The three major Philippine telecom operators – PLDT, Globe Telecom and Converge ICT – have allocated more than $2.2 billion for capital expenditure (capex) in 2026, showing the industry’s confidence in the country’s digital transformation and economic growth.
Henry Aguda, secretary of the Philippine Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), emphasized the importance of the substantial investment based on the telcos’ disclosures and earnings briefings as of August 2026.
“Crossing the $2 billion mark sends a clear message: the telecommunications industry believes in the Philippines. These investments will translate into more infrastructure, better connectivity, new jobs, and greater opportunities for Filipinos as we continue building a digital-first economy,” Aguda said in a statement this week.
PLDT has committed approximately 55 billion Philippines pesos (US$930 million) for 2026, while Globe Telecom has set a guidance below PHP59.4 billion (approximately $950-970 million) and Converge ICT plans to spend around PHP17 billion to PHP20 billion (approximately $310 million based on midpoint).
Once the expected investment from DITO Telecommunity is factored in, the combined 2026 capex figure could increase to between $2.4 billion and $2.45 billion.
These investments are being made as the country speeds up the rollout of the Konektadong Pinoy Act, expands the National Fiber Backbone and moves closer to achieving the government’s goal of providing affordable digital services nationwide.
Aguda emphasized the vital role of the telecom sector as an enabler of economic expansion, technological innovation and digital transformation in various sectors, including government services, education, healthcare, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and data center infrastructure.
“This is Digital Bayanihan in action. While each company competes in the marketplace, they are united in helping connect communities, grow the economy, create quality jobs, and strengthen the foundations of a more digitally empowered Philippines,” he added.
Pooled resources
PLDT, Globe Telecom and Converged ICT have shown an increasing willingness to work together toward the shared goal of developing the country’s digital infrastructure.
Last month, the three companies submitted a proposal for the construction of a nationwide submarine cable system, estimated to cost $500 million. Instead of adding capacity to existing systems, the project will involve installing brand new cables.
The three telecom companies have reportedly formed a consortium with the intention of completing the construction of the national submarine cable system within 24 months of receiving government approval.
If government approval for the project could be expedited and construction began this year, the new domestic submarine cable system could be operational before the end of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term in June 2028.
Shared fiber conduits
Three weeks ago, Globe Telecom submitted a proposal to the government-backed Private Sector Advisory Council in support of draft regulations that would require telecoms and utility companies to share underground conduits when installing fiber infrastructure.
Froi Castelo, Globe Telecom general counsel, noted that the draft regulations have the potential to significantly streamline and enhance the efficiency of fiber optic network deployment across the country.
“A common policy for shared use of underground conduit infrastructure will give the industry a common framework for planning, deployment, and long-term management,” said Castelo, who also serves as president of the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO).
“Clear governance and consistent national standards will accelerate network rollouts, improve resilience to service disruptions and optimize investments that ultimately benefit consumers and the country’s digital economy,” he said
In its proposal, Globe Telecom called for a unified national policy on underground conduit infrastructure and urged for a coordinated national framework to guide the planning, construction and governance of underground conduit systems across the country.
It also recommended that a single conduit should be excavated alongside national roads and public rights of way to provide shared access for all qualified telecom operators. This approach is intended to speed up fiber deployment by eliminating the need for telecom companies to repeatedly obtain permits and carry out multiple road excavations each time new infrastructure is installed.
The proposal aligns with the Dig Once Policy under Section 17 of the Konektadong Pinoy Act.
“A unified underground conduit framework can help the country build networks that are more resilient and better equipped to support the Philippines’ growing digital economy,” said Joel Agustin, Globe’s senior vice president for service planning and engineering.
Globe Telecom noted that an underground conduit infrastructure is a step toward eliminating fiber theft and fiber cuts that impact overall network experience in the country.
