Globe Telecom Inc. is accelerating the expansion of its 5G network through a partnership with Transcelestial, committing to deploy more than 400 wireless laser links in the country over the next three years.

In a statement on Monday, Feb. 23, Transcelestial said the initiative is a major shift in the country's telecommunications landscape, utilizing proprietary laser communication technology to bypass the traditional hurdles of physical fiber deployment.

The telecommunications provider plans to integrate Transcelestial’s wireless laser systems into its last-mile and backhaul connectivity infrastructure. The technology, which transmits data via light beams rather than traditional radio frequencies or physical cables, is designed to provide fiber-class speeds without the logistical delays associated with digging trenches or laying undersea cables.

The move comes as Philippine carriers face the unique geographical challenge of providing high-speed internet across an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands.

Joel Agustin, Globe senior vice president for engineering and network planning, said the strategy acknowledges that no single technology will define the future of national networks.

He noted that the deployment of these lasers represents an acceleration of efforts to bring better access to more Filipinos at speed. By combining technological layers, Globe aims to create a network that can adapt to rising capacity needs and environmental constraints.

Transcelestial’s technology has already undergone successful field testing, providing backhaul support in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. It also managed high-demand traffic at the Philippine Arena during a large-scale event in 2024. These early deployments provided the operational confidence necessary for Globe to scale the technology to a national level.

The partnership aims to address the high costs and slow timelines often associated with laying fiber in disaster-prone or mountainous terrain. Following further validation in 2026, the systems are expected to unlock new possibilities for inter-island connectivity and rapid backbone upgrades. This would position the Philippines as one of the first countries globally to explore wireless optical infrastructure at a national scale.

Rohit Jha, Transcelestial chief executive officer and co-founder, said the 400-link rollout signals that the country is embracing new infrastructure models to overcome old constraints.

He added that the coming years will bring a more scalable and resilient network for Filipinos as the country moves toward a more connected digital economy.

Supporting the rollout is Asticom, a digital-first shared services and engineering company that has been a partner since 2023.

Asticom provides the on-the-ground engineering and deployment services required to integrate the laser links into Globe’s existing network operations.

Mharicar Castillo-Reyes, Asticom president and chief executive officer, said the company is focused on bridging the gap between innovation and local infrastructure to deliver reliable, future-ready connectivity.

The wireless laser links offer a flexible solution for various scenarios, including high-capacity 5G support, emergency response, and temporary event sites.

Because the technology does not require the same construction permits or physical labor as fiber-optic cables, it allows for a faster response to the growing demand for digital services across the country.