Globe builds 318 new cell sites in Q1

Globe Telecom Inc. said it has expanded and extended the capacity of its networks by “leaps and bounds” in the first three months of the year, at least when compared to the year prior, its top official said on Tuesday.

ernest l. Cu, the company’s president, said Globe built 318 new cell sites in the first quarter, a 152-percent surge from the 126 sites built last year. Globe has also upgraded its sites to 4G and 5G, reaching 7,065 sites, which is 245-percent higher than last year.

He added that Globe has installed 287,000 high-speed lines during the same period, a 212-percent jump from last year, while it also deployed in-building solutions to 844 areas.

“Armed with our purpose, Globe is resolutely marching forward, staying attuned to the new customer and reinventing their experience to make us more relevant. Together with all our stakeholders, we are one with the nation on working towards our country’s economic recovery in the days ahead,” Cu said in a statement.

Globe is spending P70 billion in capital expenditures this year to modernize and upgrade its wireless and fixed line networks. The figure is more than a third higher than the capital outlays spent last year, as the group sees “strong demand for connectivity and ensuing economic recovery post-vaccinations.”

The company said it has laid out a 3-pronged strategy for its network upgrades and expansion, which includes aggressive cell site builds; upgrading its cell sites to 4G/lte using many different frequencies; and fast tracking the fiberization of Filipino homes nationwide.

In a related development, Globe appointed Issa Guevarra-cabreira as its new Chief Commercial officer, replacing Albert de larrazabal, who has taken a new role as the CFO of Ayala Corp.

“I am humbled, honored and excited to take on this role. At the heart of what we do are our customers. We want to provide them with products and services that not only enhance their overall connectivity experience, but more importantly uplift and enrich their lives,” Guevarra-cabreira said.