Globe completes testing faster mobile tech

Globe Telecom Inc. completed the pilot test of new lens antenna technology in Southeast Asia, a solution that seeks to improve connectivity amid the increasing usage of mobile data.

The Ayala-led telco, in a statement to reporters on Tuesday, said they were targeting to finish the deployment of the multibeam, multiband lens antenna technology—which enhances 4G/LTE and 5G mobile capacity—by the second quarter.

It was developed by antenna technology firm MatSing Ltd. and implemented by information technology infrastructure solutions provider IBMS Technology Phils. Corp.

The technology that supports better connectivity experience caters to huge data needs of consumers in outdoor events, rural areas and densely populated areas such as stadiums and coliseums.

"The technology provides higher mobile download and upload data speed resulting in lag-free video streaming and gaming, high-quality video conferencing and delay-free messaging services, even in peak hours and when there are large gatherings," Globe said.

Pilot test site

The technical team of the telco giant initially tested the technology in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

It intends to deploy the solution within areas in Visayas and Mindanao, including Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Cebu, Iloilo, Antique, Aklan, Bohol, Capiz, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Zamboanga del Norte, North Cotabato and Zamboanga del Sur."The extensive macro deployment proved that our lens antennas will deliver higher capacity and enhanced performance in all deployment scenarios," MatSing CEO Bo Larsson said.

Globe head of network strategy and technology enablement Gerhard Tan, meanwhile, said this initiative was "another major milestone in Globe's efforts to provide Filipinos with reliable and high-quality mobile connectivity."

"We are thrilled with the results of the pilot deployment and are excited to continue working with MatSing to bring this innovation to our network on a larger scale," he added.

Globe has been ramping up its infrastructure plans, including the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN), which is slated for completion by April.

It recently deployed a new cable-laying ship to finish construction of the 2,500-kilometer subsea cable project. It will traverse Calatrava, Romblon; Pasacao, Camarines Sur; Bulan, Sorsogon; Palanas, Masbate; Calbayog, Samar; Mactan, Cebu; and other remaining sites of PDSCN's 33 landing points. INQ

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