The Philippines’ telecom and pay-TV services revenue is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.8 percent, rising from $8 billion in 2024 to $9.7 billion by 2029, according to GlobalData. The expansion will be driven primarily by sustained growth in mobile data and fixed broadband services as operators continue to invest heavily in 5G networks and fiber infrastructure to meet rising demand for high-speed connectivity across consumer and enterprise segments.
GlobalData report highlights a continued decline in mobile voice service revenue over the forecast period. Falling mobile voice ARPU and a steady shift by consumers toward internet-based communication platforms are reducing reliance on traditional voice services. Messaging and calling applications have become the preferred choice for many users, while operators increasingly bundle unlimited or free voice minutes into service plans to retain customers, further pressuring standalone voice revenues.
In contrast, mobile data services are set to remain the primary growth engine of the Philippine telecom market. Mobile data revenue is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.1 percent between 2024 and 2029, supported by rising mobile internet subscriptions and accelerating adoption of 5G services. As 5G coverage expands, mobile data usage is expected to increase significantly, helping lift mobile data ARPU as consumers migrate to higher-value data plans.
While 4G accounted for the majority of mobile subscriptions in 2024, GlobalData expects 5G adoption to accelerate sharply over the coming years. By 2029, 5G is forecast to emerge as the leading mobile technology by subscriber base, driven by ongoing network expansion and modernization initiatives by major operators aimed at improving coverage, capacity, and service quality nationwide.
GSMA insights indicated mobile subscriber penetration in the Philippines is expected to reach about 78 percent of the population by 2030, while smartphone adoption is forecast to rise to approximately 92 percent. More than 51 percent of mobile connections are projected to be on 5G networks by 2030, underlining the strategic importance of continued 5G rollout. The mobile industry already contributes roughly 8.5 percent of national GDP, highlighting the broader economic significance of telecom infrastructure and services.
In the fixed communications segment, fixed voice revenue is projected to continue its decline as circuit-switched subscriptions fall and fixed voice ARPU weakens. However, fixed broadband services are expected to deliver solid growth, with revenue forecast to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 4.7 percent from 2024 to 2029. Demand is being driven by rising adoption of higher-ARPU fiber-to-the-home services as households seek faster and more reliable internet connectivity.
Fiber broadband expansion is closely tied to aggressive network rollout strategies by operators. Growing demand for high-speed internet, particularly in underserved and rural areas, is accelerating nationwide fiber deployment.
Converge ICT Solutions plans to extend its fiber network to 11 million ports by 2027 as it targets expansion beyond major urban centers. The company currently serves more than 2.5 million broadband subscribers, with an ARPU of around ₱1,100 and revenue of approximately ₱14 billion in 2025. Converge continues to invest aggressively, with capital expenditure exceeding ₱20 billion planned through 2027.
Pay-TV services revenue is also expected to increase over the forecast period, supported by strong growth in IPTV subscriptions and a steady rise in direct-to-home connections. Despite global pressure on traditional pay-TV models, the Philippine market continues to benefit from bundled service offerings and gradual adoption of digital TV platforms alongside broadband services.
Globe Telecom and PLDT are expected to remain the leading players in the mobile services segment by subscription share throughout the forecast period.
Globe Telecom serves more than 63 million mobile subscribers, with postpaid ARPU of about ₱914 and mobile service revenue exceeding ₱110 billion. The operator plans capital expenditure of nearly $950 million in 2025, focused on 5G rollout, fiber expansion, and network modernization.
PLDT and its wireless arm Smart serve over 59 million mobile subscribers and around 3.63 million fiber broadband customers. The group reports FTTH ARPU of ₱1,485 and fiber revenues of ₱29.5 billion, while mobile service revenue reached roughly ₱130 billion in 2025. PLDT has earmarked ₱75 to ₱78 billion in capital expenditure for fiber expansion, 5G deployment, and broader network modernization initiatives.
Looking ahead, the growth of the Philippines telecom market will depend on mobile operators’ ability to monetize 5G investments, expand fiber penetration, and improve ARPU through premium data services and bundled offerings. Continued capital investment in mobile and fixed infrastructure will be critical to maintaining service quality, enabling new digital use cases, and positioning the telecom sector as a key driver of the country’s digital economy.
FASNA SHABEER
