Globe steps up rollout of LTE frequencies

Globe Telecom said it was ramping up the rollout of LTE frequencies across its network, part of a capital spending plan that would top $750 million in 2017.

Globe said the rollout would focus on the 700 megahertz band, good for covering wide distances and indoor penetration, across 1,800 sites this year, against 500 sites in 2016. The 700 MHz was among the frequencies Globe and rival PLDT secured in line with their acquisition of San Miguel Corp.’s telco unit last year.

Those frequencies were not being used as SMC was delayed in entering the business after talks with partner Telstra of Australia failed.

“We continue to maximize the use of the previously unutilized 700 MHz because at the end of the day, our basic product is still the network,” Globe CEO Ernest Cu said.

The plan was also to meet its commitment to provide mobile coverage to about 95 percent of cities and municipalities in the country within a three-year period.

Globe is also expanding coverage and increasing capacities for 1,000 sites using the 2600 MHz band.