippines, which he described as Britain's 'close, important ally,' to ensure two-way trade between the two countries would remain robust. Freeman also cited the recent approval of Britain's £5-billion funding facility from UK Export Finance (UKEF) aimed at supporting key infrastructure projects in the Philippines and the 'extra allocation for defense and security' to highlight his country's pledge to bolster ties with Manila. 'We know how important that is. They're real commitments, and they're working today,' he said. –NB, GMA Integrated News


GMA Network
7 hours ago
- GMA Network
'24 Oras Podcast' drops this June 23
In another innovative step to bring comprehensive news accessible to more audiences, GMA Integrated News is thrilled to announce the launch of '24 Oras Podcast' this June 23. Through '24 Oras Podcast,' listeners can tune in to the Network's flagship newscast 24 Oras with weekday anchors Mel Tiangco, Vicky Morales, and Emil Sumangil, and catch up on the weekend's top stories on 24 Oras Weekend with Ivan Mayrina and Pia Arcangel. With fresh episodes dropping daily on GMA Integrated News' streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts, listeners can now experience the same comprehensive news coverage and in-depth reporting in a highly accessible audio format. This makes it easier than ever for Filipinos to stay informed on the go, whether they're commuting, exercising, or simply prefer to listen to their news updates. 'We understand our audience consumes news in various ways. By bringing our flagship newscasts 24 Oras and 24 Oras Weekend to the podcast space, we're providing another convenient avenue for them to stay connected with the most trusted news in the country. The '24 Oras Podcast' is another testament to GMA Integrated News' commitment to delivering news across all platforms, reinforcing 'Mas malaking misyon, mas malawak na paglilingkod sa bayan,' says Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso. The '24 Oras Podcast' is developed by GMA Integrated News Digital Strategy and Innovation Lab, in collaboration with 24 Oras and GMA New Media Inc. 'Adapting 24 Oras into a podcast extends the accessibility of our newscast beyond television. From a production perspective, it's a strategic way to repurpose our content and reach on-the-go audiences—making news more convenient and accessible without compromising the credibility and depth of our journalism,' says Assistant Vice President and Cluster Head of GMA Integrated News Antonio Magsumbol. 'The 24 Oras Podcast is part of GMA Integrated News' push to make journalism more accessible in the digital age. It's not just about putting our newscast on a new platform but also about meeting young Filipinos where they are, with news they can listen to anytime, anywhere,' says Senior Manager and Deputy Head of Digital Strategy and Innovation Lab Bernice Sibucao. Stay informed and catch the '24 Oras Podcast' beginning June 23 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit