The mobile coverage of Globe Telecom Inc. is closing in on the entire population as the company targets expansion into the country’s remote areas in pursuit of the government’s aim to expand connectivity, as outlined in the Konektadong Pinoy (KP) Act.

The Ayala-led telecommunications giant said its mobile network now covers 96.33 percent of the country’s population as of November, up from the 96.13 percent it reported in August.

Globe said this means around four million people have little to no access to mobile connectivity, most of whom live outside the company’s coverage area, primarily in geographically isolated and far-flung locations.

“Connectivity has become a basic need. For those still waiting to be reached, it’s a lifeline that opens doors to work, learning, financial access, and public services,” said Globe President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Carl Cruz.

As part of the company’s commitment to the KP Act, Cruz said they are now actively working to close the remaining coverage gaps.

“We believe that by coming together, we can make universal digital access a reality,” he said.

Embodied under Republic Act (RA) No. 12234, the law’s objective is to enhance internet connectivity in the country by promoting competition in the industry and simplifying the process for foreign players to provide their services here.

The law specifies that future network infrastructure projects must not be built solely for urban centers but should instead prioritize remote and underserved areas.

Globe said it has identified the areas where it will next expand its coverage, focusing on communities where less than 50 percent of the population is connected to mobile service.

“These towns serve as key targets for expansion and are being prioritized based on feasibility, projected impact, and coordination with relevant agencies. Many of them are island municipalities or remote mountain regions that require tailored solutions,” it said.

The company said it will work with national government agencies, local government units, and development partners to enable faster and more targeted deployment of new sites.

“As more Filipinos rely on mobile connectivity for livelihood, education, commerce, and communication, Globe remains committed to building a future where no one is left offline,” it said.

Globe is banking on the expansion of its mobile footprint to course-correct the trajectory of its mobile data revenue after it fell two percent to ₱86.2 billion in the first nine months of the year, from ₱87.7 billion in the same period last year.

By end-September, the mobile subscriber base stood at 63.1 million, five-percent higher than the 60.2 million recorded a year earlier.

The company earmarked capital expenditures (capex) for the year at below $1 billion as it works toward achieving positive free cash flow and optimizing capital utilization.

From January to September, Globe allocated 89 percent of its capex to expanding its reach, rolling out 487 new towers, upgrading nearly 4,000 sites with LTE, and activating 235 additional 5G sites.