‘New permits to hasten network improvements’

FILIPINOS may expect better telco services in the coming months, according to the two incumbent telco operators in the country, as they implement network improvements to accommodate the growing demand for Internet connectivity during the pandemic.

Smart Communications Inc. said it has secured about 600 new permits from various local governments across the Philippines, a move that will allow the group to build new telco towers that can house its radio equipment.

“We are grateful for the government’s initiatives that make it possible for us to build more towers in order to deliver the best network quality and ‘nationwidest’ coverage, including the unserved and underserved areas in our country,” Smart President Alfredo S. Panlilio said.

Globe Telecom Inc. said its network upgrades have already yielded better customer experience in at least 140 municipalities and cities.

Recently, the company migrated the radio equipment in 25 barangays from purely 2G and 3G to LTE to provide more modern and better connection to their residents.

Joel Agustin, the company’s SVP for program delivery and network technical group, claimed that Globe customers in the said areas are “starting to feel an improved experience especially for data services used for distance learning, downloading movies, gaming and work from home requirements.”

“Our LTE expansion has primarily upgraded our capacity and technology in areas where the signal is slow or non- existent. These efforts have now gained traction based on the improved mobile experience of our customers. Aside from wider coverage, they will also see a significant increase in the speed when they use their data services,” he claimed.

Both telcos have until December to improve their telco services or risk a government takeover, a threat that came from no less than President Duterte during his most recent State of the Nation Address.