Globe keeps lead in mobile data biz with revenues hitting P15-B mark

Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu (rightmost) joins Cherry Mobile CEO Maynard Ngu (leftmost) and brand ambassador Michael V in the launch of the telco's co-brandi

Mobile data users grow by 126%, data traffic by 89%.

Globe Telecom remained the dominant player in the country’s mobile data business as its mobile browsing and other data revenues reached P15.1 billion for the first nine months of 2015, up by a solid 48% from P10.2 billion a year ago. Mobile data users grew by 126% year-on-year, while mobile data traffic increased by 89% from previous year’s level.

On a sequential basis, mobile browsing and other data revenues grew by 9% from the P5.1 billion posted the prior quarter to P5.6 billion. Mobile browsing and other data revenues accounted for 24% of total mobile service revenues.

“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. We are confident that we can sustain this growth momentum towards the end of the year as the demand for data connectivity during the holidays is expected to soar. This shift to the digital lifestyle is part of our commitment to drive the country’s position as the world’s next social media capital,” Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Dan Horan said.

To sustain leadership in the mobile data space, Globe continued on with partnering with internet and device providers to give customers a differentiated experience. Globe worked closely with internet giant Google to bring Chromecast to the country, giving users a new way to stream their favorite entertainment content at home. The thumb-sized media streaming device will allow customers to get instant access to quality entertainment experience at home as they get to see their favorite content and apps from the small screen to the big screen.

Further boosting smartphone and internet penetration, Globe tied up with device manufacturer Oppo to give prepaid customers availing of the devices a free Globe Prepaid SIM loaded with internet access. Customers availing of the Oppo R7 series in a prepaid kit get a free Globe Prepaid SIM loaded with 100MB per month for 2 months.

As part of its drive to strengthen its foothold in the prepaid market, Globe also ventured into a co-branding agreement with Cherry Mobile to launch the Cherry Prepaid SIM and phone bundles. The prepaid offering, dubbed as Cherry Prepaid powered by Globe, aims to be a game-changer in mass market mobile connectivity that combines high quality mobile phones and prepaid service into one affordable package. Customers can choose between a P399 Lite Bundle, a P999 Big Time Bundle, and P1699 Partner Bundle. Users can also avail of the SIM-only option for only P29. All phone bundles come with a Cherry Prepaid SIM and a roster of freebies.

Horan sees the co-branding agreement as a strategic move for the telco to attract at least 2 to 3 million additional prepaid customers as it expands its reach in the mass market segment, enabling their digital lifestyle with call, text, and data offerings that give value for money.