Globe seeks additional bandwidth for 3G rollout in rural areas

Ayala-owned Globe Telecom has asked the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for additional 3G (third generation mobile communications technology) spectrum, mainly for use in its rollout in the rural areas.

In a letter to NTC commissioner Ruel Canobas, Globe regulatory affairs head Froiland Castelo noted that the agency has allocated radio frequency bands for international mobile telecommunications 2000 (IMT2000) or 3G mobile telecommunications.

Based on that allocation, he said Globe is seeking for the assignment/grant of additional 3G radio frequency bands in the 825-845 MHz and 870-890 MHz spectrum.

Castelo said the supplementary 3G spectrum will be used particularly for Globe’s 3G service deployment in rural areas of the Philippines.

The frequencies, he noted, are of a lower bandwidth than Globe’s current 3G frequency assignment.

“As such, their transmission and reception capability covers a greater range from a technology standpoint. This characteristic can permit the use of fewer 3G base stations and network elements, while still providing substantial coverage,” Castelo explained.

He also pointed out that while Globe continues to actively pursue nationwide 3G service expansion, especially in metro cities with presently assigned spectra, the 3G investment case differs significantly in rural areas where the company cannot expect as reasonable a rate of return.

“Technically, as mentioned, the lower bandwidth of the 3G spectrum for which we are applying entails less infrastructure. Consequently, Globe can temper its capital expenditure, and in turn, accelerate 3G service delivery in the countryside,” he added.