In this article:
- 1935 to 2010: Laying the Foundation for a Connected Future
- 2011 to 2013: Building a Stronger Connection
- 2014 to 2018: Entertainment at Your Fingertips
- 2019 to 2020: Ushering in the 5G Era
- 2021 to 2023: Expanding Your Digital World
- 2024 and 2025: Advancing Social Impact Through Technology and AI
- 2026 and Beyond: Unlocking New Digital Possibilities
- A Leader in Innovation You Can Count On
Every new wave of technology continues to change how people communicate, do business, and are entertained.
Globe Telecom has evolved alongside these changes, continuously expanding its services and embracing technological advancements. As a leading Philippine telecommunications company that has expanded beyond connectivity, Globe remains committed to creating digital solutions and innovations that make everyday life seamless, accessible, and full of possibilities.
Take a look at Globe Telecom’s history and explore the company’s milestones, from its humble beginnings to its latest breakthroughs.
1935 to 2010: Laying the Foundation for a Connected Future
Founded in 1935 as Globe Wireless Limited, the company first established its presence by providing wireless long-distance messaging services in the Philippines. Since then, it has grown and transformed significantly, reaching several important corporate milestones along the way.
In 1965, Globe Wireless Limited became Globe-Mackay Cable & Radio Corporation and expanded its services when the government passed Republic Act No. 4630, which allowed it to provide additional types of communication, including international communication. This meant it could connect our country with the rest of the world.
Ayala Corporation emerged as a major shareholder in 1974, further shaping its position in the telecom industry. Then, in 1975, Globe-Mackay made history as the first telecommunications company in the Philippines to be listed, debuting on the Manila and Makati Stock Exchange. These two exchanges later combined in 1992 to form what is now known as the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).
In the same year, Globe-Mackay united with Clavecilla Radio Corporation, creating GMCR, Inc. This gave GMCR the capacity to meet its customers' telecommunications needs locally and internationally.
GMCR continued to strengthen its ownership and partnerships in the years that followed. In 1993, it gained a new foreign partner, Singapore Telecom, Inc. (STI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel), after Ayala and STI signed an agreement.
By 1998, GMCR had been renamed Globe Telecom, which remains the company’s official corporate name to this day.
The liberalization of the Philippine telecommunications industry during this time opened the market to greater competition and network expansion. During this period, Globe built out its digital mobile network, pioneered SMS in the Philippines, expanded international roaming, and grew its subscriber base as mobile use became more widespread.
Globe’s acquisition of Islacom in 2001 further strengthened the business. By 2003, Islacom had been renamed Innove Communications and consolidated Globe’s fixed-line services, while innovations such as AutoLoad Max made prepaid mobile access more convenient for customers.
Fast forward to 2004, and came the birth of GCash, operated by G-Xchange, Inc., which started as a text-message-based money transfer and payment system for Globe subscribers before smartphones were popular. Later that year, Globe became a founding member of Bridge Alliance, a regional alliance of leading Asia-Pacific mobile operators. Through the alliance, it helped expand regional mobile services and roaming opportunities for its subscribers.
Globe took another step in bringing new mobile technology to Filipino consumers in 2008 with the official launch of the iPhone 3G in the Philippines. At the same time, the company continued investing in its network and infrastructure as mobile usage grew and consumer demand shifted toward more data-driven services.
By 2010, these developments had laid the groundwork for Globe’s next major phase. As more people relied on mobile internet, Globe needed a stronger, more modern network.
2011 to 2013: Building a Stronger Connection
In the early days of mobile internet, slower speeds and limited data meant that going online required a lot of patience. Recognizing the need for stronger connectivity, Globe upgraded its network from 3G to 4G in 2011. This was part of a two-year network and systems modernization program that Globe completed in 2013, enhancing its infrastructure to support the shift from basic voice and SMS traffic toward the growing demand for data, digital services, and content.
Alongside this technological transformation, Globe also reshaped its culture around putting the customer at the heart of the business, making the customer experience central to its operations. In 2013, these changes were reflected in the relaunch of the Globe brand with a new logo and the tagline “Creating a Wonderful World,” marking an important step in its evolution toward becoming a digital brand.
The company also introduced GoSAKTO, a do-it-yourself prepaid service that allowed subscribers to build their own promos that best suit their needs and budget, rather than choosing from fixed options.
2014 to 2018: Entertainment at Your Fingertips
As digital content became central to daily life, Globe went beyond mere communication, transforming entertainment consumption from scheduled, location-bound entertainment to on-demand access to music, sports, movies, and other content wherever customers were.
In 2014, building on the launch of Tattoo Home Broadband and its LTE-powered home broadband expansion in 2013, Globe continued expanding beyond mobile. Its high-speed home internet offerings gave families greater access to online entertainment and digital services, while industry-first partnerships with Spotify and the NBA let customers stream music and catch live sports from their phones.
The following year, Globe introduced the MyLifestyle Plan, with app bundle options to match how you live or tailored to different digital interests. At the same time, Globe Business helped enterprises and SMEs adopt connectivity and digital solutions as technology became increasingly essential to how they worked and served customers.
The defining year for Globe was 2015, when it became the #1 mobile brand in the Philippines, a significant achievement that reflected its shift toward digital and strengthened customers’ preference for Globe’s mobile and data services. The following year, Globe partnered with Netflix to bring the streaming service closer to Filipino viewers through its mobile and broadband offerings, giving customers a more convenient way to enjoy on-demand movies and TV shows.
Globe also deepened its entertainment partnerships through Disney and won international awards for its original short-form ad video, "Create Courage," featuring the brand's support for the Star Wars movie franchise. The excitement grew further with the launch of 0917 Lifestyle’s themed collection. What started as a mobile prefix for Globe subscribers turned into a lifestyle brand. Through collaborations featuring Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, SpongeBob, K-Pop, and Sanrio, Globe gave various fandoms a tangible way to express and engage with their favorite digital content through merchandise and collectibles.
The iconic 0917 prefix also inspired Globe’s 917 Day tradition, which began in 2016 as a special celebration for its customers and later became known as GDay. Each year, the festivities continue to bring customers together through concerts, raffles, bazaars, and other existing events as a tribute to their tenure and thanks for their brand loyalty.
Globe continued to innovate in 2017, unveiling Home Prepaid WiFi, giving families and budget-conscious households a more flexible and affordable way to access the internet at home without the commitment of a traditional fixed broadband plan. The world of original content also expanded with Globe Live and Studios, where you could watch amazing productions like A Christmas Carol.
By 2018, the release of the GlobeOne app brought all-in-one convenience for managing your account, earning rewards points, and redeeming them for special perks. That same year, Globe rolled out eSIM for postpaid users, allowing you to activate your mobile services without a physical SIM card, particularly useful for a growing generation of smartphone users, frequent travelers, and people adopting newer eSIM-enabled devices.
2019 to 2020: Ushering in the 5G Era
The year 2019 marked a historic moment as Globe brought the Philippines’ first-ever 5G network, initially for broadband users. As more Filipinos shifted to remote work and virtual classes during the 2020 pandemic, Globe continued to scale 5G services across its coverage areas.
Even during these challenging times, Globe continued to innovate with people’s evolving needs in mind. Through 917Ventures, Globe invested in local tech startups like HealthNow, a platform that made healthcare more accessible by allowing users, including those in remote areas, to consult with doctors online. At the same time, Globe connected Hallyu enthusiasts, one of the world’s most influential cultural phenomena, through its Kmmunity space, where you could share your love for Korean culture, from K-pop to K-drama, with fellow fans.
2021 to 2023: Expanding Your Digital World
Globe’s continued journey pushed the boundaries of connectivity and digital services to keep up with the changing times.
In 2021, Globe launched Home Fiber internet services for a seamless connection at your doorstep. The same year, the groundbreaking ONENUMBER made it possible to share and use your mobile number across your phone and wearable devices, making it easier to stay reachable and connected across the devices people increasingly relied on every day.
As digital entertainment and online communities continued to grow, Globe also saw opportunities to support the ways customers connected through shared interests and purpose. By 2022, Globe Gamer Grounds debuted as a gaming hub where players could connect, compete, and celebrate. Globe also led The Hapag Movement, demonstrating how technology can drive positive change to address hunger while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
In 2023, GDay continued to evolve with experiences that brought technology, creativity, and communities together. Its first G Creator Con offered talks, mentorship opportunities, interactive digital experiences, and a 5G Innovations Lab for aspiring Filipino creators. Globe then introduced GFiber Prepaid in the same year, giving more households access to high-speed internet with zero lock-in contracts and total flexibility.
2024 and 2025: Advancing Social Impact Through Technology and AI
Technological advancement continued to serve a greater purpose as Globe evolved its core business, network, and customer experience, harnessing digital inclusion for broader social good while embracing the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
In 2024, the company, together with GCash, partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to support humanitarian programs through technology-enabled solutions. The partnership aimed to improve access to education, strengthen disaster response, and promote financial inclusion, showing how Globe’s technological capabilities could extend beyond connectivity and entertainment to address diverse community needs.
By 2025, Globe had made Generative AI a larger part of its business to improve operational efficiency and enhance services, while emphasizing responsible AI practices. This marked another step in Globe’s evolution as a technology-driven company, with AI becoming increasingly integrated into how it operated and served customers.
Within the same year, Globe also launched its largest technology and innovations summit to date, INNOVANIA 2025: COSMIC NEXUS. The event explored how AI, robotics, sustainability, and resilient infrastructure can help develop more connected and future-ready cities.
Globe’s customer-focused initiatives also reached a milestone as they continued to evolve alongside technology. For the tenth GDay, the GlobeOne app served as the celebration's digital home, offering daily surprises, rewards, and experiences tailored to customers. More than a decade after its launch, GDay reflected how Globe’s approach to connectivity had grown beyond providing services to creating more meaningful, digitally driven, and real-world experiences for its customers.
2026 and Beyond: Unlocking New Digital Possibilities
As Globe entered 2026, it continued to expand the possibilities of connectivity, from reaching more Filipinos through satellite technology to helping them make more of the digital tools available to them.
One of its biggest connectivity milestones was its partnership with Starlink to introduce satellite-to-mobile service in the Philippines. The technology aims to extend mobile connectivity to remote and disaster-affected areas, allowing Filipinos to connect using their existing LTE phones. In fact, Globe had already put the technology to use supporting emergency communications after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake affected parts of Mindanao, demonstrating how satellite technology can help provide connectivity when traditional infrastructure is disrupted.
Globe’s AI adoption also reached new heights, with 90% of its employees using Gemini for Workspace. Workshops with Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services further showed the successful transition of AI from curiosity to a practical tool that simplifies everyday tasks.
Beyond its workplace, Globe also expanded AI access to its customers through AI Fiesta. It’s an all-in-one AI platform that brings together the world’s most powerful AI models, such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, and DeepSeek, in a single premium app. With Globe-exclusive offers and affordable subscription options, you can compare AI responses, create images, conduct research, and ease routine activities without subscribing to multiple AI services.
Apart from bridging connectivity gaps, Globe also prioritized helping Filipinos better manage their growing digital lives with the Globe Cloud app. Instead of deleting files to free up space, you can securely store and organize them online, with flexible cloud storage options available to suit your needs.
A Leader in Innovation You Can Count On
Every milestone starts with a bold step forward. As a proudly Philippine brand, Globe Telecom’s history reflects its long-standing commitment to helping users create meaningful connections and improve their lives through technology.
From pioneering network advancements to expanding digital solutions and AI-powered experiences, Globe continues to shape products and services that strengthen bonds among families, communities, and the nation while responding to Filipinos’ changing digital needs.
Whatever your day looks like, Globe is with you as you learn, work, relax, explore, connect, move forward, and make the most of your memories, big or small.
And as technology continues to evolve, so will Globe. It will open up new possibilities, create richer digital experiences, and empower Filipinos to move confidently into the future—one innovation at a time.
