Globe Sees Faster 5G Rollout Across the Philippines

Globe sees a faster rollout of 5G technology in the Philippines but noted that the country has a lot of catching up to do when it comes to infrastructure.

Speaking at the 5G Growth Goals roundtable discussion during the Bloomberg Qatar Economic Forum, Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu said that difficulties in putting up cell sites in the past has affected the deployment of 5G.

“I think we're so far behind that it's going to take some time. Given the fact that the country has a limited number of cell sites owing to its past history where it was very difficult to build cell sites,” he said.

However, Cu said it is much easier to build now with the new laws that were crafted during the pandemic. Adding a new layer of technology on the same infrastructure and the same towers also helps Globe offload 4G LTE into 5G.

Recently, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) issued Department Order No. 29 lifting the ban on the construction of critical infrastructure particularly cell sites along national roads. This is another important win for the industry as telco players in the country ramp up infrastructure builds. Globe’s aggressive network builds and network modernization to 4G LTE and 5G have resulted in improved services to its customers nationwide.

The telco is committed to bring more bandwidth capacity to Filipinos at lower cost by tapping more efficient technologies like 5G. 5G is the latest wireless internet connectivity that promises faster speeds of up to 100 Mbps, higher bandwidth, and more stable internet connections compared to the obsolete 3G. Globe has been aggressively migrating its customers to 4G LTE or 5G technology, with SIM and device offers nationwide. Using 5G will fulfill the telco's promise of better data experience and faster internet speeds.

Globe pioneered the 5G technology in the Philippines, being the first mobile operator in Southeast Asia to commercially launch 5G AirFiber for Home use in 2019. Based on its latest report, at least 88 percent of the National Capital Region (NCR) now has 5G outdoor coverage and is also available in at least 82 percent or more in 13 cities in Metro Manila. 5G is also now accessible in 81 percent of Cebu City; 73 percent of Cagayan de Oro City; 73 percent of Davao City; 68 percent of Boracay Island; 68 percent of Bacolod City and 53 percent of Iloilo City. Six sites are also being installed in General Santos City and another one in Zamboanga City.

The telco has earmarked a record P70 billion for its capital expenditures this year, bulk or 80 percent of the total amount would go to data network builds to deliver world-class internet connectivity for Filipinos.

Globe is committed to upholding the 10 United Nations Global Compact Principles and contribute to 10 UN Sustainable Development Goals particularly UN SDG No. 9 that highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development.