Globe says 80% of network now 4G

MANILA, Philippines - Ayala-led Globe Telecom Inc. has transformed 80 percent of its network and is now providing faster mobile experience for its 36.5 million subscribers after completing its $700-million network modernization program.

Globe said in a statement that over 80 percent of its network is already on 4G HSPA+ capable of providing fast Internet service via the Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology.

The telecom provider said nearly 900 LTE sites in key cities all over the Philippines are now operational.

At the same time, Globe said it continues to enhance its service quality with the continuing optimization and capacity upgrade of its modern network.

The company is now in the middle of a $90-million information technology (IT) modernization project.

Globe, through its broadband brand Tattoo, maintained its leadership in the broadband industry with its flagship on-the-go and home broadband services as revenues jumped 22 percent to P7.8 billion as of end-September.

Gilbert Simpao, head of Broadband Business at Globe, said Tattoo’s subscribers grew 15 percent to 1.9 million with wired subscribers growing 17 percent and wireless users increasing 14 percent.

Simpao said the company hopes to sustain the momentum of its broadband business with game-changing offers providing fast Internet connectivity.

“As we’re starting to reap the benefits of our new modern network, we will remain focused on finding new ways to delight our customers and provide them with new broadband innovations,” he said.

Robust growth in the broadband business resulted from aggressive acquisitions campaigns, attractive pricing offers and product bundles.

This positive response and sustained growth was a product of the company’s continued push to expand its product portfolio and its awareness of the customers’ evolving and increasing demands for nomadic and home broadband services such as the more affordable Tattoo Prepaid 4G SuperStick at P1995 alongside Tattoo Postpaid’s more personalized and consumable plans with increased surfing speeds now up to 42 Mbps delivered by the telco’s growing and expanding LTE network.

The Tattoo Prepaid LTE devices were also launched with the mobile wi-fi variant at the forefront as it doubles as a powerbank with 3000mAh capacity. LTE Postpaid plans are also offered starting at Plan 1299 which comes with a FREE LTE dongle or, for a one-time fee of P 2000, upgrade to a mobile wi-fi device.