Globe Telecom Implements Flash Networks' Complete Harmony Services Gateway

Globe Telecom, a leading telecommunications provider in the Philippines (PSE: GLO) and Flash Networks, the leading provider of mobile Internet optimization and monetization solutions, today announced the expansion of their relationship with the implementation of new Harmony value-added services. Following the successful deployment of Harmony Web & Video Optimization and Harmony Analytics, Globe is now launching Harmony Monetization solutions to provide their subscribers with a superior user experience. To compensate for the unique complexities of wireline coverage in the Philippines, Globe provides Filipino users access to the Internet through mobile broadband dongles and smartphones. To keep up with this growing demand, Globe has chosen to tap Flash Networks and its suite of mobile Internet optimization and monetization solutions to continuously give its subscribers the best experience. As video becomes an increasing portion of data traffic, the data load is magnified. Harmony helps Globe meet the increased demand for mobile data by reducing data load on the network, which improves the quality of the user experience, frees up bandwidth, and lowers transport costs. In addition, Harmony Analytics provides Globe with insight into their mobile traffic, thereby enabling better network planning while monitoring and solving user quality of experience issues. In addition, by implementing Flash Networks' Web Monetization solutions, Globe offers its users a one-stop-shop to simplify access to a selection of rich content, including news, social networks, multiple search tools, bookmarks, up-to-date account information, and a variety of data plans, all from a single location. "Since choosing Flash Networks as our optimization vendor back in 2008, we see them as a committed long-term partner in the evolving needs of our dynamic market," said Peter Bithos, Senior Advisor for Consumer Business of Globe Telecom. "We believe that Flash Networks' flexible and broad offering will allow us to provide our subscribers with faster browsing and smoother video viewing, while helping us better engage with our subscribers by recommending relevant content and simplifying account access management." "We are thrilled to have been chosen by Globe to execute their mobile data strategy," said Liam Galin, President and CEO of Flash Networks. "As early adopters of new technologies and services, Globe provides their subscribers with the most innovative solutions that exist in the market today, ensuring that they continue to receive the best possible user experience." With the rapid penetration of social media and availability of more affordable smartphones among Filipino mobile phone owners, Globe looks at its mobile data business to sustain momentum after the segment posted substantial growth as of end-December 2011. The company's mobile browsing revenues closed at P2.0 billion in 2011, up 52% from previous year's levels driven by the increased smartphone penetration among Filipino subscribers coupled with the Company's introduction of various affordable mobile data plans. The company also strengthened its portfolio of services that promote the use of mobile internet for social networking, search engine, e-mail services as well as entertainment through the use of mobile applications or apps. To support the suite of broadband and data services that it offers, Globe has started to embark on a US$790 million network modernization program to prepare its network for more bandwidth-heavy services such as broadband and data. The massive modern network rollout is expected to provide subscribers with a more stable and reliable network coverage nationwide, giving them an unparalleled service experience.