Globe Secures Support Of DOTC In Bid To Make Mobile Connectivity More Pervasive

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Agreement with MRT Line 3 expected to improve mobile internet experience of riding commuters and customers along EDSA

Above photo shows Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu (2nd from right) shakes hands with MRT Line 3 General Manager Roman Buenafe (2nd from left) following the signing of a memorandum of understanding to provide mobile internet and wifi to commuting public along EDSA. Joining them are Joel Agustin (right), Globe Senior Vice President for Project Governance and Joel Erestain, MRT Line 3 Head Executive.

Globe Telecom secured the support of the DOTC to use train stations around the metropolis to host network infrastructure that would significantly improve the mobile internet experience and connectivity of the commuting public.

The company signed a memorandum of understanding with the Metro Railway Transit (MRT), an attached agency of the Department of Transportation and Communication allowing Globe to deploy wireless internet infrastructure in all MRT Line 3 stations along EDSA.

“In line with the two organization’s commitment to continuously improve the lives of its customers and the Filipino people in general; this partnership is a milestone that is expected to improve the experience of the public riding the MRT, including those in the communities surrounding the MRT stations. With the support of government agencies such as the operators of the MRT Line 3, we hope to change the experience of our customers in high foot traffic areas and strategic locations such as public transport systems,” said Joel Agustin, Globe Senior Vice President for Program Governance, Network Technical Group, noting that many of the company’s customers seek internet connectivity not only in their offices or at homes but even while they are in transit.

“By providing a reliable mobile and Wi-Fi internet connectivity, our customers will be able to catch up on emails, keep updated on online entertainment and other communication requirements to further enhance their digital lifestyle even while on their way to work or after work,” he said.

Agustin said the project will also help address existing challenges on mobile signals along EDSA especially during rush hours. The additional capacity brought by the macro sites and small cells deployment will help decongest peripheral areas around the train stations, providing improved mobile experience to customers. In addition to expanding network capacities in major areas where there is commuter traffic, Globe will also provide free Wi-Fi services in all MRT Line 3 stations. This is expected to benefit about 350,000 who will have free Wi-Fi access for 30 minutes daily.

Globe has set aside for 2016 a capital expenditure of $750 million, bulk of which will be used to boost data capacity and expand network reach. In line with its vision of ushering in a digital nation, the network build will also increase the capacity of its network for both mobile and wirelines using different technologies including 3G, LTE and Wi-Fi. In addition, Globe also launched early this year an initiative of creating an internet superhighway by deploying fiber optic cables in 20,000 barangays all over the country to provide faster and more reliable Internet access in about 2 million homes nationwide. The infrastructure build is expected to take 5 years and will extend network coverage to more areas that currently have no connection or spotty service. 

Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2016: The Sidney Perez Sio Collection

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"Running a successful fashion house requires 90% business accumulate and 10% artistic ability. Most Fashion houses start – ups are manage by the designers themselves who, whilst strong on the design font, may have only a very rudimentary understanding of the business of fashion, as a result, although thousands of talented fashion designers graduated every year, most new fashion designers start – ups fail." - Sidney Perez Sio
Another fashion designer who showed off his fabulous creations at the Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2016 held at the Discovery Primea is Sidney Perez Sio who wowed the crowd with his playful designs.

The experience of competing on an International level boosted his confidence, which pushed him to try out his luck in the mainstream of American fashion in New York. His four-year stint in the United States proved to be most fulfilling, Highlights of which include employment with the prestigious Milo’s Events and Promotion Agency in Manhattan. It took no less than an enticing offer from renowned designer Inno Sotto to work as fashion Stylist & production designer, for Sidney to pack his bags and return to the motherland.

"I like the playfulness of Sidney Perez Sio's design. It is something that I would see in Vogue Nippon. It is sweet and very on-the-street. The homage to the Filipino aesthetic was also there." - Jernih Agapito

Congratulations to Sidney for his masterpieces. His designs are superbly done as he can express himself to the maximum. He has that “Now or Never Attitude” for he just do it and is a result oriented person who considers himself very productive.

Below are some of his designs worn by top models during the Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2016.

MSFT Incentives Businesses to Bring Affordable Internet to Scale

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Microsoft announced it has awarded seed grants and resources to 12 small businesses, in 11 countries, to help scale their solutions to increase affordable internet access in communities in underserved markets.

In the Philippines, the grant received by Wi-Fi Interactive Network Philippines will enable them to further their mission of using TV White Space to reach areas where Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) is not available all across the country’s more than seven thousand islands.

Peggy Johnson, EVP of business development at Microsoft, shared more about Microsoft’s approach to partner with local entrepreneurs in tackling last-mile connectivity challenges in the article below:
At Microsoft, we believe that technology can empower everyone to achieve more. And for much of the world, it already has. You’re probably reading this on a laptop, tablet or smartphone, each connecting you to the incredible benefits of the Internet.

But for 4 billion people – more than half the world’s population – the benefits of digital technology remain out of reach.

To these communities, technology represents opportunity. The Internet can connect an expectant mother with her doctor, even if they’re hundreds of miles away. With a basic mobile phone, a rural smallholder farmer can access financial services like microloans and online banking. And with a simple Wi-Fi connection, any child can take online courses from the world’s best schools.