Local telecommunications companies have announced more than $2 billion in capital spending for 2026, with the total potentially reaching $2.45 billion once projected investments from DITO Telecommunity are included, according to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
Citing company disclosures and earnings briefings as of August, the DICT said the combined capital expenditure guidance of PLDT, Globe Telecom, and Converge ICT Solutions amounted to about $2.21 billion.
PLDT has allocated about P55 billion, or roughly $930 million, while Globe expects its spending to remain below P59.4 billion, equivalent to about $950 million to $970 million. Converge has set a capital expenditure range of P17 billion to P20 billion, or around $310 million based on the midpoint.
DITO’s 2026 investments are expected to be lower than its P15-billion to P18-billion spending in 2025. The DICT estimated the company could spend between $170 million and $250 million this year, bringing total industry capital expenditures to about $2.4 billion to $2.45 billion.
The figures are based on publicly disclosed company guidance and remain subject to changes in the telcos’ spending plans.
DICT secretary Henry Aguda said the planned investments indicated continued confidence in the country’s telecommunications market.
“Crossing the $2-billion mark sends a clear message: the telecommunications industry believes in the Philippines. These investments will translate into more infrastructure, better connectivity, new jobs, and greater opportunities for Filipinos as we continue building a digital-first economy,” Aguda said.
The spending comes as the government begins implementing the Konektadong Pinoy Act and continues the expansion of the National Fiber Backbone.
Telecommunications infrastructure also supports digital government services, e-commerce, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data centers, education, and healthcare.
