Globe, KDDI study retail expansion and new recurring‑revenue models

The Philippine telco cut physical footprint two years ago as customers shifted online.

Philippines’ Globe Telecom and Japan’s KDDI Corporation are exploring an expansion of Globe’s retail footprint as part of a partnership to identify growth opportunities in mobile services and customer experience.

In a statement, Globe said the companies are also examining how KDDI’s experience with recurring revenue models that link telecommunications with financial, entertainment, lifestyle, and other digital services could complement Globe’s customer base of about 67 million.

The retail initiative would seek to redesign Globe’s stores as more customers shift to digital channels, whilst retaining in-person support and customer assistance.

Globe reduced parts of its physical retail footprint two years ago as more customers moved to digital channels. The companies are now exploring how Globe’s stores could serve customers in a more digital and connected market.

“Globe has always believed that growth goes hand in hand with elevating our overall customer experience philosophy,” said Carl Cruz, President and CEO of Globe.

Cruz said the partnership would give Globe the opportunity to learn from KDDI’s telecommunications and digital services ecosystem, whilst bringing its understanding of Filipino customers to the partnership.

The companies will also explore ways to make mobile services more relevant, retail experiences more seamless, and digital solutions more responsive to the needs of Filipino customers.

“As we look towards 2027 and beyond, our goal is to create value that goes beyond connectivity and helps build a stronger, more inclusive digital ecosystem for the country,” he said.