MANILA, Philippines — Industry giant Globe Telecom wants to accelerate the migration of subscribers to LTE/4G as it stopped issuing 3G SIM cards across all stores and distribution chains, a statement on Tuesday showed.
The shift from 3G to 4G allows subscribers to experience faster mobile internet speeds. But in many cases, it will also require customers to spend more by purchasing a 4G-capable smartphone.
Globe’s head of communications Yoly Crisanto said in a text message the company is offering free SIM card upgrades.
For those who need a new 4G device, she said they are providing “free device changes or a really low price on 4G/LTE devices.”
In its statement, Globe said 3G has brought important breakthroughs in internet access over the past two decades.
“However, new and better technologies like 4G LTE have been introduced since then, prompting many telecom companies across the world to stop offering 3G services while others are already in the process of doing the same,” Globe said in its statement.
Globe has yet to disclose how many of its 80 million subscribers are on 3G.
But it continues to support the 3G service and has not set any shut down date.
Mobile operators in the United States, for example, have announced the gradual shutdown of 3G over the next two to three years. The shut down will also allow the telcos to free up frequencies for 5G, which incumbents Globe and PLDT Inc. are currently rolling out but on a limited basis.
For now, Globe and PLDT are urging their 3G customers to shift to 4G, the prevailing mobile standard in the Philippines.
They also continue to support 2G, which is mainly used by subscribers using phones for basic call and text messaging features especially in areas with poor internet coverage.
Startup DITO Telecommunity said it debut launch by March 2021 will be on 4G. DITO will not offer services on 2G and 3G.
Globe’s migration program for customers on 3G started last year, Cristanto said.
“We are continuing the process this year especially since we want to improve overall internet experience,” she said.
Globe said 3G customers can check their SIM by sending the message “SIM CHECK” to 8080.
Apart from shifting customers, Globe announced the aggressive expansion of mobile and fixed-line networks by building more cell sites and laying down fiber cables.