Globe through their website has just announced their commercial roll out of HSPA+ (or Evolved High-Speed Packet Access), which will complement their existing 4G WiMAX network. What makes this so special? Well, HSPA+ is faster than 3G by large margin, and has theoretical download speeds of 21 Mbps with an option to upgrade that later to 84 Mbps. That means newer HSPA+ phones will be able to stream internet content faster and better than before. I say newer phones because current HSPA phones are not able to use HSPA+. It then follows that Globe might well be rolling out HSPA+ compliant phones and hardware soon to take advantage of the new technology.
According to the site, the new network will initially be offered in the metro including the areas of Marikina, Quezon City, Makati, Pasay, Las Pinas, Taguig, with other areas added later. Ernest Cu, President and CEO of Globe Telecom said, “Globe is again pioneering innovation in the Philippines. With the uptake in broadband both on mobile and through other devices, customers want faster broadband in more places. Globe is continuously looking for ways to improve our network infrastructure to meet the demand for quality services. In 2009, we were the first carrier to launch 4G through our WiMax network. Today, we extend our leadership by taking 4G mobile. With our high speed broadband rollout, Globe will continue to lead in customer experience by giving our subscribers better, faster, and more reliable broadband connections on their phone, laptop, PC or tablet.”
Since Globe now has two of the 4G bases covered (WiMAX, HSPA+) it’ll be interesting to see how Smart will react. It’s not really a secret that Smart may be rolling out their own 4G network soon, as evidenced by the LTE trials that they’ll be offering to visitors in Boracay from April 21 to 24.
Source: Globe