Globe Telecom upgrades network in Davao City (Philippines)
Leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom, which is currently embarking on a $700-million landmark mobile network modernization program, brings a radically enhanced network experience to residents of Davao City through fast call connections, on-time delivery of text messages, and reduced incidence of dropped calls even at peak hours and traffic-heavy occasions.
Being a key market and focus area for Globe, Davao City was tapped for the implementation of the network change-out beginning December last year, resulting in doubled mobile telephony capacity in the area to support growing customer demand and improvements in voice and SMS service quality.
The network modernization program, touted as the most significant investment of Globe in the last two decades, includes an all-IP infrastructure, pervasive 3G coverage, double fiber optics capacity, 4G and LTE readiness, and overall quality and resiliency.
Once completed, Globe envisions a robust and resilient network that can provide an unparalleled customer experience to truly set the company apart from competition. The new Globe network and IT systems are not only designed to address all current customer needs but would also have the capacity and capability for more sophisticated use of mobile and broadband technologies.
With the telecom industry worldwide evolving at a breakneck speed, it has become imperative for local players to stay competitive and up-to-date with the latest developments. Thus, Globe constantly pushes its underlying infrastructure capabilities to much higher levels so as to touch both consumers and industries in new and progressive ways.
The unprecedented undertaking will modernize all layers of the Globe network within the next five years and is anticipated to set the industry benchmark for the most technologically advanced network in the Philippines. It is expected to bring aggressive growth prospects, savings in capital spending and expenses, as well as operational efficiencies from the synergy among Globe and its partners, Huawei and Alcatel-Lucent. Together bound by vision and resolve, the three companies are committed to instrumentally deliver a superior customer experience for the benefit of the consuming public.
At a higher level, Globe network modernization program also serves to broaden the telecommunications horizon of the Philippines as its corollary infrastructure expansion and service innovation stands to attract investment and business. Globe is effectively raising the bar of technology and service in the industry to make it at par with the world’s most advanced telecom communities and practices.
The Globe network and IT transformation program is an ambitious and yet necessary undertaking which will provide the platform that will make Globe even more competitive in the fast-moving market.
Airtel inks deal with ZTE to manage first 4G network (India)
In continuing with its plans of being the first Indian operator to launch 4G/LTE services, telecom operator Bharti Airtel has reportedly entered into a partnership with ZTE to manage its fourth generation (4G) technology based network in Kolkata. As per reports, the operator is targeting next month for the official launch.
As per a statement by the company, Bharti Airtel has selected ZTE Corporation to plan, design, supply and deploy its 4G network in Kolkata, which will allow its subscribers to experience high-speed wireless internet access.
Sanjay Kapoor, Bharti Airtel CEO (India and South Asia), said that acccording to industry estimates, by 2016, six percent of all mobile connections will have 4G connection, which would create 36 percent of the total mobile data traffic, thus paving way for the ensuing data revolution. Further, The impending launch of 4G in the country will provide ultra high speed data access, driving fundamental changes in society at large.
As reported earlier, Airtel had awarded the contract for managing its 4G network in Maharashtra to Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN).
Rogers LTE network now live in Calgary and Halifax (Canada)
Rogers Communications announced that Canada’s fastest and largest LTE network is now live in Calgary and Halifax. With this further expansion, Rogers brings LTE to nearly 12 million Canadians with plans to cover almost 60 per cent of the population by the end of the year.
John Boynton, Rogers Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, said that they are thrilled to offer their LTE network to even more Canadians in the east and the west. Now, Calgarians and Haligonians can enjoy the benefits of speeds on their mobile devices comparable to what they would get at home. And, they can do it on an LTE network that is Canada’s fastest and largest for a robust and reliable experience.
LTE is the fastest mobile network technology in the world, enabling Canadians to use their mobile devices to download apps, stream live HD sports and download HD files, such as movies and music or play on-line games, with virtually no delays or buffering.
Rogers was the first to launch an LTE network in Canada last summer, starting with Ottawa, followed by Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and surrounding areas. The company will bring LTE to more than 25 additional cities across the country this year. On the east coast, in addition to Halifax, Rogers recently launched LTE in St. John’s being the first to bring the fastest speeds to Newfoundlanders. In the west, Rogers will continue to expand in Alberta, with plans to launch LTE in Edmonton in the coming months.
Rogers currently offers the largest selection of LTE devices of any carrier in Canada with seven in its line-up. This includes two smartphones, a smartphone-tablet hybrid, two tablets, a Rocket Stick and a mobile hotspot. Rogers also offers LTE-ready plans for the iPad.
This month, Rogers will launch two new exclusive smartphones including the first Windows LTE smartphone — the Nokia Lumia 900 and the HTC One X — the first smartphone in Canada designed with Beats Audio for an incredible audio experience.
The national launch of Rogers LTE network reinforces its proud history of innovative firsts and its commitment to investing in Canada’s digital future. Rogers was the first carrier in North America to launch an HSPA+ network and offers Canada’s only coast-to-coast GSM network. Rogers was also the first in the world to launch BlackBerry devices. In Canada, Rogers was the first to offer LTE devices, the first to offer iPhone and the first to bring Android products to customers.
MTN launches 3G services in Ivory Coast (Africa)
MTN plans to offer its customers 3G services as soon as possible following the receipt of 3G licences in Benin and Ivory Coast. According to reports, Christian de Faria, MTN Group Chief Commercial Officer, said that this is exciting news for their customers, as they will now enjoy the benefits of world-class connectivity. They are grateful to the governments of Cote d’Ivoire and Benin for enabling MTN to further enhance the experience of mobile telephony for their customers.
Wim Vanhelleputte, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), announced that West African Cable System (WACS), a submarine cable stretching 14,000 kilometers between Portugal and South Africa, will upgrade connectivity for Ivoirians to international standards.
Vanhelleputte said that this is a dream come true for many Ivoirians whose internet access has been held back for a very long time. The cable will allow more Ivoirians to enjoy fast access to the internet. They have already identified about 30 per cent of subscribers who will be the first to experience and enjoy the 3G service.
Regarding the licence offered in Benin, Eric Tronel, Chief Executive Officer for MTN Benin, said that MTN is the first and only operator in Benin with a license which allows the use of new generation technologies, such as 3G, 4G, LTE and Wimax. This presents a great opportunity to improve business communication solutions and other services to customers, both in the consumer and corporate sectors. Customers are already eagerly waiting for the launch of new services using the new technology, and MTN Benin is working hard to ensure that customers are not disappointed.
3 announces network upgrade before 4G auction (UK)
Mobile operator 3 has said that it may be planning to upgrade its network which could lead to a further delay of the 4G spectrum auction. As per a report by the guardian, 3 took this decision over fears of being left out of the 800MHz bandwidth auction.
A complication against the regulator could have negative consequences for the 4G auction which has already been delayed long enough. The report reveals that UK will be the last major European economy to auction the airspace needed for 4G superfast mobile broadband.
The 4G spectrum auction is expected to raise US$ 6.4 billion with the final rules being decided in July.
MTN obtains 3G licences in Ivory Coast and Benin (Africa)
South Africa’s leading mobile operator MTN has obtained 3G licences in both Ivory Coast ad Benin, and is looking to launch 3G services in these regions soon. As per a report by CommsMEA, Bruno Koné, Icory Coast’s minister of post and ICT, told MTN that it was awarding the 3G licence to the telco at MTN’s offices in Abidjan.
Further, Wim Vanhelleputte, CEO, MTN Cote d’Ivoire, said that the operator had already identified about 30 per cent of subscribers who would be the first to experience 3G services.
As per the report, in Benin, the government granted MTN a universal licence which allows the company to provide mobile telecommunication services using any technology within the defined agreed frequency range without additional fees. This includes 3G, 4G, LTE, Wimax, Wi-Fi outdoor as well as the use of VoIP.
Eric Tronel, CEO, MTN Benin, said that MTN is the only operator in Benin with a licence to use wireless technologies such as 3G, LTE and WiMAX. He added that this presents a great opportunity to improve business communication solutions and other services to customers, both in the consumer and corporate sectors.
LIME launches 4G in select areas (UK)
Telecom operator LIME has rolled out its 4G service for users in certain regions. According to reports, the operator has dubbed this next generation service as the ‘4G Experience Zones’, which will initially focus on certain commercial and residential areas. Users in these areas will be able to access faster data transfer speeds on their 4G enabled handsets.
Reports reveal that Grace Silvera, Regional Vice President, Marketing & Corporate Communications, has said that LIME is proud to be the first to bring to Jamaica the experience of 4G technology which builds on their track record of having the best mobile data experience, full stop. This has catapulted Jamaica into the realm of a handful of countries around the world with this technology standard.
Silvera also claims that LIME will be the first to offer an opportunity for customers to experience the capability of the most advanced network technology in the world within the selected zones covering the large business district of Knutsford Boulevard and sections of New Kingston, Carlton Crescent, Half Way Tree Road, Portmore Mall and immediate surrounding areas plus Fairview Mall in Montego Bay, St. James.
SaskTel extends 4G wireless coverage to 8 locations (Canada)
SaskTel has expanded its 4G wireless network to 8 more locations across the province of Saskatchewan.
Ron Styles, SaskTel President and CEO, has said that the 4G wireless network delivers increased bandwidth, greater international roaming and a wider selection of wireless devices. Further, 4G will enable SaskTel to make a smooth transition to future generations of wireless technology.
Three of the locations were completed as part of the previously announced First Nations Program, which will provide high speed internet and 4G wireless service to 28 Saskatchewan First Nations by the end of 2012. The project is jointly funded by the Government of Canada and SaskTel. The latest locations are: Big Island Lake Cree Nation, Carry The Kettle First Nation and Ochapowace First Nation.
The other five tower locations, along with 4G coverage details, are Collins Bay which provides coverage to the mining region near Points North Landing. Also, Scout Lake, which provides coverage to the area south of Assiniboia including highway 2; Smoky Burn (Carrot Creek), which provides coverage to the area northeast of Carrot River including highway 55; St. Walburg North, which provides coverage to the area north of St. Walburg including highway 26 and Waskesiu Lake Rural, which provides improved coverage in the Waskesiu area including highway 264.
The 4G network provides increased bandwidth with download speeds approximately 4 times faster than existing speeds (up to 21 megabits per second). It is also compatible with more than 80 per cent of all networks around the world. SaskTel plans to support the existing CDMA digital network for the foreseeable future to ensure that all wireless customers continue to enjoy a full selection of wireless services that best suit their needs.
Everything Everywhere may launch 4G services in 2012 (UK)
Mobile operator Everything Everywhere has reportedly applied to the regulator Ofcom, seeking permission to provide the new generation 4G LTE service on its existing spectrum. The regulator claims that the operator may be able to launch the new service by this year itself, enabling users to stream and download high definition videos without interruption.
In a statement, the regulator has said that allowing Everything Everywhere to re-use its spectrum in this way is likely to bring material benefits to consumers, including faster mobile broadband speeds and — depending on how Everything Everywhere uses the spectrum — potentially wider mobile broadband coverage in rural areas.
Further, Ofcom has considered whether allowing Everything Everywhere to use this spectrum in this way would distort competition, and provisionally concluded that it would not. The statement also said that given the benefits this would bring to consumers, Ofcom is minded to allow this change of use.
The regulator had initially said that 4G services would be launched in 2013-14.
A spokeswoman for Everything Everywhere said that it’s very important that the UK does not get left behind in the building of a new infrastructure for the digital economy. She added that they welcome the notice of 1800MHz licence variation from Ofcom, as it suggests Ofcom’s willingness to encourage the early deployment of 4G LTE.
However, reports reveal that Vodafone may not be in agreement with the regulator’s move. The company has said that it comes as a surprise that the regulator is now considering giving the largest player in the market permission to use its existing spectrum for 4G services before the rules for the auction have even been concluded or it has divested spectrum as required by the European Commission. The company also claims they seriously doubt that consumers’ best interests will be served by giving one company a significant head start before any of its competitors have a clear path to 4G.
