Globe makes successful first EDGE data call on live network

Globe Telecom has achieved another major milestone by making the first EDGE (Enhanced Data for Global Evolution) live network trial call, putting it one step closer to commercially launching this latest telecommunications technology for its Globe Handyphone subscribers in the Philippines.

With the recent successful integration of EDGE technology into its live cellular phone network, Globe is now placed in an enviable position among select GSM operators in the USA, Singapore, Hong Kong and Canada now in various stages of EDGE trial and deployment.

"This is a big step towards the eventual commercial offering of EDGE to our subscribers and is in fact consistent with Globe’s pioneering status in the highly competitive Philippine GSM cellular market. We are in for the long-term, and we believe that offering more sophisticated EDGE-based value-added mobile services and features gives us a distinct competitive advantage in meeting our subscribers‘ needs for more sophisticated mobile data applications requiring bigger file sizes and data speeds," said Globe Telecom president and CEO Gerardo Ablaza Jr.

Globe has pioneered a number of telecommunications services, dating back to 1994 when it first introduced Filipinos to text messaging and international roaming via its GSM-based cellular mobile phone service. Among the major innovations introduced by Globe are prepaid international roaming (April 2002), MMS, or multi-media messaging service (July 2002), video messaging (February 2003) and video streaming (March 2003).

"Tapping both Nokia and Ericsson as suppliers, Globe Telecom is well on its way to realizing its commercial introduction of EDGE technology. We foresee EDGE as a major development that will let our more than seven million subscribers enjoy existing and upcoming value-added services, and moreover, enhanced technology," said Globe Telecom wireless business head Ferdinand de la Cruz.

He added that EDGE has a host of future benefits in store for its Globe Handyphone users. "EDGE will provide a better and more valuable experience for users of mobile data, allowing them to access bigger data files at faster speeds using their Globe Handyphones. Once it becomes operational, EDGE will enhance our current services, as well as enable us to present bigger, more exciting future mobile data offerings to our customers," he noted.

Future applications that can be run using EDGE technology include high quality music streaming, intranet web access, animated advertisements, images with voice, and enhanced video clip downloads. Currently, Globe’s line of applications for its mobile service include mobile banking, video streaming, ring tone and icon downloading, information downloading, video and photo messaging, and Java games, among others.

The introduction of EDGE in an actual part of Globe’s live cellular network marks the start of phase two of EDGE trials. This involves a larger and more complex environment than the preparatory laboratory testing previously conducted. The EDGE-enhanced components of the GSM network are actually subjected to stress factors such as EDGE data calls and actual mobile traffic by a pilot group of GSM users.

EDGE provides the next step beyond GPRS, offering higher data rates for services within GSM operators’ existing spectrum allocations. It allows data to be transmitted through cellular phones up to three times faster than the speeds of the current GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) technology, thus increasing overall packet data performance. Along with higher data rates, it provides higher spectral efficiency, improved transmission performance and improved data coverage.

EDGE is also seen as the easiest path from GSM and GPRS to 3G high-speed data services, whether alone, or in combination with WCDMA technology. WCDMA, a wideband radio technique, is the next step in the technology chain, delivering the full potential of 3G through its high data rate capabilities.