GLOBE TELECOM, INC. expects to speed up the expansion of its data center business after its partner ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) secured latest backing from global investment firms KKR and Singtel.
“What this really just means for us here within the Philippines is a stronger partner that permits us to have enhanced scaling power globally with the backing of KKR and Singtel,” STT GDC Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer Carlomagno E. Malana said during a media briefing on Monday.
“It also creates a chance for us to extend our ability to future proof, with the expanded capital investment opportunities,” he added.
The event follows an agreement for investment firm KKR and communications technology group Singtel to amass an 82% stake in Singapore-based data center operator STT GDC.
STT GDC operates within the Philippines through STT GDC Philippines, a three way partnership with Globe and Ayala Corp.
STT GDC Philippines operates seven data centers within the country with a combined information technology (IT) load of about 150 megawatts (MW), based on information from its website. Other than STT Fairview, the corporate can also be constructing STT Cavite 2, which has an estimated IT load of six MW.
Mr. Malana said the brand new ownership structure is predicted to support the local unit’s long-term expansion, particularly as demand for data storage and cloud services continues to grow.
Individually, Globe last month partnered with Elon Musk’s Starlink to bring direct-to-cell satellite services to the Philippines, making the country the primary in Southeast Asia to supply the technology.
Globe said it plans to supply the service commercially by end-March, adding that it’s working to lower pricing to make the service more accessible.
Mr. Cruz said Globe doesn’t expect the service to be a serious revenue driver.
“It is vitally obvious to all of you that we won’t make cash out of this. It’s a really costly service but it surely’s something that we decided to supply to the Philippines. This service will now allow our subscribers or potential subscribers even in far-flung areas, those communities which are unreachable to be reached by satellite,” he said.
For this 12 months, Globe expects low- to mid-single-digit revenue growth, following a decline in 2025.
The Ayala-led telecommunications company said its 2025 net income fell by 4.12% to P23.3 billion from P24.3 billion in 2024, weighed down by higher depreciation and interest expenses and lower revenues.
Globe said strong demand and continued growth in mobile data services are expected to support revenue growth this 12 months.
On the local bourse on Monday, shares in the corporate rose by P15, or 0.87%, to shut at P1,733 apiece. — Ashley Erika O. Jose