Globe Telecom Inc. has more than doubled its 5G footprint nationwide as it expanded its network reach in urban areas, particularly in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
According to reports, Globe has raised its 5G presence in 70 cities and provinces across the Philippines in 2022, as against 29 in 2021, more than doubling its coverage in just a span of 12 months.
At present, Globe said that its 5G network has reached almost all households in urban centers, especially in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
Globe has recorded a 97 percent coverage in Bulacan; 95 percent in Cavite; 90 percent in Iloilo and Zamboanga; 88 percent in Tuguegarao; and 87 percent in Laguna. Further, the mobile giant has a 5G reach of 84 percent in Pampanga and Cagayan de Oro; 81 percent in Boracay; 80 percent in Bacolod; 76 percent in Baguio; and 39 percent in Butuan.
Globe said that it wants to widen its 5G presence nationwide to provide its subscribers with the latest technology for connectivity. Compared to 4G, 5G extends faster speed, higher bandwidth, and stable connection to the benefit of users surfing online.
As 5G can deliver download speeds of up to 100 times better than 4G, subscribers can expect improved experience when browsing the internet, playing games, and streaming videos.
Globe hopes that by broadening its 5G reach, it can contribute in expediting 5G adoption in the country and help the government in its goal of promoting digitalization.
Further, the Ayala-led telco has deployed the use of 5G standalone to enterprises who want to raise the efficiency and performance of their business operations, especially as transactions are going online these days consequent to the pandemic.
Globe senior vice president for network planning and engineering Joel Agustin said Globe plans to speed up the rollout of its 5G expansion in areas where demand is growing. The mobile giant will set aside a portion of its capital expenditure of $1.3 billion for 2023 on the targeted buildup of its 5G assets.
For 2022, Globe had allocated a record P89 billion for its network upgrades. In the nine months to September 2022, the firm has deployed about 1.4 million fiber lines, built 1,064 new cell sites, upgraded more than 10,600 sites to LTE and installed 1,887 new 5G sites.
Apart from this, Globe has invested in a $150-million project with Eastern Communications and InfiniVAN Inc. to put up the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN).
The PDSCN, set to be the longest subsea cable system in the Philippines, will be completed by April this 2023 and will provide fiber connectivity in mostly underserved areas in the regions.
With additional reports: The Philippine Star, Elijah Felice Rosales
