Globe extends 5G to 4M devices

Globe Telecom Inc. recorded nearly four million devices connected to its 5G network in 2022, as the mobile giant inches closer to reaching 100 percent coverage in Metro Manila.

Data showed that the Ayala-led telco served more than 3.9 million devices through its 5G at the end of last year as it continues to expand and modernize its infrastructure network.

Globe increased its 5G presence by over twice, managing to reach 70 cities and towns by the end of 2022 against just 29 in 2021.

It said that its 5G coverage has improved nationwide, especially in urban areas where the firm traces bulk of the demand. In Metro Manila, for instance, the mobile giant posted a 5G reach of 97.2 percent and 90.2 percent in cities in Visayas and Mindanao.

Globe senior vice president and head of network planning and engineering Joel Agustin said the telco aims to sustain efforts to broaden the reach of its 5G services to expedite the adoption of Filipinos to the new technology.

“At Globe, we are committed to providing every Filipino with the best possible experience when it comes to telecom services. We at Globe believe that 5G technology is key to unlocking a new era of digital innovation and empowering Filipinos to experience new and exciting technologies,” Agustin said.

Globe added 2,267 5G sites across the country in 2022 to support the rising demand for connectivity and promote the use of digital platforms.

5G enables individuals and enterprises to experience quicker download and upload speeds when browsing the internet, boosting the quality of data-heavy activities like online gaming and video streaming. It also provides low latency, reducing the time in loading apps, multimedia and websites.

Agustin said Globe will continue to install new 5G sites nationwide.

For 2023, Globe lowered its budget for capital expenditures to $1.3 billion, but vowed that a portion of it will be used to finance its 5G rollout.

Apart from 5G, Globe vowed to complete network upgrades that would improve its connectivity services, including the $150 million Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) in partnership with Eastern Communications and InfiniVAN Inc.

The PDSCN, set to be the longest subsea cable system in the Philippines, should be completed in April, providing mostly underserved areas in the provinces with fiber connectivity.