While rival Telco Smart Communications sets its LTE commercial launch on August 25 (which incidentally we tested last part of 2011), Globe Telecoms today announced their own LTE services will be available by September.
“By September of this year, it’s all systems go to launch the 4G LTE network of Globe. On top of just offering the fastest speeds on the country’s best broadband service, Tattoo, Globe will offer 4G LTE on a full range of mobile phones by the fourth quarter of the year,” said Peter Bithos, Senior Adviser for Consumer Business of Globe Telecom, “Globe has been the industry leader in 4G for years. Globe was the first to introduce 4G WiMax and 4G HSPA+. Now, we are the first carrier to announce mobile 4G LTE, which provides superior speeds on the world’s best mobile phones and gadgets.”
Here are some details about the announcement.
Areas to enjoy Globe 4G LTE will be Manila, specifically Makati, Cebu and Davao. This is part of Globe USD700M brand new infra upgrade which were announced in February this year.
There are 45 sites in Makati to enjoy LTE, these will be concentrated in high-traffic areas like malls.
However, Globe did not disclose any pricing, not even any devices or phones that will be offered under LTE plan.
The Globe LTE will be available in September via the Tatoo broadband and for the mobile users, it will be commercially available by the end of the year.
Bithos added, “Today, Globe already has the largest 4G network in the country with over 2,700 4G base stations through its leading WiMAX and HSPA + services. Now with 4G LTE, it will extend its lead as the country’s best wireless broadband network. Through our network transformation, we are focused on improving the experience of our customers—faster, more reliable and better quality.”
Globe now has a total of 2,700 4G sites across the country. By end-2012, that number will increase to over 4,000 sites.
