Globe targets 95% mobile coverage by end-2018
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The Philippines’ Globe Telecom has laid out a plan to extend mobile coverage to 95% of the nation’s municipalities and cities by end-2018.
The operator has submitted a proposal with regulator NTC to use the spectrum due to be acquired through the co-purchase of conglomerate San Miguel Corporation’s telecoms assets, including its valuable 700-MHz spectrum, to help achieve its coverage target.
Under the plan, Globe will deploy around 4,500 SDN-enabled base stations and upgrade the capacity of its existing equipment to improve the customer experience.
By the end of the year, Globe plans to upgrade around 30% of its network nationwide, or around 2,200 existing cell sites, to support the new spectrum.
With the submission the operator is implicitly making the case for being allowed to proceed with the purchase of the SMC telco assets.
Antitrust body PCC plans to conduct a full investigation into the buyout, and the chief of the new Department of Information and Communications Technology recently ordered a spectrum audit as a result of the deal.
Globe has also committed to providing ultrafast broadband in 2 million households by 2020, and plans to invest $2 billion for its fixed broadband expansion program.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is Globe's specific mobile coverage target and by when do they aim to achieve it?
What is Globe's specific mobile coverage target and by when do they aim to achieve it?
Globe Telecom aims to extend mobile coverage to 95% of the Philippines' municipalities and cities by the end of 2018. This plan relies on using newly acquired spectrum and deploying new base stations.
Q.What technology will Globe use to expand its network and improve customer experience?
What technology will Globe use to expand its network and improve customer experience?
Globe plans to deploy approximately 4,500 SDN-enabled base stations. They will also upgrade the capacity of their existing equipment to support the new spectrum and enhance the overall customer experience.
Q.Which government bodies are involved in reviewing Globe's asset acquisition and spectrum use?
Which government bodies are involved in reviewing Globe's asset acquisition and spectrum use?
The regulator NTC received Globe's proposal for spectrum use. The antitrust body PCC plans to investigate the buyout, and the DICT chief has ordered a spectrum audit regarding the deal.
Q.What are Globe's plans for fixed broadband expansion alongside its mobile coverage goals?
What are Globe's plans for fixed broadband expansion alongside its mobile coverage goals?
Globe has committed to providing ultrafast broadband to 2 million households by 2020. They also plan to invest $2 billion specifically for their fixed broadband expansion programme.
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