Globe pioneers commercial rollout of 4G technology in the Philippines

The only source of profit, the only reason to invest in companies in the future is their ability to innovate and their ability to differentiate.  — Jeffrey Immelt

Consumers nationwide should be thankful that real competition is still alive and robust in the Philippine telecommunications industry. Rivalry, in whatever form it may be, always brings out the best in every competitor and ultimately benefits the public.

From innovation to product relevance, being the first-to-market, all the way to more affordable pricing, the way to excel and stay in a competitive market varies, with a common objective at the end of the day. Globe Telecom is once again at the forefront of innovation by becoming the first telco in the country to commercially roll out 4G mobile technology utilizing the global standard HSPA+ or Evolved High-Speed Packet Access. Just how different is it from the other 4G technologies? All that we have read about before are already available right here, right now.

4G for real high-speed broadband and mobile

“What exactly is 4G?” I tweeted on my Twitter account. Philippine STAR reader Kim of Jackie Kennel tweeted back: “1st Gen is analogue and voice only, 2G is voice and text, 3G is voice, text and Internet, 4G is broadband.”Another Philstar.com  reader, UP law student Aaron Lozada, also tweeted: “4G means faster mobile tech.”

More specifically, 4G is the next-generation technology on mobile and broadband.  There are multiple standards such as HSPA+, WiMax and LTE. These better technologies provide a substantial level of improvement in performance and capabilities with respect to the initial third generation systems now deployed. 

This 4G mobile technology rollout from Globe is good news for busy professionals, entrepreneurs, students, housewives and all others who want or need high-speed broadband but don’t have as much time to get connected at home. In my case, this fantastic new technology can help me to meet my deadlines for my STAR columns, for editing a magazine as well as to enable me to communicate with my realty office staff and clients faster anywhere.

The 4G mobile technology is perfect for those whose lives are dynamic and active, and whose lives need constant connection to the Internet and to a mobile device.  Like the world’s iconic trendsetter and dazzling innovator Apple, led by the genius Steve Jobs, Globe Telecom executives said they want to be a technological trailblazer in telecom services, innovations, and advancements, which is now being testified by its 4G HSPA+ rollout.

Now available in almost 20 sites in Metro Manila, Globe’s 4G HSPA+ is already being experienced by the telco’s 3G subscribers. Customers based in Marikina, Quezon City, Makati, Pasay, Las Pinas, Taguig and the City of Manila and are using 3G-enabled mobile devices can already experience improvements in call, text, and data services. Right now, the Globe 4G network is the most diverse in the country, utilizing 4G technologies such as WiMAX and now HSPA+ . After successfully completing Phase 1 trials of LTE last November 2010, Globe will soon launch its 4G LTE when LTE-capable devices, gadgets and applications are available for consumers. Globe is already the first and largest 4G network in the Philippines.

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, Dasmarinas, Bacoor, Imus, Tanza, Calamba, Batangas City, Cebu City, Cagayan De Oro, and Zamboanga.  

Globe’s 4G Wimax IN 2009 and HSPA+ now

Hasn’t Globe already previously launched its 4G which I am using with my cellphone? Globe executives explained that they initially launched 4G with their WiMAX rollout for Broadband in 2009, and what they launched this month is the mobile 4G rollout which they are now executing through the HSPA+ technology.  What exactly is HSPA+ or Evolved High-Speed Packet Access? This 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, Globe subscribers can 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 ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technology issues and establishes worldwide standards for seamless global interconnection.  

Globe’s 4G same technology as AT&T, Verizon, T-mobile USA

Some claim that HSPA+ is not 4G, but executives of Globe explained that HSPA+, WiMax and LTE are all widely used and recognized 4G technologies by various carriers globally like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile U.S.A., and Sprint in the US, and CSL (HK), Cell-C (South Africa) for countries outside the US. The standard choice of technology depends on the devices, spectrum and network configuration. Ernest Cu, the entrepreneurial President and CEO of Globe Telecom, said: “Globe is again pioneering innovation in the Philippines. 

With the uptick 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. Cu added: “In 2009, we were the first carrier to launch 4G through our WiMax network. Today, we extend our leadership by taking 4G mobile. With our high speed broadband rollout, Globe will continue to lead in customer experience by giving our subscribers better, faster, and more reliable broadband connections on their phone, laptop, PC or tablet.”

I believe the launch of Globe’s pioneering 4G mobile technology in the Philippines is just the exciting beginning for us consumers. In the next few weeks, actual 4G HSPA+-enabled devices will be offered exclusively by Globe to allow its subscribers to full enjoy the real 4G mobile. That’s something I’m eagerly looking forward to; I’m sure other fellow cellphone users and most specially the techies out there are feeling the same way too. Let’s wait and see just how innovative, more fun and different this new technology will be.

* * *

Send feedback to willsoonflourish@gmail.com, follow WilsonLeeFlores at Twitter, or on Facebook.