Globe Telecom Inc. has more than doubled its 5G footprint, ending 2022 with 70 cities and towns covered, versus 29 in the preceding year, the telco announced Wednesday, December 4.
Now, the telco's 5G network is available in almost all of the population in the National Capital Region (NCR), Davao City and Cebu.
The technology also covers 97 percent of the people in Bulacan, 95 percent in Cavite, 90 percent in Iloilo City and Zamboanga City, 88 percent in Tuguegarao City, 87 percent in Laguna and 84 percent in Pampanga.
In Cagayan De Oro City, 5G coverage is 81 percent; in Boracay, 80 percent; in Bacolod City, 76 percent; in Baguio City, and 39 percent in Butuan City.
5G is the latest wireless internet connectivity that promises faster speeds, higher bandwidth, and more stable internet connections versus 4G.
It can deliver internet speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G. This gives users better experience in gaming, streaming and browsing, among others.
With the wider 5G reach, Globe is helping drive the adoption of 5G technology for the next generation of digital innovation.
Already, Globe has tested and deployed use cases for 5G Standalone (SA) technology.
The telco has showcased the upgraded technology’s potential to transform business operations and improve efficiency, performance, and flexibility.
5G SA offers faster download and upload speeds and better connectivity.
More importantly, it can support new and emerging technologies such as the Internet of things (IoT), virtual reality, and augmented reality.
“5G technology is transforming the way we live and work, and Globe is at the forefront of bringing this revolutionary technology to the people," says Joel Agustin, Globe Senior Vice President for Network Planning & Engineering.
"We are committed to providing a #1stWorldNetwork to all Filipinos, and our aggressive 5G rollout is just one part of our strategy to meet the growing demand for high-speed, reliable connectivity," he noted. "With 5G, the possibilities are endless."
Overall, Globe allocated $1.9 billion on its capital expenditures in 2022.
As of end-September, it has deployed close to 1.4 million fiber-to-the-homes (FTTH) lines, built 1,064 new cell sites, upgraded over 10,600 mobile sites to LTE, and installed 1,887 new 5G sites nationwide.
Globe and its partners, Eastern Communications and InfiniVAN Inc., are also on track to complete the $150-million Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) by April 2023.
The country’s longest domestic subsea cable project will improve mobile and broadband connectivity by fiberizing previously unserved areas.