"We are pleased to announce that after upgrading our network and months of thorough testing, Globe can now begin to bring the next level of telecommunications to our valued subscribers," said Ferdz de la Cruz, Globe head for wireless services.
The EDGE standard, also known in the industry as 2.5G, is considered the transition between the current 2G technology — the platform for today’s mobile handsets– and true 3G communications. Globe and Nokia’s EDGE network will allow 384Kbps Internet speeds that transport heavier data packets on the cellular service. This technology enables Globe to offer its subscribers high quality and richer data services, applications and content at three to four times higher voice capacity and data transmission speeds than the current GSM technology. "Globe’s EDGE technology will put its Handyphone subscribers at the forefront of wireless technology. With this, our subscribers can begin to enjoy new possibilities that have not been available to them before, and are only starting to be experienced by mobile subscribers in other parts of the world. Globe subscribers can once again count themselves among the first in the world to enjoy the latest in mobile services," cited Gerry Ablaza, Globe Telecom president and CEO.
With the EDGE technology, Globe subscribers will soon empower its subscribers with much faster access to next level mobile solutions like higher resolution video and audio streaming, enhanced multi-media messaging, web browsing and data transmission.
"Our introduction of EDGE is a culmination of Globe’s aggressive commitment to provide our consumers the best connectivity experience on mobile," added Ablaza.
"This new innovation is the next phase in the evolution of telecommunications in the country. It is only logical that Globe, being the technological leader, is bringing this new wave of innovation to our subscribers," Ablaza said.
Globe subscribers can get a preview of EDGE in selected hotspots around the key central business districts in the country. Some of these sites that subscribers can visit are major commercial centers in Metro Manila, such as Glorietta 4 and Greenbelt 3, as well as in Globe Hub centers in Ayala Center, Podium and Rockwell. Demonstrations will be held to give subscribers a taste of the EDGE experience.
Fanning the anticipation for the new advanced services, Globe will also be introducing a new EDGE-platform handset, which will be available through its G-Plans soon. Apart from the EDGE network, Nokia is also providing Globe with its Nokia 6220 handset, the first of many new EDGE-supportive handsets which will be launched by Globe and Nokia in the next few months.