Globe launches first ever LTE smartphone handset

CEBU, Philippines -  Just in time for the holiday season, Globe Telecom launched the country’s first ever Long-Term Evolution (LTE) smartphone handset, unveiled the first-of-its-kind mobile phone protection program and received the much-anticipated iPhone 5 units which are ready to be deployed in the Philippines.

As the first Philippine telecommunications company to commercially launch the first LTE handset in the country, Globe has included the Huawei Ascend P1 in its product line under its set of fully-customizable postpaid pans.

“Finally, the first LTE smartphone arrives in the Philippines, and it traverses through the Globe doorsteps via our Globe Stores. Together with our device partners, we are excited to bring a world-class mobile experience that is LTE to our subscribers, truly empowering them their way,” said Globe Postpaid Head Martha Sazon said in a recent press statement.

Huawei Ascend P1 LTE is its first exclusive smartphone offering that runs on its fourth-generation (4G) LTE network that has rapidly expanded in key commercial and residential areas in Makati since it was launched in September.

It has a 1.5GH Dual Core, 1GB RAM, 4.3" Super AMOLED Capacitive Multi-Touch Screen, Android ICS with 8 megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.

To ensure greater and more stable coverage for its customers, the Globe 4G LTE network is projected to cover sites in NCR, Cebu, and Davao by yearend and more areas nationwide by 2013.

Sazon added that subscribers could purchase the Huawei Ascend P1 LTE under Globe’s unlimited data plans and experience mobile browsing speeds of up to 100 Mbps, on-time exchange of text messages, as well as clearer calls and faster call connections.

It is available for free at Globe Unli Surf 1799, at lower postpaid plans with minimum cash-outs such as Unli Surf 999 at P500 cashout for 24 months and at prepaid kit at P21 000.

She further revealed that the company will soon offer the second batch of LTE exclusive smartphones that includes the Samsung Galaxy S III LTE, ZTE T81, and a host of other LTE-enabled smartphones with more Globe LTE sites.   — Grace Melanie I. Lacamiento

According to Globe Chief Technology Adviser Robert Tan, Globe’s 4G LTE network has a speed of at least 10 times faster than existing 2G and 3G networks for quicker responses to every user application.

He said that it also provides better outdoor coverage with the advanced antenna solutions.

Meanwhile, Globe Telecom as the postpaid leader and longtime-Apple partner has recently received the first batch of iPhone 5 units which would be made available in Globe Stores in time for its commercial launch on December 14 in the Philippines.

The company already began to accept pre-orders for the iPhone 5 last week thru its customer hotline and website.

Also, Globe Telecom unveiled the first-of–its-kind protection program for mobile phones and gadgets, Globe Gadget Care, in partnership with the global insurance provider, Ace Insurance.

 Globe Gadget Care guarantees hassle-free handset replacement, easy claims processing, and worldwide protection coverage and provides the complete mobile protection program exclusive to Globe postpaid subscribers.

  “At Globe, we understand how important mobile phones are nowadays. It is an essential tool to connect with people who matter most, so launching Globe Gadget Care is very timely and relevant, especially at the height of the upcoming holiday season where phone robberies are more rampant,” Sazon said.

With the new mobile protection, she noted that subscribers need not to worry about losing their handsets due to unforeseen circumstances or accidents just by being Globe-connected.

This year, the company’s postpaid customers have reached a total of 1.66 million with a 22% growth from the previous year at 1.37 million.

With up 10% year-on-year growth, the total number of Globe subscribers had increased from 29.1 million to 32.1 million. (FREEMAN)