Globe allots $500 M to improve mobile network

MANILA, Philippines - Globe Telecom is investing $500 million this year, a significant portion of which will be allocated to improve the quality and capacity of its mobile network infrastructure throughout the country.

Globe officials pointed out that network quality will be a top priority for the company this year. As part of its network transformation program, Globe is making one of its biggest network investments in quality and capacity to date, where the significant amount will be used for capacity buildup, network modernization and optimization.

These upgrades in the network systems are expected to provide better subscriber experience in call, text and data services for its 2G, 3G and 4G customers.

In line with this major investment, Globe earlier announced a major expansion of its current 4G footprint with the country’s first commercial rollout of 4G mobile technology. At its initial phase, Globe utilized the global standard HSPA+ Globe allots or Evolved High-Speed Packet Access for its 4G mobile network.

Complementing the company’s existing 4G WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) network, HSPA+ is a 4G wireless, mobile, high speed broadband technology that allows for peak theoretical download speeds of up to 21 Mbps with upgradeability for 84 Mbps.

Under the Globe HSPA+ network, subscribers are expected to enjoy browsing at a typical speed of 4-6 Mbps with even faster peak speeds.

“Our customers are looking for better network quality, and this is what we are giving them. We are making a substantial investment in our network to improve the quality of our services to our subscribers. Certainly, the network on which our services are delivered play a pivotal role in achieving superior customer experience,” Globe president and CEO Ernest Cu said.

He explained that by continuously enhancing their network facilities and operations, Globe subscribers will enjoy better quality and greater reliability for calls, text messaging and data services.

“This year, we are making significant investments in upgrading and expanding our networks. One tangible result of which is the commercial rollout of 4G for mobile, making us the first Philippine operator with a 4G mobile network in the country,” Cu added.

The 4G HSPA+ rollout expands the foray of Globe into new and up-to-date network technologies to provide its subscribers with high-speed broadband access with the added convenience of full mobility.