“One of the reasons why we launched HSPA+ is to improve internet experience. Our customers tell us that they want better broadband speed, faster browsing, ease in download, etc. Another reason is that our broadband business is growing and the 4G mobile upgrade will also help existing customers. And I think that the timing of the device availability and the technology is right,” said Peter Bithos, senior advisor for Consumer Division, of Globe Telecom.
Existing Globe users in Marikina, Quezon City, Makati, Pasay, Las Pinas, Taguig and Manila will already enjoy faster internet experience, without additional charge, due to the activation of the mobile 4G sites in the said areas, which began last week.
Price packages and devices that will carry the mobile 4G will be announced in the coming months along with the rollout of more 4G mobile sites nationwide.
During the live speed test demo, Globe mobile 4G registered a download speed of 7.51Mbps and an upload speed of 1.02 Mbps, while Globe Tattoo got a 2.55 Mbps download speed and 0.34 Mbps upload speed. On the other hand, Smart obtained 1.12 Mbps download speed and 0.34 Mbps upload speed, while Sun got a download speed of 0.83 Mbps and an upload speed of 0.09 Mbps.
“We really think the growth will come from consumers who use the Internet more than ever. This is simply because the prices of smart phones are going down. An example of this is the Android phone, which is a full-featured device that can do email, browsing and of course download applications, all in one device. Filipinos are known to use the Internet quite a bit, with the growing number of social networking users because people want to be connected all the time. And the best way to do that is through mobile devices,” said Ernest Cu, president and CEO of Globe Telecom.
With an investment amounting to $500 million this year, Globe will concentrate in expanding its 4G network and services, while continuing to strengthen its 3G offerings.
Since 2009 Globe has already established over 1,500 4G WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) 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.
