Globe Telecom signs deal with US firm

Ayala-led Globe Telecom Inc. has tapped United States-based Aicent Inc. to provide “seamless connectivity” with SK Telecom of South Korea. The service is seen to provide continuous roaming for subscribers as they travel between the Philippines and South Korea.

Globe noted that implementing Aicent’s LTE Roaming Exchange service would allow Globe to also benefit from cost reductions following the integration of all IP services into a single network. With the partnership, Globe acquires instant connectivity to more than 45 LTE operators worldwide through Aicent’s extensive network of operators all through a single IP connection

“As the leading LTE roaming operator in the Philippines, Globe realizes that it has become increasingly more important that we provide our subscribers with LTE coverage not only in the country, but also abroad as they activate their roaming services,” Rizza Maniego-Eala, head of international business group at Globe, said in the statement.

About 1.1 million South Korean tourists visited the country in 2012, making South Korea the top source of tourists in the Philippines, Globe noted in its statement, citing government statistics.

The LTE Roaming Exchange service of Aicent is a managed IP network ecosystem designed to deliver voice, data and video services with assured quality of service and guaranteed security.  Globe forged its partnership with SK Telecom in April this year that provided LTE roaming services to the South Korean telco’s subscribers coming to the Philippines.

Globe late last year partnered with China Mobile Hong Kong Co. Ltd. for the same LTE international data roaming service. Moving forward, Globe looks to expand its LTE roaming service with operators from Australia, Singapore, United States, Japan, Canada and the Middle East. Miguel R. Camus