Globe network upgrade ahead of schedule

MANILA, Philippines - Ayala-controlled Globe Telecom Inc. is set to complete about 80 percent of its $700-million network modernization and transformation program within the year Peter Bithos, senior adviser for consumer business of Globe, said in a press conference that the company was originally looking at a 65 percent to 70 percent completion this year.

“We hope to end the year close to 80 percent and we are one to three months ahead of schedule,” Bithos stressed.

He pointed out that the first phase of the project is expected to be completed by the first quarter of next year resulting in a clearer, faster, and better network.

“We hope to wrap up the entire program by the first quarter of next year. This will be a faster, better, and stronger network,” he added.

The program covers the relocation of sites, repositioning of antennas, new antenna system, laying down 12,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable as well as increasing the number of cell sites covering both 3G and 4G.

He pointed out that the new network would translate to quicker connection, clearer sound, text messages arriving on time even during peak hours as well as faster Internet surfing and downloading.

For his part, Globe president and chief executive officer Ernest Cu said in a letter to subscribers that the network transformation would result in significantly better and more reliable service.

“Calls will connect more quickly and will sound clearer. Dropped calls will be substantially reduced, if not eliminated, and text messages will arrive on time even during peak hours,” Cu said in the letter.

He added that 3G coverage would be pervasive while 4G would be expanding significantly increasing surfing and downloading speeds.

“Our new network is designed to be weather-proof and equipped with advanced backup systems so you can count on continuous service. More importantly, it will be future-proof to be able to handle all the needs of our subscribers both today and tomorrow,” he said.

The telecom provider has completed its new infrastructure facilities in northern and eastern Metro Manila, as well as the province of Rizal including high traffic areas such as Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela, Marikina City, as well as the towns of Angono, Antipolo, Baras, Binangonan, Cardona, Jala-Jala, Morong, Pililia, Rodriguez, San Mateo, Tanay and Teresa in Rizal.

It has already completed its cell site and other network facilities upgrade in Cebu that would benefit about seven million Filipinos as well as the Davao region and Zamboanga provinces.