MANILA, Philippines — Globe Telecom Inc. is set to revolutionize Philippine connectivity by deploying wireless laser links nationwide over the next three years. This technology allows for high-speed data transmission through the air, eliminating the need for traditional underground or overhead fiber-optic cables.
In partnership with Singapore-based startup Transcelestial, Globe plans to install over 400 wireless laser links.
- How it Works: The system uses invisible laser beams to transmit data at “fiber-class” speeds. Because it doesn’t require digging or physical cables, it bypasses traditional construction delays and right-of-way issues.
- Target Areas: The technology is specifically aimed at difficult-to-reach locations such as coastlines, mountains, and disaster-prone areas where laying physical fiber is nearly impossible or too expensive.
- 5G Support: These laser links will provide the necessary “backhaul” capacity to support 5G towers and small cells, ensuring consistent high-speed internet even in remote provinces.
The nationwide rollout follows a successful partnership that began in August 2025.
- Initial Sites: Testing has already been completed in parts of the Visayas and Mindanao, as well as at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan during high-capacity events.
- Future Testing: Globe is also exploring long-distance laser systems that can transmit data across distances of up to 15 kilometers, with further testing scheduled for later in 2026.
- Partners: Asticom, a Globe-owned engineering firm, will serve as the local partner for the physical installation, while Kickstart Ventures (Globe’s investment arm) remains a backer of Transcelestial.
“By utilizing wireless laser links, Globe can now deliver fiber-class capacity… through a rapid deployment model,” said Joel Agustin, Senior Vice President at Globe. Rohit Jha, CEO of Transcelestial, added that the rollout is a sign that the Philippines is embracing “new infrastructure models to overcome old constraints.”