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MANILA, Nov. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

Aligning with the national plan to boost digital inclusivity and fulfill its

commitment to serve its customers, Globe Telecom has been focusing on improving

its network infrastructure by expanding its reach through new site builds and

network upgrades all over the country.

As part of the national plan in shaping a new normal for the Philippines, the

country is ramping up the shift into a new, digital economy. Technological

enhancements to further boost the digital economy can help facilitate

continuity of businesses and enhance productivity, especially as the country

aims to thrive in the new normal. At a time when the majority of the

population's interactions are online, better connectivity is a necessity.

Following the effects of COVID-19, people were forced to stay home and

transition to business, academic, and leisure engagements via digital

technology, and catapulted digital adoption for almost all industries.

By the third week of March 2020, independent analyst firm Opensignal, observed

a large week on week increase in the time smartphone users spent connected to a

Wifi network.[1] Users in the Philippines spend 63.3% of their time on Wifi.

They reported that this was the largest increase that they have observed across

all Asian countries under the study.

The mobile landscape in the Philippines comprises 173.2 million users[2] that

have been known to use 2G and 3G pervasively. Perhaps not anymore, going by the

latest report from independent analytics firm Opensignal which indicates 4G

availability has risen to more than 80% as of November 2020[3].

The latest data supports Globe's recent campaign to move its customers from 3G

to 4G/LTE thus improving overall data experience. Globe believes 4G/LTE may yet

become the new standard for mobile internet in the country, emphasizing that

customers deserve higher speed and better connectivity.

"Internet services have become a critical need for many Filipinos. With the

evolution of mobile technologies, it is high time for our country to have

4G/LTE everywhere as the basic mobile internet technology used by everyone. And

for the most demanding mobile uses, 5G is here and now, too. Both 4G and 5G

were designed for the internet, with 5G designed specifically for new uses such

as video streaming, mobile gaming, and even IoT. That is why we call on all

customers who still use 3G for mobile data to make the 4G/5G change -- SIMs and

handsets -- and see the difference," adds Gil Genio, Globe's Chief Technology

and Information Officer.

As the PH government called on the telco sector to improve internet services,

Globe committed to improve customer data experience by aggressively building

new sites, upgrading existing sites to 4G/LTE using many different frequencies,

and fast-tracking the fiberization of Filipino homes nationwide.

The builds, upgrades and optimization efforts are currently underway and will

continue until the end of 2021. The company committed to spend one billion

dollars for its network this year.

Globe supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 9 which

highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of

economic growth and development. Globe is committed to upholding the 10 United

Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs.

For more information, visit www.globe.com.ph.

[1] Analysis in Opensignal insight "Analyzing Mobile Experience during the coronavirus

pandemic: Time on Wifi", published in March 2020 (C) 2020 Opensignal Limited

[2] Digital 2020: The Philippines report - January 2020: We Are Social

[3] Opensignal Awards -- Philippines: Mobile Network Experience Report November

2020, based on independent analysis of mobile measurements recorded during the

period July 1 - September 28, 2020 (C) 2020 Opensignal Limited

About Globe Telecom

Globe Telecom, Inc. is a leading full-service telecommunications company in the

Philippines and publicly listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange with the stock

symbol GLO. The company serves the telecommunications and technology needs of

consumers and businesses across an entire suite of products and services

including mobile, fixed, broadband, data connectivity, internet and managed

services. It has major interests in financial technology, digital marketing

solutions, venture capital funding for startups, and virtual healthcare. In

2019, Globe became a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, committing

to implement universal sustainability principles. Its principals are Ayala

Corporation and Singtel, acknowledged industry leaders in the country and in

the region. For more information, visit www.globe.com.ph. Follow @enjoyglobe on

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

SOURCE:  Globe Telecom