Globe Telecom launches usage-based DSL service

Globe Telecom has launched the country’s first usage-based digital subscriber line (DSL) Internet access service for individuals, small and medium enterprise (SMEs), and small office/home office (SOHO) customers who want high bandwidth Internet connection at a lower cost.

Instead of the regular fixed monthly charges, subscribers availing themselves of usage-based broadband will only be charged for the number of hours used.

"The advantage of this is that customers get to manage their Internet usage or cost without sacrificing quality of service. SMEs, SOHOs and other businesses that still use dial-up now have the chance to use broadband Internet without the price barrier. They can also scale up their Internet speed as their need grows," said Jesus Romero, Globe Telecom assistant vice president for business communications.

Romero said Globe Quest DSL will be offering pay-per-use broadband in two packages – DSL Lite for multiple users, and DSL Solo for individual users.

These services use Globe Telecom’s Business Class Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) infrastructure to deliver broadband access.

Romero said SMEs and SOHOs that demand large volumes of data, video and sound files over the Internet will benefit from a bigger Internet bandwidth to bring higher productivity and efficiency to their businesses.

Even for big corporations with offices located in different areas, DSL can be utilized for communication and data sharing, he added.

"This could be very cost-efficient for the company. Broadband applications such as video conferencing or data sharing would prove very useful to their growth and progress," he said.

Romero said DSL connection can also serve the needs of executives, entrepreneurs and other individuals who require high-speed Internet access to conduct business.

GlobeQuest DSL Lite provides an upstream and downstream speed up to 1.5 megabits per second (Mbps) for a monthly service fee of P2,500 which comes with 20 hours of free Internet access. Excess usage is P2 per minute.

On the other hand, GlobeQuest DSL Solo provides upstream and downstream speed of up to 384 kbps. There are two DSL Solo variants available. First, the usage-based package with a monthly service fee starting at only P1,500 for 30 hours of Internet access. Excess usage beyond 30 hours is P1 per minute and with a maximum monthly charge of P3,000 for unlimited use within a one-month period. The second package has unlimited access for only P2,500 a month. All rates are VAT-inclusive.

GlobeQuest Solo will be initially offered in Globe Telecom’s Metro Manila service areas, namely Ortigas Center, Makati City and Mandaluyong City.

GlobeQuest DSL currently offers DSL Pro and Basic for corporate clients. It is available in Makati, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasig, Libis and outlying areas as well as in Metro Cebu and Metro Davao.

Romero said increasing market awareness on the new technology has prompted the company to expand its services.

Alongside the introduction of these new offerings, Romero announced the start of the GlobeQuest DSL Checkered Flag Promo — a Formula One-inspired promotional campaign to invite prospective clients to sign on for the service.

New clients who will sign on for any of the GlobeQuest DSL packages by Oct. 31 get a chance to win exciting F1 gear from GlobeQuest, including a top prize for an all-expense paid trip for two to the F1 race in Malaysia’s Sepang circuit in March 2003, Romero said.

DSL is a technology that delivers high-speed Internet access. Using existing telephone lines, DSL delivers download speed of up to 50 times faster than regular dial-up modems. It allows data and voice to pass through the same line simultaneously.