GLOBE Telecom is ramping up its investments in Mindanao by expanding high-speed internet infrastructure across the Basulta (Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi) region as part of a broader strategy to enhance digital access and fuel economic activity in underserved areas.
Central to the initiative is a 48-core, 175-kilometer submarine cable project designed to link Zamboanga to Isabela City in Basilan and then to Sulu, the company said in a statement on Friday.
The project involves the installation of submarine cables, inland and fronthaul systems, landing station and access transport networks, along with the deployment of new core and access nodes, to bolster both broadband and mobile services.
“This is more than infrastructure. It is a bridge to opportunity,” Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz said.
“As data consumption rises beyond 30GB per user each month, we are expanding fiber and broadband not just to connect homes, but to empower small businesses and fuel the broader digital economy,” he added.
Globe expects the submarine cable survey to commence in early 2026, with full construction slated by mid-2027. Once operational, Isabela City will serve as a resilient, high-capacity internet hub for the region.
Globe did not say, whether the planned submarine cable project would cover Tawi-Tawi as well, which is roughly 370 to 400 nautical miles south of Basilan island.
The rollout also complements government initiatives under the National Broadband Plan, aimed at improving digital inclusion in what are called geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
“Reliable connectivity is transformative. It opens doors for education, supports local enterprises and helps communities participate fully in the digital economy,” said Jowin Marquez, senior director and territory lead for Globe’s Network Technical Group.
Globe said that over the last three years, it has invested P228 billion in capital expenditure and P236 billion in operating expenses to strengthen and future-proof its network across the country.
The telco said that its broadband segment was continuing to expand, driven by the growth of GFiber prepaid, a reloadable, no-contract internet service that expanded 53 percent in early 2025 and has now reached 400,000 homes.
Globe said that it now had 1.83 million broadband subscribers nationwide.
With the strategic infrastructure rollout, Globe aims to reinforce economic growth in Mindanao, expand market reach and enable local communities to participate more fully in the digital economy.
By improving regional connectivity, the telco said that it was creating digital bridges that would empower communities and stimulate local businesses.
Globe shares dropped P5.00, or 0.32 percent, to close at P1,560.00 each on Friday amid a 0.78-percent rise for the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index.
Original article: Globe plans Mindanao submarine cable project
