Globe rolls out Phl's first 4G mobile network

MANILA, Philippines - In a Philippine first, Globe Telecom has announced a major expansion of its current 4G footprint by becoming the first carrier in the Philippines to launch the commercial roll out of 4G mobile technology.

Officials said this rollout, the first phase of which utilizes the global standard HSPA+ or Evolved High-Speed Packet Access, will complement Globe’s existing 4G WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) network.

The rollout of Globe 4G mobile network will provide its subscribers high speed broadband access with the added convenience of full mobility.

To date, Globe 4G mobile technology has been deployed covering sites across Metro Manila, which includes Marikina, Quezon City, Makati, Pasay, Las Piñas, Taguig and the City of Manila. By end-2011, Globe expects to increase its 4G presence dramatically with continued expansion planned into 2012.

“Globe is again pioneering innovation in the Philippines. With the uptake in broadband both on mobile and through other devices, customers want faster broadband in more places. Globe is continuously looking for ways to improve our network infrastructure to meet the demand for quality services. In 2009, we were the first carrier to launch 4G through our WiMax network. Today, we extend our leadership by taking 4G mobile,” Globe president and CEO Ernest Cu said.

He added that with their high speed broadband rollout, Globe will continue to lead in customer experience by giving its subscribers better, faster, and more reliable broadband connections on their phone, laptop, PC or tablet.

Globe will be complementing this launch shortly through the announcement of a suite of new multimedia services, 4G devices and offers for customers to enjoy.

Globe said it is already the first and largest 4G network in the country. Since April 2009, Globe has aggressively pursued plans to establish its 4G footprint in the country with industry leading availability of WiMAX. As the country’s 4G pioneer, with one of the largest WiMAX deployments in Southeast Asia, Globe has already made 4G available in over 1,500 sites in nearly 60 provinces across the Philippines,covering 365 cities, including Manila, Caloocan, Cainta, Antipolo, Taytay, Plaridel, Cabanatuan, Dasmariñas, Bacoor, Imus, Tanza, Calamba, Batangas City, Cebu City, Cagayan De Oro, and Zamboanga.

HSPA+, or Evolved High-Speed Packet Access, is a 4G wireless, mobile, high speed broadband technology that allows for peak theoretical download speeds of up to 21 Mbps with upgradeability for 84Mbps. With HSPA+ technology, subscribers will experience high peak rates, lower latency, improved “always on experience,” better multimedia upload,high-speed web browsing, and faster streaming and downloads.

Under Globe HSPA+ network, subscribers are expected to enjoy browsing at an average speed of 4-6 Mbps with even faster peak speeds. HSPA+ is the chosen mobile 4G standard for other carriers globally including AT&T and T mobile in the US.

Other technologies in the 4G category include Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) and Long Term Evolution (LTE) as rated by the International Telecommunication Union. The ITUnis the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technology issues and establishes worldwide standards for seamless global interconnection.

In November 2010, Globe also completed field trials of another 4G standard, 3GPP Long Term Evolution (commonly known as LTE) wireless technology together with the SingTel Group and NEC Corporation. The field trial verified a variety of LTE functions such as quality of service; latency and hand-over within urban areas were tested as thesenare required for commercial use of the technology.