Globe Telecom Completes TV White Space Trials to Improve Internet Connectivity

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The first Philippine telecommunications company to adopt the TV white space frequency for broadband use, Globe Telecom has successfully completed a TV white space trial for wireless backhaul.

“The TV White Space provides us with another means to bridge the Digital Divide in remote rural areas where traditional means of backhaul such as fiber or multi-hop microwave terrestrial backhaul does not make it economically viable for telecommunication providers to deploy broadband facilities,” Globe Senior Vice President for Network Technologies Strategy Emmanuel Estrada said.

Estrada said the trials were in support of the company’s bid to maximize available spectrum given rapid increases in data consumption as it aims to improve the internet experience of its customers. The trials were undertaken in partnership with the Information and Communications Technology Office of the Department of Science and Technology over the last 8 months in several areas in the country including Cebu and Bohol, Estrada said.

The trial run was undertaken by Globe in partnership with NuRAN Wireless Inc., a Canadian-based leading supplier of mobile and broadband wireless solutions. During the trials, NuRAN’s equipment generated up to 10 Mbps over distances of 7 and 12 kilometers. With the achievement of this important milestone, NuRAN will begin rolling out units in 2016 for broadband public access.

TV White Space refers to the unused TV channels between the active ones in the VHF and UHF spectrum. These are typically referred to as the “buffer” channels. In the past, these buffers were placed between active TV channels to protect broadcasting interference. It has since been researched and proven that this unused spectrum can be used to provide broadband Internet access while operating harmoniously with surrounding TV channels. Utilizing TV white space for propagation of internet service is a relatively new technology as TV broadcast began transitioning from analog to digital, which paved the way for the availability of more TV channels or frequencies that could be utilized for broadband use. NuRAN’s technology focuses on UHF bands from 470 to 698 MHz.

Once in place, the technology is expected to provide an alternative wireless network that will provide data connectivity in far flung areas in Visayas and Mindanao. Estrada said increasing demand for wireless data traffic and growing pressure to network capacity has spurred an interest to utilize these unallocated portions of the radio spectrum. The TV white space’ long range of reach means utilization of this frequency for broadband use would require less number of cell sites to provide coverage for a given geographic location compared with existing wireless technologies, he said. This means that the use of the TV white space spectrum for propagation of broadband technologies is more cost efficient for telco providers.

Globe Telecom Joins Sustainable Global Companies With Its New Purpose

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Going beyond achieving business success as the Philippines leading mobile communications provider, Globe Telecom is embarking on a purpose-led transformation for a more sustainable organization, steps that admirable companies globally have likewise taken.

Globe president and CEO Ernest Cu unveiled the company's purpose of 'Treating people right to create a Globe of Good' at the recent Wonderful World of Globe XII event held at the Globe Iconic Store in Bonifacio Global City.

Anchored on its new corporate vision of leading a Philippines where families’ dreams come true, businesses flourish and the nation is admired, the company hopes to fulfill its vision by creating wonderful experiences, helping its customers overcome challenges and discovering new ways to enjoy life, Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu revealed.

Following its massive network modernization program in 2011, Globe saw unprecedented business growth driven by game-changing initiatives including a digital lifestyle play, innovative offers and content partnerships with iconic global brands. Underpinning business growth is a robust network that has nationwide 3G and 4G coverage. Globe is also aggressively rolling out LTE coverage in major business districts and key commercial areas in the country, intending to give the country first world mobile internet experience.

“Our 60% share in mobile data revenues showcases the relevance that we have brought to the industry. We’ve changed the way people consume mobile content in this country because we have made it accessible, affordable and convenient for customers to subscribe to fantastic services. In music for instance, people are now more inclined to do streaming rather than torrenting,” said Cu.

Not content with being an industry leader and game-changer, Globe is taking its performance and impact to its customers to a higher level. “How do we take it to the next step? Early this year, we decided to take on an infinite goal. Reaching a desired market share and beating competition are finite concepts. We have decided to create a new purpose which will redefine Globe in the years to come,” he declared.

“How can we treat people right? By giving them wonderful experiences, giving them choices, helping them overcome challenges and solving their problems, making their life easier, helping them enjoy life more, giving them great customer service, treating them the way we want to be treated and helping them make their dreams come true,” he explained.

For instance, “despite all the constraints, Globe continues to strive to provide first world internet in country. This is why the company is undertaking an aggressive expansion of its network infrastructure and capacities using long-idle frequencies such as the 700 megahertz (MHz) band in a bid to significantly improve the internet experience of its customers,” said Cu. He emphasized Globe is maximizing the use of these idle 700 MHz band in fulfillment of its commitment to the National Telecommunications Commission to improve the overall internet experience of its customers.

Parallel to this, Globe also began rolling out a capacity expansion program for its corporate data network to address the bandwidth requirement of its enterprise clients as they make use of various data solutions to improve business efficiency, enhance productivity, and boost competitiveness, Cu disclosed. In an effort to create an internet superhighway nationwide, Globe also plans to extensively deploy fiber optics to make home broadband experience at par with mobile internet or even better. To date, the country is facing challenges in delivering fast and reliable wireline internet experience due to lack of fiber connectivity owing to right of way and permitting issues with the local government. Globe hopes to work closely with the government to address these issues in order to jumpstart ICT development in the Philippines.

Cu stressed the company’s new purpose is expected to further enhance the company’s circle of happiness philosophy: that happy and engaged employees deliver wonderful customer experiences and strong business growth for happy shareholders. He said that when employees are committed to serve customers, this translates to a strong brand experience that people love and connect with.

Philippine Volcanoes Meet & Greet at Pioneer Street Market

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Our Philippine national rugby team who are more popularly known as the Philippine Volcanoes recently had a meet and greet with fans at one of the newest foodie haven called Pioneer Street Market located inside the compounds of HMR.

The big guys of this Rugby team can be prominently seen with all those huge muscles and posterior, while the few women composing the female team are also physically buffed and ready to face any opponent in the ultimate aim to win the games they will compete in.

Since I was late in arriving due to the rush hour time of the event, I managed to appreciate only the challenges given to the players after the press conference. They had a Monster Burger eating challenge, and a Beer Drinking challenge, for fun where the emerging winners are still from the Men's team.

We also indulged on the yummy Peri-Peri Chicken meals served by Fuego Amigo along with iced tea as we listened to the husband and wife team providing entertainment with their songs.

I also had the opportunity to dine on the famous Auntie May's Angus Beef Salpicao along with their thirst-quenching lemonade, and brought home a Monster Burger with one huge Australian beef patty. I personally witnessed how it was actually cooked and prepared with all the garnishing from start to finish.