By Alithea De Jesus
Following the removal of 3G SIMs across distribution chains to roll out the 4GLTE/5G-ready SIMs for improved mobile internet experience, Globe is urging its mobile customers to migrate to 4G/LTE to experience the benefits of its modernization efforts to improve further their connectivity and data experience.
This ramped up upgrades done by Globe to its network infrastructure in various locations all over the country in response to the growing demand for connectivity and capacity as more customers take to the internet for online education and work from home requirements.
“These efforts, however, will not be felt if our customers will not make the effort to move away from 3G technology to 4G/LTE. If they are still using the old devices and old SIM cards, our customers are depriving themselves of the convenience, speed and efficiency of 4G LTE,” KD Dizon, Globe VP for Mobile Business said.
4G/LTE refers to the mobile network technology that enables 4G compatible phones to connect to the internet faster. Its main advantage over 3G technology is it can do things smoother and with the least amount of time with wider coverage and can even penetrate walls.
The technology offers higher bandwidth or faster data speed, improved network responsiveness which means lower latency, higher network capacity, backwards compatibility and future proofing. It’s all IP network means easier integration and more cost-efficient. More importantly, 4G/LTE gives enhanced security for its users.
By using 4G/LTE, customers can download content (music, video, games), web pages, stream video and music within seconds and is free of buffering. Customers can make the most of their smartphones by either downloading full-length high definition movies in a matter of seconds or a few minutes.
Gamers who are into Esports can also benefit from 4G/LTE as faster access to the internet is a must in playing popular games.
Shifting to 4G/LTE will help address experiences of weak or intermittent signal and slow or no data services.
Using 4G/LTE technology also leads to faster and more efficient interactions using apps that promote cashless transactions like GCash and minimize exposure to risks from COVID-19.
Aside from the Philippines, more countries are also moving away from 3G technology to 4G/LTE including Australia, India, Japan, New Zealand, Macau, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand to name a few.
Globe is aggressively pursuing its target of upgrading all its sites to have 4G/LTE using many different frequencies as part of its three-pronged strategy to improve further connectivity and data experience for its customers. The company has upgraded over 7,700 cell sites this year. The modernization efforts are being done at a record pace despite the challenges of travel restrictions and quarantine protocols due to the pandemic.
Globe’s efforts to increase its 4G capacity have resulted in successful upgrades in Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan and Cavite. In NCR and Rizal, Globe has completed up to 87% of its sites to 4G. Pateros, Marikina City, Valenzuela City, Malabon City, and Navotas are the top cities with the highest percentages of completion while in Rizal, at least 92% of the upgrade is done. Work has also started in Binangonan, Cainta and Pililla to complete the installations in the whole province.
In Cavite at least 87.30% of target upgrades have been completed while in Bulacan 94.5% have been upgraded to 4G/LTE.
Site upgrades are also underway in Pampanga, Batangas, Laguna, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City, Davao City, Iloilo City, Bacolod City and Boracay.
To fully experience the advantages of 4G/LTE, Globe customers are encouraged to check if their SIM cards are 4G-capable. Globe postpaid and prepaid customers only need to text SIM CHECK to 8080. Those who are still using 3G SIM may bring their SIMs to the nearest Globe Stores to upgrade to 4G SIM for free.
See http://glbe.co/abs-queue for an appointment.
Globe is supportive of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UNSDG 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.