Mobile Data Business Skyrockets, Ph Telcos Gain Billions

Subscribers using smartphones to access the internet greatly increased. Smart and Globe, two of the country’s giant mobile network service providers gained billions on revenues due to mobile data usage.

Smart’s strategic tie-up with some of the world’s leading global digital companies such as iflix, FOX, MCA Music, Sony Music, Uber and Airbnb has finally paid off. PLDT’s subsidiary gained P15.6 billion on revenues from January to September of this year. This was made possible due to combined mobile internet and broadband revenues that increased by 14.4 percent in the first nine months. Smart’s data traffic has increased by 139 percent due to mobile data usage.

“We are now seeing the effects of revitalized digital strategy for mobile which focuses on providing a superior ‘Smart Life’ proposition to subscribers,” said Ariel Fermin, Smart’s vice president and head of consumer business. Fermin takes pride in Smart’s strategic approach to revenue growth through partnership with global leaders in digital products and services that continue to increase because more and more mobile users are turning to their smart devices for internet access. Smart continues to seal more partnerships and provide subscribers with new offers that will bring continued growth in the business, he added.

On the other hand, Globe hits P15.1 billion in the first nine months of 2015. It’s up by 48 percent but a bit lower than Smart’s revenues. Its mobile data traffic increased by 89 percent.

“Our mobile data revenues have once again exceeded our expectations, maintaining its robust double-digit growth in revenues and traffic, as well as triple-digit growth in user base,” said Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business, Dan Horan. Horan expresses confidence in sustaining the growth momentum until the year ends in light of the soaring demand for connectivity during the holiday season.

“This shift to digital lifestyle is part of our commitment to drive the country’s position as the world’s next social media capital,” he said.

Globe is also in partnership with internet and device providers like Google to bring Chromecast to the country and it has also ventured into a co-branding agreement with Cherry Mobile. “The co-branding agreement is a strategic move for Globe to attract at least 2 to 3 million additional prepaid customers as we expand our reach in the mass market segment, enabling their digital lifestyle with call, text and data offerings that give value for money,” Horan added.

Globe has allocated $800 million for next year’s expenditures.

SourcesBusiness MirrorPhilippine StarBusiness Inquirer

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