Massive MIMO enhances customer experience on Globe LTE network

Globe Telecom’s commercial deployment of massive MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) technology is accelerating its bid to roll out 2 million home broadband lines, with speeds of at least 10 Mbps by 2020. This greatly enhances customer experience on Globe LTE network.

To date, Globe has already deployed the MIMO technology for home broadband in 106 sites located in Caloocan; Muntinlupa; Quezon City; Las Pinas, Valenzuela; Meycauayan, Marilao, Plaridel, Santa Maria, Pandi, Bocaue, Malolos City, San Jose Del Monte City, Guiguinto, Angat, Hagonoy, Pulilan in Bulacan; Mabalacat City, Masantol, Apalit in Pampanga; Balanga, Bataan; Cabiao and Bongabong in Nueva Ecija; Masinloc, Zambales; Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya; Tarlac City; Trece Martires, Silang, General Trias, Bacoor, Dasmarinas, Gen. Mariano Alvarez, Imus, Kawit, Rosario, Tagaytay, Tanza in Cavite; Lumban, Calamba, Binan, Cabuyao in Laguna; Lemery, Lipa, in Batangas; Milaor, Camarines Sur; Malay in Aklan; San Mateo, Rizal; Minglanilla and Naga in Cebu, Borongan in Samar, Jaro in Leyte.

Joel Agustin, Globe Senior Vice President for Program Governance, Network Technical Group, said the use of MIMO technology for home broadband ensures that Globe will meet its target of deploying 587,000 broadband lines within the year.

According to Agustin, the 106 sites of Massive MIMO for home broadband is capable of deploying up to 60,000 high-speed broadband lines in neighboring areas. Agustin emphasized that Globe is on track to hit its target of 2 million home broadband with speed of at least 10 Mbps by 2020. This is in line with the company’s commitment to improve fixed internet in the country.

As planned, the company plans to roll out 587,000 broadband lines, with a minimum speed of at least 10 Mbps by the end of 2017 after deploying over 336,000 lines in 2016. Progressive rollouts will be undertaken within the next 3 years until 2020 to serve at least 2 million homes.

He emphasized that the massive MIMO technology enables a mobile network to multiply the capacity of a wireless connection without requiring more antennas. The technology thus increases wireless throughput, accommodating more users at higher data rates with better reliability while consuming less power. In the case of home broadband, speed and range benefits of MIMO technology allow customers to have reliable data connection especially since more and more customers are now using video streaming services. “The availability of video streaming services in the country has been steadily driving bandwidth requirements of our customers and the massive MIMO technology is expected to help expand not only the reach of our home broadband but also expand our network capacities,” he said.

Globe began early this year the commercial deployment of massive MIMO to enhance mobile internet connectivity experience of customers in high-density areas. The commercial deployment of the MIMO technology forms part of the company’s efforts to further improve mobile and wireless broadband internet experience of its customers by expanding on its network coverage and capacities.

Following deployment of the massive MIMO technology for wireless broadband, Globe At Home recently introduced the 1st Prepaid Home WIFI device, now available in Globe stores nationwide. For just P1, 999 it is convenient and easy to use with no installation required. Customers just need to plug it, top-up at any Globe reloading station and start surfing. Customers need not worry about monthly fees as they only have to top-up and pay for the data they need.