GLOBE Telecom Inc. is set to complete the rollout of a new technology that will improve its Long Term Evolution (LTE) and fifth-generation (5G) coverage in 200 urban areas across the country by yearend.
Globe said it has started rolling out 32T32R Massive MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology in 200 dense urban areas, set for completion within the year.
“We are constantly innovating to build a more sustainable and efficient telecom infrastructure across the Philippines. The 32T32R Massive MIMO deployment allows us to provide high-quality LTE and 5G services with significantly lower energy consumption and a reduced carbon footprint. It demonstrates how we can combine advanced technology with sustainability,” said Joel Agustin, Globe head of service planning and engineering in a statement.
The 32T32R Massive MIMO system balances performance and sustainability with fewer antennas and reduced power consumption. It offers sufficient capacity for most of Globe’s needs and is an ideal solution for expanding LTE and 5G networks in urban areas.
The system’s beamforming and multi-user MIMO capabilities allow it to direct signals to multiple users simultaneously, increasing network capacity and quality while maintaining energy efficiency. Each 32T32R site is estimated to save about 200 kWh of energy per month, cutting carbon emissions by 1.7 metric tons annually.
By the end of June 2024, Globe built 352 new cell sites, and upgraded 1,942 existing mobile sites to LTE technology.
The company also deployed 256 new 5G sites across the Philippines in the first half, significantly bolstering its 5G outdoor coverage.
Within the National Capital Region, coverage reached 98.5 percent, while key cities in Visayas and Mindanao achieved 94.2 percent.