GLOBE Telecom, Inc. on Sunday said it has deployed close to 1,700 long-term evolution (LTE) sites using the 700 megahertz (MHz) nationwide.
“Aggressive deployment of LTE 700 sites has led to improvement in the country’s mobile speeds,” the telecommunications giant said in a statement.
The 700 MHz frequency and 2600 MHz band were among San Miguel Corp.’s telecommunications assets which were jointly acquired by Globe and PLDT, Inc. in 2016.
Globe said it also rolled out close to 2,000 sites on the 2600 MHz and 1800 MHz bands, with majority of the company’s LTE 700, LTE 2600 and L1800 sites deployed mainly in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao where a high number of customers are using LTE-capable devices. Users with LTE-capable devices experience better LTE connectivity.
Using the 2600 MHz, Globe also fired up around 170 massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO) sites. It said the massive MIMO technology enables a mobile network to multiply the capacity of a wireless connection without requiring more antennas.
“The technology thus increases wireless throughput, accommodating more users at higher data rates with better reliability while consuming less power,” Globe said, adding that massive MIMO is also the fundamental radio access technology for fifth generation (5G).
The company recently said it has deployed one million broadband lines, halfway through its goal of two million lines by 2020.
The telco’s net profit fell 5% to P15.08 billion in 2017 despite record revenues, given increased investments in data network.
It may keep its $850-million capital expenditure (capex) for the next two years.
Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Patrizia Paola C. Marcelo
