Globe completes Mindanao leg of $700M modernization program

Ayala-controlled Globe Telecom Inc. has completed the Mindanao leg of its $700 million network modernization and transformation program. According to Robert Tan, chief technical adviser of Globe, Davao City and adjacent provinces are now fully equipped with a new generation mobile systems capable of supporting fourth-generation Evolved High-Speed Packet Access or 4G HSPA+.   Mobile services in Mindanao regions, which include Zamboanga and Misamis, now have better mobile coverage, increased data speeds and better network reliability.   “In terms of service quality after the upgrade, our call set-up rate improved dramatically. Now, a call you make in Davao consistently gets connected even at first try,” Tan explained.   Completed HSPA+ cell sites in Mindanao include Tipo-tipo in Basilan; Cabanglasan, Impasugong, Malaybalay and Sumilao in Bukidnon; Don Victoriano Chiongbian in Misamis Occidental; Norala and Santo Niño in South Cotabato; Bagumbayan, Columbio, Isulan, President Quirino and Tacurong in Sultan Kudarat; the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Sur; Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental as well as the whole of Compostela Valley.   “These comprise over 4,000 Globe cell sites already swapped with the newest, best-in-class infrastructure, while simultaneously increasing 4G HSPA+ footprint,” Tan said.   Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu himself confirmed the enhanced network service, particularly in streaming data.   “For those who have been following me in social media, I had a pleasant experience of visiting Davao which has now been modernized. I achieved speeds up to 5 mbps in that network almost constantly,” Cu said in a statement.   The Davao region also was the first to have the rollout of fiber optic cable which will significantly increase capacity and resiliency to accommodate and protect more voice, SMS and data traffic.   Cu likewise confirmed that very soon, Davao will join Manila, Cebu and other ultra-connected cities in the world by experiencing long term evolution (LTE) with the service’s quick expansion in the premier city of the South.   Also, the province of Sulu, the City of Surigao and Butuan are earmarked for modernization to the new Globe network for the fourth quarter of 2012; Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur is set to follow suit for the first quarter 2013. — DVM, GMA News