Globe Telecom Inc. reinforced its network strength in Boracay, the country’s premier tourist destination, through the deployment of a new technology designed to boost mobile data coverage and capacity in time for the LaBoracay summer revelry.
Globe is the first telecommunications operator in the Philippines to make use of massive multiple input, multiple output or Mimo technology which can utilize existing spectrum to accommodate more users at higher data rates with better reliability.
Based on initial test results, the massive Mimo technology can provide 4 times the data capacity of a regular cell site as well as offer speed of up to six times depending on the number of users. The faster speed and higher capacity assure better user experience for vacationers who are expected to flock to the island for the Labor Day weekend.
The massive Mimo deployment is in line with the ongoing optimization of Globe network in Boracay in preparation for the tourist influx since the technology is ideal for places where the demand is high yet the existing spectrum has already reached its full capacity.
“The massive Mimo technology is particularly beneficial in providing mobile data capacities in high foot-traffic areas so it is ideal for major tourist destinations like Boracay as well as in places where a lot of people convene such as stadiums, transport stations, shopping mall, schools and universities, and dense residential areas. Through massive Mimo, we would be able to enhance the internet experience of our customers and cater to their growing connectivity needs,” said Joel Agustin, senior vice president for program governance of Globe Network Technical Group.
Massive Mimo works with handsets that support the 2600-megahertz frequency. The frequency asset is among those that Globe gained access to following a partial acquisition of San Miguel’s telecommunication assets last year.
Globe has evolved from a mere telecommunications provider into becoming the purveyor of digital lifestyle, serving the growing demand for lifestyle and entertainment-driven connectivity requirements such as music, video, gaming, information, commerce, shopping, banking, movies and TV series, and social media.
Globe allocated more than a quarter of its revenues annually, amounting to $750 million per year in network investment over the past five years.