Globe partners with Google to boost smartphone, Internet penetration

MANILA, Philippines - Ayala-led Globe Telecom Inc. has partnered with Internet giant Google to further boost smartphone and Internet penetration in the Philippines.

Issa Cabreira, senior vice president for consumer mobile marketing at Globe, said the partnership involves the launch of Android One devices such as Cherry Mobile Uno and MyPhone One running on the latest Android 5.1 software Lollipop.

 “Over the years, Globe has been purveyor of the digital lifestyle by extending free access to the Internet on the back of its partnerships with global brands such as Google, Facebook, and Viber,” Cabreira said.

Under the partnership, Globe customers purchasing the latest Android One devices would get free 100MB of mobile data connectivity per month for six months.

Aside from using mobile data to access the Internet on their phones, it would also help ensure their devices automatically update to the latest version of Android.

Customers would also be able to download select apps from Google Play Store for free up to 200MB of mobile data per month for six months and at the same time allows new customers to get free 100MB to 150MB of data per month for one year for as long as they load at least P100 per month depending on their device.

 “As the leading digital service provider in the country, we want the continuing shift to a digital lifestyle to be more inclusive by providing free Internet on superior but reasonably-priced devices. We are confident this initiative will get more Filipinos to embrace the smartphone and data revolution,” Cabreira added.

While smartphone and other mobile devices are increasingly becoming more affordable, the experience in some of the entry-level phones may not be as seamless, as their operating system has limited or no access to the latest software updates and apps.

As Android One’s operating system is always up to date, it promises to give a faster and smoother smartphone experience for the customers.

Google vice president for product management Caesar Sengupta said the partnership with Globe would help entice more Filipinos to connect to the internet through the mobile devices.

 “Data connections have been a serious barrier to getting the internet into more people’s hands. We are thrilled about the commitment of Globe to reduce costs on app updates and downloads for people with Android One phones — a key step to making extraordinary smartphone technology more accessible and affordable,” he added.

Globe is spending about $500 million to beef up its data network over the next two years as the company expects rich media content to define the use of mobile starting this year.

For this year, Globe has earmarked $850 million for its capital expenditures including the $200 million carry over from last year’s budget.

Approximately 75 percent of the total amount would be related to data such as the deployment of long term evolution (LTE) mobile and LTE @Home, capacity and coverage augmentation of the 3G, HSPA+ and DSL network, as well as requirements for domestic transmission and international cable capacities while 25 percent would be used for business support systems in line with product innovations, and other corporate capital expenditures.