Smart, Globe race to put up more 4G LTE infra sites

MANILA, Philippines - Rivals Globe Telecom Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. continue the race for the roll out of fourth generation (4G) infrastructure for the long term evolution (LTE) as well as high speed packet access plus (HSPA+) technology to provide subscribers with fast Internet connection.

 Robert Tan, chief technical adviser of Globe, said the company has activated more 4G sites that is now available in key cities in Metro Manila that include Makati City, Pasig City, Quezon City, Taguig, Manila, Muntinlupa, San Juan, and Las Pinas.

 LTE infrastructure has  also been established in Metro Cebu and Metro Davao as well as in select areas in the provinces of Bohol, Batangas, Negros Occidental, La Union, Rizal, Aklan Laguna, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Cavite, Cagayan, Pangasinan, Isabela, Ilocos, Quirino, Tarlac  and  in key tourist destination Boracay.

 â€œGlobe Telecom’s rollout of 4G infrastructure is well on its course in line with our commitment to provide the fastest speed on the world’s best mobile phones and gadgets,” Tan stressed.

 He pointed out that Globe expects to further enhance its LTE network expansion in the months ahead as LTE sites would be fired up in select areas in the country.

 â€œMajority of the planned LTE sites for 2013 will be activated in the second half of the year,” he added.

On the other hand, about 78 percent of the company’s network is already running on HSPA+, providing faster mobile browsing experience for its customers. In metropolitan Manila alone, about 96 percent currently utilizes HSPA+.

Tan emphasized the company’s approach to the LTE rollout has been to focus on “large contiguous areas” instead of “pocket activations” and “hotspots” to ensure greater and more stable coverage for customers.

He added that Globe would have comprehensive HSPA+ coverage of close to 100 percent by the end of the year amid its $790 million transformation initiatives.

Meanwhile, Smart technology services head Rolando Peña said the company would continue to expand its 4G LTE network consisting of over 1,000 sites covering 180 cities and municipalities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Smart is the only operator to provide 4G LTE coverage for mobile users in Caloocan, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Navotas, Paranaque, Pasay, Pateros, and Valenzuela. It also covers key areas in Albay, Bataan, Batangas, Benguet, Camarines Sur, Masbate, Mindoro Oriental, Pangasinan, Quezon and Zambales.

Moreover, Smart is the sole 4G LTE provider in Capiz, Iloilo, Leyte and Negros Oriental in the Visayas, and Misamis Oriental and Zamboanga Del Sur in Mindanao.

“Our 4G LTE rollout is the cutting edge of our wireless broadband offerings. This technology platform offers our subscribers the best high-speed, multi-media mobile internet experience,” Pena said.