Globe Using Next-Gen Antennas to Drive 5G Evolution

Scoring another world first, Globe has completed the deployment of a new series of antennas that efficiently enables the acceleration of 4G and the evolution of 5G technology–a step that seeks to boost the company’s 4G and 5G network and ensure energy efficiency.

The latest solution will be crucial for a pervasive 4G/5G experience, given Globe’s accelerated 4G/5G rollouts. The antenna adopts enhanced multi-array modules, ultra-high integration architecture, and full-band technology.

Its ultra-resolution beam technology provides high-precision beamforming for higher Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) performance and a 15% increase in network capacity. MIMO uses multiple transmitters and receivers for simultaneous data transfer.

The powerful configuration also allows simplified deployment in one antenna, with greater efficiency at 30%, a first in the industry. Since the antenna is smaller than the traditional design, it makes installation easier and faster even on cell sites with limited space.

But the technology is not only about producing lighter and smaller antenna “boxes.” The integrated products combine different frequency bands and accommodate different generations of cellular technologies, including 5G.

The technology also minimizes feed loss and improves energy efficiency by 10%~15%. This means that Globe can maximize energy efficiencies and lower electricity utilization through antenna development and power consumption innovation.

"4G/5G deployment is accelerating and usage is continuously growing. The antenna is important for a network to have greater capacity, accelerate site deployment, have broader and deeper coverage, and achieve a low carbon footprint,” said Joel Agustin, SVP and Head of Network Planning and Engineering at Globe’s Network Technical Group.

“Globe is innovating with its vendor partners on the latest technologies available to improve customer experience through efficient 4G/5G network deployment,” he added.

This latest technology is part of Globe’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9, which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development.

Globe allocated ₱89 billion in capital expenditures this year to roll out more 5G sites and in-building solutions, upgrade cell towers to 4G LTE, add more 4G cell sites, and lay down fiber to the homes.

In the first quarter of the year, it fired up 380 new 5G sites in Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Bulacan, Davao, Cebu, Misamis Oriental, and Iloilo.