Upgraded Globe Telecom Network Now 4G Compliant

MANILA, Philippines (June 13 2011) — Globe Telecom announced Saturday that  its network transport backbone nationwide has been upgraded and fully compliant with the fourth generation of cellular wireless standards, or 4G.

The upgrade is part of Globe's US$500 million capital expenditures this year and is expected to result in improved network coverage and better services even during extreme weather disturbances.

Globe also improved its disaster recovery plan to prevent network disruptions during natural calamities and, in case of breakdown, restore its services faster.

The telco's fiber optic coverage in the Mindanao region has also been expanded and additional protection for its transmission backbone in Zamboanga has been implemented.

It has also completed its network modernization project in South Luzon to improve both the capacity and quality of its network for mobile and wireless broadband services.

Robert Tan, Chief Technical Adviser of Globe said: “We are also transforming our network into a multi-service platform for uninterrupted, seamless network connectivity. This should allow us to keep up with the increasing demand for voice and data use.”

Globe has partnered with multiple cable systems for both international data and voice. To date, it uses 5 submarine cable systems in the country. By 2013, the Southeast Asia Japan Cable (SJC) System, is expected to go online to further increase network capacity and quality.

Globe’s 2011 capital expenditure also covers the commercial deployment of its 4G mobile network using the global standard HSPA+, which provides subscribers with high-speed mobile broadband access.

Globe has also launched a new line of devices that will allow users to take advantage of the company’s new fourth-generation, or 4G, network that delivers the fastest wireless Internet connection speeds in the Philippines.

Last week, the company announced the release its “revolutionary” Tattoo Tonino Lamborghini, the fastest mobile broadband stick available in the market today. It provides subscribers with Internet speeds of up to 10 megabytes per second (mbps)—five times faster than regular broadband dongles.

Last Friday, Globe also launched the first 4G-enabled mobile phone in the country, the Samsung Galaxy S II, dubbed “next generation smart phone,” which shall be given for free under My SuperSurf Plan 3799 starting June 27

The Samsung device enables users to take advantage of the HSPA+ (high-speed packet access) technology that reaches mobile Internet speeds of up to 6 mbps.

The device has a 4.3-inch SuperAMOLED capacitive touchscreen display, delivering superior color, enhanced readability, contrast ratio and screen sharpness over regular liquid crystal display (LCD) screens.

Powered by Google’s Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system and a 1.2 gigahertz dual-core processor for fast web browsing, seamless multi-tasking, and superior graphics, “users experience PC-like browsing in the palm of their hands,” Globe said.

With the completion of its 4G infrastructure and the availability of the Samsung Galaxy S II device, Globe now offers the Video Message Service (VMS)—the newest and one of the most interactive media channels for mobile phone users.

The new VMS was launched in partnership with GMA Network Inc., one of the country’s largest television networks.

VMS allows subscribers to access regular TV content and to connect with their favorite celebrities by following their video blogs and music videos and get updates on events through Globe’s partnership with GMA New Media.

The VMS be will available for free to My SuperSurf Plan subscribers until July 31.

Commercial deployment of HSPA+ has doubled with expanded coverage in Mandaluyong, Navotas, Caloocan and Valenzuela. (From philstar.com)