Globe continues to scale up its network expansion as investments in its infrastructure are expected to increase further in 2021. The aggressive upgrades have already produced positive results for subscribers, with mobile and broadband internet speed and availability steadily improving across the country.
The company’s consistent service improvements each year, both in major cities and in underserved areas around the Philippines, have been validated by independent global analytics firms such as UK-based Opensignal and Ookla. Globe was in fact given the Global Rising Star Award for Most Improved Video Experience by Opensignal based on user data covering the first half of 2019 vs. the first half of 2020.
Globe’s regional mobile Consistency Score™ also improved from the previous quarter in 16 out of 17 regions, registering increases as high as 10 PPTs (percentage points), with Consistency Scores ranging from 39% and 65% in Q4 2020. Ookla®’s quarterly data shows that Globe’s overall Consistency Score in Q4 2020 improved to 60.82% from Q3’s 56.83%.
Mobile Consistency Score measures the number of incidences (viewed as a percentage) of a provider’s samples equal or exceeds both a download threshold of 5 Mbps and an upload threshold of 1 Mbps.
These service improvements were a direct result of Globe’s increased investments in network upgrades, as reported in the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2020 where the Philippines ranked in the top 10 globally in terms of telco investments. Over the last 6 years, Globe has invested P255.70 billion in capital expenditures.
“We look to carry over this momentum to 2021 as we target a record number of new cell sites or tower builds in more cities and municipalities around the country,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO.
With the help of the government in streamlining permit requirements, Globe aims to install at least 2,000 new cell sites in 2021, up from the 1,300 sites it built in 2020.
“We remain committed to carrying out our three-pronged strategy for network upgrades and expansion. We will definitely build more sites this year and roll out more fiber to homes to increase internet access in Filipino homes. Our goal this year is to make 4G LTE as pervasive as possible and expand our 5G coverage in more areas,” added Cu.
In line with the national plan to boost digital inclusivity, especially at a time when work and school activities have shifted online, Globe is working to establish 4G LTE as the Philippine standard for mobile internet. The telco’s increased range of 4G LTE and 5G networks will enable its customers to enjoy a better data experience and improved connectivity.
It is currently upgrading its network to 4G LTE in six cities – four in the Visayas and two in Mindanao, to add to the 199 cities and towns in Metro Manila, Rizal, Quezon, Albay, Oriental Mindoro, Bataan, Leyte, Agusan del Sur and Pampanga that have already been upgraded. The company is also intensifying its efforts to further modernize its network in Laguna and Batangas.
Globe has also announced plans to double its fiber-to-home coverage in 2021. The 600,000 broadband lines it built in 2020 already marked a 55% increase from the previous year.
These efforts are in line with Globe’s support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically UNSDG No. 9 which emphasizes 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.