Globe Telecomm Inc. is deploying 425,000 high-speed broadband lines this year as it ramps up deployment of the 700 megahertz (MHz) spectrum that was co-acquired with competitor PLDT Inc. last year.
The plan for 2017 is in line with the target to roll out two million home broadband lines with speeds of at least 10 megabytes per second (Mbps) by 2020, Globe said in an emailed statement Friday.
More than 260,000 home broadband lines have so far been deployed, the telco noted. "Progressive roll outs will be done within the next three years until 2020 to serve at least two million homes."
Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu said the company intends to roll out the LTE 700 MHz in close to 1,800 sites this year. Globe was able to deploy 500 LTE 700 sites last year.
LTE or Long Term Evolution is a wireless technology that supports roaming internet access via cell phones and other handheld devices.
Due to its longer reach and better indoor penetration qualities, the 700 MHz spectrum is one of the most efficient bands for LTE technology, Globe earlier said.
“We continue to maximize the use of the previously unutilized 700 MHz, because, at the end of the day, our basic product is still the network,” Cu said.
The plan is also in line with the target of providing 95 percent of the cities and municipalities with mobile coverage, which Globe committed to the National Telecommunications Commission, Cu noted.
In addition to the LTE 700 sites, Globe is expanding the coverage and capacities for 1000 sites using the 2600 MHz band.
Globe gained access to the 700 MHz and obtained additional allocations within the 2600 MHz band following a co-acquisition deal with PLDT covering the telecommunication business of diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. last year.
Prior to the acquisition, those spectrum assets were idle and unutilized, Globe said.