Unlimited call and text, mobile browsing boost Globe mobile revenues
7:28 AM
Vernon Joseph Go
The Filipinos’ penchant for unlimited text messaging and voice calls coupled with the growing popularity of mobile internet browsing have given a significant boost to Globe Telecom’s mobile revenues this year.
For the first half of 2012, Globe mobile revenues reached P33.3 billion, P1.9 billion higher than the figure for the same period last year. Mobile revenues account for 82% of Globe consolidated revenues which include broadband, fixed line data, and fixed line voice.
“Despite intensifying competition, our subscribers continued preference for our value offerings such as unlimited SMS and voice subscriptions as well as highly-affordable mobile browsing allowed us to sustain the growth momentum of our mobile business,” said Ernest L. Cu, Globe President and CEO.
Globe mobile data and mobile voice revenues were both up by 6% year-on-year. Mobile data revenues grew from P15.3 billion for the first six months of 2011 to P16.2 billion as of June 30 this year driven by increasing smartphone penetration and the launch of value-based data browsing plans as well as growth in unlimited SMS subscriptions. This more than offset the decline in regular pay-per-use SMS and inbound SMS revenues which was driven by the NTC-mandated reduction in access charges from P0.35 to P0.15 per SMS.
On the other hand, mobile voice revenues went from P16.1 billion for the first six months of 2011 to P17 billion for the same period of 2012 due to increase in bulk and unlimited voice subscriptions, VOIP, and roaming services which compensated for the decline in regular outbound voice and international services.
The persistent demand for the company’s customizable postpaid plans bundled with the latest and top-of-the-line phone offers, targeted rewards and loyalty program, and customer-centric design of concept stores all played a key role in the success of its postpaid brand. Today, the postpaid segment delivers 33% of total mobile revenues, up from 29% last year.
To complement the growth in the postpaid segment, Globe Telecom’s prepaid brands held steady year-on-year, with revenues at P22.4 billion, led by its mass market TM brand. All told, postpaid and prepaid subscribers totaled 31.7 million as of end-June, up 12% against last year and 2%.
Key product offers and initiatives that have contributed to the company’s strong performance include the delivery of best smartphones in the market such as the Nokia Lumia 800, Blackberry Curve 9220 and 9320m and the Samsung Galaxy S III, which all perform best with Globe Unli Surf Combo Plans.
For prepaid subscribers, Globe ALLNET25 gives them the freedom to communicate via unlimited text to all networks, 10 minutes of calls to all networks, 50 minutes of calls to Globe and TM, and 5Mb of consumable browsing, all for one day.
