Globe says 5G is optimal for PHL as geographical constraints limit fiber

Fifth-generation (5G) technology is optimal for the Philippines, given the geographical limitations to rolling out fiber optic cables, according to Globe Telecom Inc.

Globe at Home senior vice president and head of Broadband Business Martha Sazon on Monday said 5G can offer fiber-like speeds which may be rolled out faster.

“Given geographical limitations and permitting issues for rolling out fiber optic cables, 5G has the promise of providing fiber-like speeds and experience, bringing such proposition to the market at a faster rate vs. fiber as we leverage our existing wireless sites to rollout 5G,” Sazon said.

Globe in June commercially launched its 5G fixed wireless broadband service, making the Philippines the first country in Southeast Asia to experience the latest network technology.

“We are carefully but progressively rolling out 5G as we try to learn more about the technology and ensure its stability to ensure quality customer experience,” said Sazon.

According to Globe, it aims to provide internet access to 2 million homes by 2020 through its Globe At Home service, citing the need for more efficient deployment of fixed wireless technologies.

“We continue to voice our cause of providing 1st world internet technologies to all out stakeholders—customers, the government, technology partners, vendors and many others—to better serve Filipinos and guide them towards a digitally transformed society,” Sazon said. —Jon Viktor Cabuenas/VDS, GMA News