Globe Telecom Inc. will roll out more than 400 wireless laser links nationwide over the next three years in partnership with Singapore-based Transcelestial, aiming to accelerate the Philippines’ 5G expansion and strengthen digital infrastructure.
The deployment positions Globe as one of the first operators globally to use wireless optical technology at scale.
The company said the laser links will provide fiber‑class capacity for last‑mile and backhaul connectivity, bypassing traditional construction delays and addressing the geographic challenges of the Philippine archipelago.
“Globe’s strategy recognizes that no single technology will define the future of national networks. The move to deploy Transcelestial lasers represents an acceleration of our commitment to bring better access to more Filipinos at speed. We are creating a flexible, future-ready network that adapts to rising capacity needs and environmental constraints,” said Joel Agustin, senior vice president for Engineering and Network Planning at Globe.
Transcelestial chief executive Rohit Jha said: “Our 400-link rollout with Globe is a signal that the country is embracing new infrastructure models to overcome old constraints. We are proud to work with a forward-thinking partner like Globe to accelerate the digital economy for all Filipinos.”
The partnership is backed by Kickstart Ventures, Globe’s corporate venture capital arm, which has invested in Transcelestial. “Kickstart’s investment in Transcelestial reflects Globe’s broader commitment to strengthening the country’s digital backbone. By supporting scalable, resilient connectivity solutions, we’re helping enable more inclusive economic participation across regions, which is fundamental to building a more future-ready Philippines,” said Joan Yao, General Partner at Kickstart Ventures.
The rollout follows trials in Visayas and Mindanao and deployments at the Philippine Arena during large-scale events in 2024–2025. Globe said these gave it confidence to scale the technology nationwide.
Asticom, Globe’s shared services subsidiary, is serving as the local engineering partner
. “We are proud to enable Globe’s high-tech rollout by bridging the gap between cutting-edge innovation and local infrastructure,” said Mharicar Castillo-Reyes, president and chief executive of Asticom. “Our goal is to build meaningful connections that improve Filipino lives through reliable, future-ready connectivity.”
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