Globe Telecom Inc. is upgrading its several cell sites in Visayas and Mindanao to 4G LTE technologies. 

The Ayala-led telco said the upgrades will provide better connectivity to customers because of faster and more advanced technologies.

Globe will replace its old 3G equipment with 5G-ready 4G LTE infrastructure in Bacolod City, Cebu City, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu in Visayas; and in Davao City and Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao.

“Boosted by the positive feedback we received from customers who noted significant improvements in their call, SMS and data services after the site upgrades, we are upgrading more areas with the newest available technology that will respond to their needs better,” Joel Agustin, Globe senior vice president for Program Development said. 

“We want our customers to make the most of the opportunities that are now available to them through better connectivity,” he added. 

Globe has upgraded its network into 5G-ready 4G LTE in 199 cities and towns in Metro Manila, Rizal, Quezon, Albay, Oriental Mindoro, Bataan, Leyte, Agusan del Sur and Pampanga to name a few. 

The company is expected to fast track its shift to 4G LTE this year, making it the new standard of mobile internet in the Philippines.  This development is in line with global best practice as 3G technology is now considered obsolete.

Globe has been encouraging its customers nationwide to change their SIMs to a 5G-ready 4G/LTE SIM and upgrade their devices to a 4G LTE device.  

The company earlier said it plans to build 2,000 new cell sites this year, higher from 1,300 sites in 2020. 

Globe has laid out a 3-pronged strategy for its network upgrades and expansion, which includes aggressive cell site builds; upgrading its cell sites to 4G/LTE using many different frequencies; and fast tracking the fiberization of Filipino homes nationwide.