Globe Telecom has inaugurated its LTE network as part of the US$700 millionnetwork modernisation programme. The Philippine operator Globe will launch an LTE mobile data service through its Tattoo brand in September and willoffer LTE on a full range of smartphones by the fourth quarter of 2012. Itsnationwide modernisation efforts also included a core network deployment of 12,000 km of optical fibre to enable LTE activation at the majority of its cell sites.

Philippine 4G pioneer Globe Telecom announces its fourth generation Long-Term Evolution (4G LTE) network for broadband and mobile telephony use. The company said that the launch of LTE forms part of its $700-Million network modernization program. Commencing in September 2012, Globe will launch its 4G LTE service through Tattoo, the number one most preferred broadband in the country. Globe will also offer 4G LTE to mobile customers by the fourth quarter of 2012.

"By September of this year, it's all systems go to launch the 4G LTE network of Globe. On top of just offering the fastest speeds on the country's best broadband service, Tattoo, Globe will offer 4G LTE on a full range of mobile phones by the fourth quarter of the year," said Peter Bithos, Senior Adviser for Consumer Business of Globe Telecom, "Globe has been the industry leader in 4G for years. Globe was the first to introduce 4G WiMax and 4G HSPA+. Now, we are the first carrier to announce mobile 4G LTE, which provides superior speeds on the world's best mobile phones and gadgets."
This key network launch of Globe leverages its comprehensive nationwide modernization efforts with an additional 12,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable being rolled-out to enable 4G LTE activation for majority of its cell sites. This will allow for the deployment of super fast data speeds.

The 4G LTE launch of Globe will focus on providing large contiguous areas of coverage, rather than just "hotspots". Key commercial as well as residential areas in Makati City will be first to enjoy Globe 4G LTE service, The country's premier financial and business district posts the highest mobile traffic from residents and transients at any particular time. 4G LTE service of Globe will expand quickly to cover regions across Manila, the three major capital cities and select regions across the country.

Bithos added, "Today, Globe already has the largest 4G network in the country with over 2,700 4G base stations through its leading WiMAX and HSPA + services. Now with 4G LTE, it will extend its lead as the country's best wireless broadband network. Through our network transformation, we are focused on improving the experience of our customers—faster, more reliable and better quality."

Globe was first to introduce 4G technology in the Philippines in 2009, with the deployment of its Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax) network. In the same year, Globe, in partnership with its principal SingTel, began testing 4G LTE in the country, with speeds clocking up to 100 mbps. Field tests of 4G LTE by Globe and SIngTel in highly populated areas in Metro Manila yielded up to 60 mbps downlink data throughput rate. Last year, Globe launched its 4G Evolved High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA+) network. To date, Globe has a total of 2,700 4G sites across the country. By end-2012, that number will increase to over 4,000 sites.