Stressing the importance of improving user experience and quality of service, Globe today demonstrated the capability of mobile 4G (HSPA+ or Evolved High-Speed Packet Access), which is geared to benefit even 3G and other broadband users.
“One of the reasons why we launched HSPA+ is to improve internet experience. Our customers tell us that they want better broadband speed, faster browsing, ease in download, etc. Another reason is that our broadband business is growing and the 4G mobile upgrade will also help existing customers. And I think that the timing of the device availability and the technology is right,” said Peter Bithos, senior advisor for Consumer Division, of Globe Telecom.
Existing Globe users in Marikina, Quezon City, Makati, Pasay, Las Pinas, Taguig and Manila will already enjoy faster internet experience, without additional charge, due to the activation of the mobile 4G sites in the said areas, which began last week.
Price packages and devices that will carry the mobile 4G will be announced in the coming months along with the rollout of more 4G mobile sites nationwide.
During the live speed test demo, Globe mobile 4G registered a download speed of 7.51Mbps and an upload speed of 1.02 Mbps, while Globe Tattoo got a 2.55 Mbps download speed and 0.34 Mbps upload speed. On the other hand, Smart obtained 1.12 Mbps download speed and 0.34 Mbps upload speed, while Sun got a download speed of 0.83 Mbps and an upload speed of 0.09 Mbps.
“We really think the growth will come from consumers who use the Internet more than ever. This is simply because the prices of smart phones are going down. An example of this is the Android phone, which is a full-featured device that can do email, browsing and of course download applications, all in one device. Filipinos are known to use the Internet quite a bit, with the growing number of social networking users because people want to be connected all the time. And the best way to do that is through mobile devices,” said Ernest Cu, president and CEO of Globe Telecom.
With an investment amounting to $500 million this year, Globe will concentrate in expanding its 4G network and services, while continuing to strengthen its 3G offerings.
Since 2009 Globe has already established over 1,500 4G WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) sites in nearly 60 provinces across the Philippines, covering 365 cities, including Manila, Caloocan, Cainta, Antipolo, Taytay, Plaridel, Cabanatuan, Dasmarinas, Bacoor, Imus, Tanza, Calamba, Batangas City, Cebu City, Cagayan De Oro, and Zamboanga.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Smart sees still untapped Internet market
Although the Philippines already has a mature and active Internet user group, only 30% of the country’s 95 million total population has Internet connectivity.
So, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) aims to reach the remaining 70 percent, especially the low-income groups in far flung areas across the archipelago, via a P12,795 tablet PC - the ZTE V9.
Tablets have surged in popularity since 2010 because of its high mobility and its possibilities in changing the Internet, information and media landscapes. Some 17.6 million tablet were sold globally last year, outnumbering laptops and netbooks the former bestsellers, according to research firm Gartner.
With the emergence of several low-cost models, 69.5 million tablet PCs will be sold this year. Smart was the first telco to introduce the tablet in the country with the Samsung Galaxy Tab fully powered with network and data services.
Now, the telco has lauched the ZTE V9 is a 7-inch Android 2.2-powered tablet being bundled with Smart Bro the wireless Internet service of its affiliate, Smart Broadband, Inc.
Initially being offered for prepaid subscription, the ZTE V9 combines the Internet experience of desktops and laptops with the convenience and portability of Internet-capable mobile phones and is payable in 6 monthly instalments, interest-free.
“Many Filipinos still access the Internet mainly through Internet cafes and work or school computers. With low-cost Internet devices such as this, we aim to increase the country’s Internet population, by enabling more people to easily have their own personal Internet access device,” explained Orlando B. Vea, Smart’s Chief Wireless Advisor.
Smart expects Smart Bro to revolutionize the way subscribers use data services through the ZTE V9. Because the tablet is powered by Android OS, ZTE V9 owners can easily customize and make their tablet more relevant to their needs and preferences with downloadable applications or apps.
These apps, thousands of which are available in the Android Market, can expand the tablet’s functionalities with various information, connectivity, social networking, gaming and multimedia services, all supported by Smart Bro’s connectivity. These apps will also make it easier for Smart to deploy future data-driven services direct to its subscribers.
But aside from its data-centric features, Smart Bro Prepaid subscribers using the ZTE V9 may also use their Smart Bro account to access the tablet’s SMS and voice call functionalities.
Other key features of the ZTE V9 include a 3.0 MP camera, WiFi, USB connectivity, built-in apps such as multimedia player, maps, YouTube, e-mail and more, and storage memory expandable up to 32GB.
With the launch of the ZTE V9 and with other affordable tablets and smartphones coming soon, Smart officials are confident that they will be able to capture new subscribers especially for their broadband services.
Subscriber can pay for their ZTE V9 in installments at 0% interest through participating credit cards. It comes with a Smart Bro prepaid SIM with 5 days of unlimited Internet browsing. Subscribers may then register the Smart Bro prepaid account to avail of Unlisurf Packages, Per Minute Packages, or All Text Packages.
So, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) aims to reach the remaining 70 percent, especially the low-income groups in far flung areas across the archipelago, via a P12,795 tablet PC - the ZTE V9.
Tablets have surged in popularity since 2010 because of its high mobility and its possibilities in changing the Internet, information and media landscapes. Some 17.6 million tablet were sold globally last year, outnumbering laptops and netbooks the former bestsellers, according to research firm Gartner.
With the emergence of several low-cost models, 69.5 million tablet PCs will be sold this year. Smart was the first telco to introduce the tablet in the country with the Samsung Galaxy Tab fully powered with network and data services.
Now, the telco has lauched the ZTE V9 is a 7-inch Android 2.2-powered tablet being bundled with Smart Bro the wireless Internet service of its affiliate, Smart Broadband, Inc.
Initially being offered for prepaid subscription, the ZTE V9 combines the Internet experience of desktops and laptops with the convenience and portability of Internet-capable mobile phones and is payable in 6 monthly instalments, interest-free.
“Many Filipinos still access the Internet mainly through Internet cafes and work or school computers. With low-cost Internet devices such as this, we aim to increase the country’s Internet population, by enabling more people to easily have their own personal Internet access device,” explained Orlando B. Vea, Smart’s Chief Wireless Advisor.
Smart expects Smart Bro to revolutionize the way subscribers use data services through the ZTE V9. Because the tablet is powered by Android OS, ZTE V9 owners can easily customize and make their tablet more relevant to their needs and preferences with downloadable applications or apps.
These apps, thousands of which are available in the Android Market, can expand the tablet’s functionalities with various information, connectivity, social networking, gaming and multimedia services, all supported by Smart Bro’s connectivity. These apps will also make it easier for Smart to deploy future data-driven services direct to its subscribers.
But aside from its data-centric features, Smart Bro Prepaid subscribers using the ZTE V9 may also use their Smart Bro account to access the tablet’s SMS and voice call functionalities.
Other key features of the ZTE V9 include a 3.0 MP camera, WiFi, USB connectivity, built-in apps such as multimedia player, maps, YouTube, e-mail and more, and storage memory expandable up to 32GB.
With the launch of the ZTE V9 and with other affordable tablets and smartphones coming soon, Smart officials are confident that they will be able to capture new subscribers especially for their broadband services.
Subscriber can pay for their ZTE V9 in installments at 0% interest through participating credit cards. It comes with a Smart Bro prepaid SIM with 5 days of unlimited Internet browsing. Subscribers may then register the Smart Bro prepaid account to avail of Unlisurf Packages, Per Minute Packages, or All Text Packages.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Asian Hospital and Medical Center introduces first wireless and non-sedative ABR machine
Providing innovative and world-class healthcare service, Asian Hospital and Medical Center introduces the Vivosonic Integrity, the first wireless and non-sedative ABR machine to the Philippines.
Standard ABR (auditory brainstem response) machines required patients to be sedated or be put under general anesthesia as accuracy and reliability depend on very minimal ambient noise. It is these machines that allow for effective and thorough evaluation of auditory brainstem responses to detect any tumors that may affect hearing.
With the Vivosonic Integrity, patients need not be put to sleep or sedated and can be done even in the presence of noise. Without the need for medication or special equipment, an audiologist can easily do ABR on an awake and active child in any hospital environment. It is also wireless, making it portable and easy to maneuver during testing, especially of active children.
With the availability of this machine, Asian Hospital expects improved patient care as it eliminates risks associated with anesthesia while ensuring quality hearing healthcare in the country. Patients will also find it beneficial that the Integrity machine offers safe, accurate and inexpensive diagnosis of hearing conditions.
Standard ABR (auditory brainstem response) machines required patients to be sedated or be put under general anesthesia as accuracy and reliability depend on very minimal ambient noise. It is these machines that allow for effective and thorough evaluation of auditory brainstem responses to detect any tumors that may affect hearing.
With the Vivosonic Integrity, patients need not be put to sleep or sedated and can be done even in the presence of noise. Without the need for medication or special equipment, an audiologist can easily do ABR on an awake and active child in any hospital environment. It is also wireless, making it portable and easy to maneuver during testing, especially of active children.
With the availability of this machine, Asian Hospital expects improved patient care as it eliminates risks associated with anesthesia while ensuring quality hearing healthcare in the country. Patients will also find it beneficial that the Integrity machine offers safe, accurate and inexpensive diagnosis of hearing conditions.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
It?s not about who?s first but who?s better!
The telecoms industry have always been slugging it out in terms of “price wars”. Sometimes, they’d also do the same in the technology front and being the first of anything new is always considered a prized trophy. Globe and Smart (and Sun, pre-PLDT acquisition) have been like that for years.
Who was the first one to offer WAP again? What about mobile TV? Or 3G? How about WiMax? Now the talk of the town is LTE.
Frankly, I don’t care. I think most customers would not care. After seeing what happened to their 3G/3.5G roll-out and the big promises of their WiMax, it all feels like just mere war of words. Ask any customer if they feel their brand new, hi-tech network connection has improved their internet experience.
From a Corp Comm perspective, being first is nice — it gets you a lot of good publicity (and avoids being called a “me too” competitor) and it’s good for the year-end corporate report (not to mention pogi points to the shareholders).
From a marketing perspective, it’s also good since you get the first-mover advantage and you get support from 3rd party manufacturers and service providers ahead as well.
Lastly, the good news helps divert attention away from existing issues such as bandwidth capping. Wait, what capping?
For us customers, the bottom line is all about “good service” (set aside pricing first). What good use is a technology that promises up to 50Mbps when one cannot even get a decent connection on the existing 2Mbps line? No new technology can guarantee good customer service.
We discussed this in detail during the time when the hot topic what about bandwidth capping and throttling. If those 2Mbps mobile subscriptions are being shared by an allocated number of subscribers, the factorial could still be the same for a 50Mbps connection. If they’d share 10 subs on a 2Mbps line, then it’s not surprising if they’d share 250 subs on the 50Mbps line. Same 5 is to 1 ratio (I’m just throwing theoretical numbers here). But that’s how “bandwidth provisioning” is done so we’ll just have to deal with it.
How about lowering the “sharing ratio” (or making the bandwidth provisioning more efficient)? How about offering more affordable “up to” DSL plans? How about pushing your current 3.5G network to serve up to 7.2Mbps instead of the measly 2Mbps that’s now in place. At least, even if I don’t get the full 7.2Mbps, a 50% efficiency will still get me a solid 3.6Mbps connection.
Being first can only get you so far. What use is being first when you cannot sustain customer confidence, good quality service (QoS) and uphold a fair policy (can’t even downgrade my 7-year old PLDT line without paying a Php10k downgrade fee). But then again, that’s how our telcos roll.
Who was the first one to offer WAP again? What about mobile TV? Or 3G? How about WiMax? Now the talk of the town is LTE.
Frankly, I don’t care. I think most customers would not care. After seeing what happened to their 3G/3.5G roll-out and the big promises of their WiMax, it all feels like just mere war of words. Ask any customer if they feel their brand new, hi-tech network connection has improved their internet experience.
From a Corp Comm perspective, being first is nice — it gets you a lot of good publicity (and avoids being called a “me too” competitor) and it’s good for the year-end corporate report (not to mention pogi points to the shareholders).
From a marketing perspective, it’s also good since you get the first-mover advantage and you get support from 3rd party manufacturers and service providers ahead as well.
Lastly, the good news helps divert attention away from existing issues such as bandwidth capping. Wait, what capping?
For us customers, the bottom line is all about “good service” (set aside pricing first). What good use is a technology that promises up to 50Mbps when one cannot even get a decent connection on the existing 2Mbps line? No new technology can guarantee good customer service.
We discussed this in detail during the time when the hot topic what about bandwidth capping and throttling. If those 2Mbps mobile subscriptions are being shared by an allocated number of subscribers, the factorial could still be the same for a 50Mbps connection. If they’d share 10 subs on a 2Mbps line, then it’s not surprising if they’d share 250 subs on the 50Mbps line. Same 5 is to 1 ratio (I’m just throwing theoretical numbers here). But that’s how “bandwidth provisioning” is done so we’ll just have to deal with it.
How about lowering the “sharing ratio” (or making the bandwidth provisioning more efficient)? How about offering more affordable “up to” DSL plans? How about pushing your current 3.5G network to serve up to 7.2Mbps instead of the measly 2Mbps that’s now in place. At least, even if I don’t get the full 7.2Mbps, a 50% efficiency will still get me a solid 3.6Mbps connection.
Being first can only get you so far. What use is being first when you cannot sustain customer confidence, good quality service (QoS) and uphold a fair policy (can’t even downgrade my 7-year old PLDT line without paying a Php10k downgrade fee). But then again, that’s how our telcos roll.
Globe launches 4G mobile: First to roll out 4G mobile technology in the Philippines
In a Philippine first, Globe announces a major expansion of its current 4G footprint by becoming the first carrier in the Philippines to launch the commercial roll out of 4G mobile technology. This rollout, the first phase of which utilizes the global standard HSPA+ or Evolved High-Speed Packet Access, will complement Globe Telecom’s existing 4G WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) network. The rollout of Globe 4G mobile network will provide its subscribers high speed broadband access with the added convenience of full mobility.
To date, Globe 4G mobile technology has been deployed covering sites across Metro Manila, which includes Marikina, Quezon City, Makati, Pasay, Las Pinas, Taguig and the City of Manila. By end-2011, Globe expects to increase its 4G presence dramatically with continued expansion planned into 2012.
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.”
Globe will be complementing this launch shortly through the announcement of a suite of new multimedia services, 4G devices and offers for customers to enjoy.
Globe is already the first and largest 4G network in the country. Since April 2009, Globe has aggressively pursued plans to establish its 4G footprint in the country with industry leading availability of WiMAX. As the country’s 4G pioneer, with one of the largest WiMAX deployments in Southeast Asia, Globe has already made 4G available in over 1,500 sites in nearly 60 provinces across the Philippines, covering 365 cities, including Manila, Caloocan, Cainta, Antipolo, Taytay, Plaridel, Cabanatuan, Dasmarinas, Bacoor, Imus, Tanza, Calamba, Batangas City, Cebu City, Cagayan De Oro, and Zamboanga.
About 4G and HSPA+
HSPA+, or Evolved High-Speed Packet Access, is a 4G wireless, mobile, high speed broadband technology that allows for peak theoretical download speeds of up to 21 Mbps with upgradeability for 84Mbps. With HSPA+ technology, subscribers will experience high peak rates, lower latency, improved “always-on experience”, better multimedia upload, high-speed web browsing, and faster streaming and downloads. Under Globe HSPA+ network, subscribers are expected to enjoy browsing at an average speed of 4-6 Mbps with even faster peak speeds. HSPA+ is the chosen mobile 4G standard for other carriers globally including AT&T and T-mobile in the US.
Other technologies in the 4G category include Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) and Long Term Evolution (LTE) as rated by the International Telecommunication Union. The ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technology issues and establishes worldwide standards for seamless global interconnection.
In November 2010, Globe also completed field trials of another 4G standard, 3GPP Long Term Evolution (commonly known as LTE) wireless technology together with the SingTel Group and NEC Corporation. The field trial verified a variety of LTE functions such as quality of service; latency and hand-over within urban areas were tested as these are required for commercial use of the technology.
To date, Globe 4G mobile technology has been deployed covering sites across Metro Manila, which includes Marikina, Quezon City, Makati, Pasay, Las Pinas, Taguig and the City of Manila. By end-2011, Globe expects to increase its 4G presence dramatically with continued expansion planned into 2012.
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.”
Globe will be complementing this launch shortly through the announcement of a suite of new multimedia services, 4G devices and offers for customers to enjoy.
Globe is already the first and largest 4G network in the country. Since April 2009, Globe has aggressively pursued plans to establish its 4G footprint in the country with industry leading availability of WiMAX. As the country’s 4G pioneer, with one of the largest WiMAX deployments in Southeast Asia, Globe has already made 4G available in over 1,500 sites in nearly 60 provinces across the Philippines, covering 365 cities, including Manila, Caloocan, Cainta, Antipolo, Taytay, Plaridel, Cabanatuan, Dasmarinas, Bacoor, Imus, Tanza, Calamba, Batangas City, Cebu City, Cagayan De Oro, and Zamboanga.
About 4G and HSPA+
HSPA+, or Evolved High-Speed Packet Access, is a 4G wireless, mobile, high speed broadband technology that allows for peak theoretical download speeds of up to 21 Mbps with upgradeability for 84Mbps. With HSPA+ technology, subscribers will experience high peak rates, lower latency, improved “always-on experience”, better multimedia upload, high-speed web browsing, and faster streaming and downloads. Under Globe HSPA+ network, subscribers are expected to enjoy browsing at an average speed of 4-6 Mbps with even faster peak speeds. HSPA+ is the chosen mobile 4G standard for other carriers globally including AT&T and T-mobile in the US.
Other technologies in the 4G category include Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) and Long Term Evolution (LTE) as rated by the International Telecommunication Union. The ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technology issues and establishes worldwide standards for seamless global interconnection.
In November 2010, Globe also completed field trials of another 4G standard, 3GPP Long Term Evolution (commonly known as LTE) wireless technology together with the SingTel Group and NEC Corporation. The field trial verified a variety of LTE functions such as quality of service; latency and hand-over within urban areas were tested as these are required for commercial use of the technology.
Smart to offer mobile LTE up to 6Mbps
The details are still sketchy but an insider has tipped us that Smart Communications will be launching mobile LTE (3GPP Long Term Evolution) this week with promised speeds of up to 6Mbps per subscriber.
Back in November 2010, Globe demonstrated their mobile LTE with maximum speeds of up to 60Mbps (see story here). Now, it’s Smart’s turn to offer LTE to the public (they also did field tests back in November, about two weeks after Globe did theirs).
3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE), is the latest standard in the mobile network technology tree that produced the GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA network technologies. It is a project of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).
The LTE specification provides downlink peak rates of at least 100 Mbps, an uplink of at least 50 Mbps and RAN round-trip times of less than 10 ms. (source: wikipedia)
Unlike the current 3G networks that all of the telcos provide, LTE has a much higher bandwidth capacity so this could help solve the congestion problem (read: slow 3G connections) a lot of the customers are experiencing right now. It’s not clear how their new LTE offering will position against the current 3G network.
LTE USB dongles will be provided (just like the Smart Plug-It dongles they currently offer) for customers to hook up to the service and corresponding monthly service fees have not yet been revealed.
While LTE can easily do between 50Mbps to 100Mbps, they’ll only offer retail subscriptions between 4Mbps to 6Mbps to customers. I’d expect competitive pricing of these subscription to range from Php1,200 to Php2,000.
More on this as we get the details.
They’re calling it Smart Evolution.
Public demo will be done in Boracay from April 21 – 24.
Back in November 2010, Globe demonstrated their mobile LTE with maximum speeds of up to 60Mbps (see story here). Now, it’s Smart’s turn to offer LTE to the public (they also did field tests back in November, about two weeks after Globe did theirs).
3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE), is the latest standard in the mobile network technology tree that produced the GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA network technologies. It is a project of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).
The LTE specification provides downlink peak rates of at least 100 Mbps, an uplink of at least 50 Mbps and RAN round-trip times of less than 10 ms. (source: wikipedia)
Unlike the current 3G networks that all of the telcos provide, LTE has a much higher bandwidth capacity so this could help solve the congestion problem (read: slow 3G connections) a lot of the customers are experiencing right now. It’s not clear how their new LTE offering will position against the current 3G network.
LTE USB dongles will be provided (just like the Smart Plug-It dongles they currently offer) for customers to hook up to the service and corresponding monthly service fees have not yet been revealed.
While LTE can easily do between 50Mbps to 100Mbps, they’ll only offer retail subscriptions between 4Mbps to 6Mbps to customers. I’d expect competitive pricing of these subscription to range from Php1,200 to Php2,000.
More on this as we get the details.
They’re calling it Smart Evolution.
Public demo will be done in Boracay from April 21 – 24.
Smart's increased data capacity to benefit users
Smart Communications Inc. has expanded its capacity to carry voice, broadband data and video traffic by 31 percent after enhancing its fiber optic network last year.
In 2010, Smart extended its fiber optic cable network, further augmenting the reach and resiliency of parent company Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co.’s Domestic Fiber Optic Network (DFON).
These enhancements, coupled with Smart’s extensive microwave network, make Smart and PLDT the country’s widest and most pervasive communications transmission network.
Smart’s microwave network is utilized to reach remote areas such as Tawi-Tawi in the south to Batanes in the north. On the west side, it reaches Palawan from Batangas in Luzon and from Panay Island in the Visayas.
Aside from serving as an aggregate node to carry traffic to the nearest fiber-optic node, microwave radios are also used as alternate routes for the critical circuits passing through the major fiber-optic networks.
PLDT’s DFON currently spans 10,050 kilometers, connecting 68 nodes and equipped with a total network bandwidth capacity of 1.56 terabytes or the capability of accommodating a total of 24 million simultaneous voice calls or additional capacity of four million DSL connections.
Smart’s improvements resulted in additional capacity for its wireless broadband subscribers in the cities of Baguio and Candon and the province of Laguna in Luzon, the cities of Bacolod and Iloilo in the Visayas, and the cities of Tagum, General Santos and Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao.
The installation of additional fiber optic cables, from the PLDT/Smart backbone network down to the base transceiver stations, is expected to provide greater bandwidth to consumers accessing large chunks of data from the Internet via fixed and mobile devices.
The enhancements not only supply additional capacity for mainstream voice and SMS services, but should also enable a richer multimedia experience, faster Internet browsing and video streaming.
To date, major backbone areas with both high-capacity fiber optics and high-capacity microwave network cover Regions 1 and 2, Baguio to Bulacan, Bicol region, Panay to Negros to Cebu, Zamboanga to Ozamiz and Cagayan de Oro to Davao up to General Santos City.
The aggressive deployment and expansion of fiber optic networks is in line with Smart’s thrust to lead the Filipino mobile phone users’ shift to Internet-capable smartphones in large numbers over the next two to three years.
Smart is introducing an array of smartphones and tablets, led by its “Netphone,” as well as low-cost Internet service packages in the next few months.
At the same time, the company will further beef up its cellular data network in anticipation of the growing volume of mobile data.
As a result, the PLDT Group is expected to raise its capital expenditures to over P30 billion this year.
In 2010, Smart extended its fiber optic cable network, further augmenting the reach and resiliency of parent company Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co.’s Domestic Fiber Optic Network (DFON).
These enhancements, coupled with Smart’s extensive microwave network, make Smart and PLDT the country’s widest and most pervasive communications transmission network.
Smart’s microwave network is utilized to reach remote areas such as Tawi-Tawi in the south to Batanes in the north. On the west side, it reaches Palawan from Batangas in Luzon and from Panay Island in the Visayas.
Aside from serving as an aggregate node to carry traffic to the nearest fiber-optic node, microwave radios are also used as alternate routes for the critical circuits passing through the major fiber-optic networks.
PLDT’s DFON currently spans 10,050 kilometers, connecting 68 nodes and equipped with a total network bandwidth capacity of 1.56 terabytes or the capability of accommodating a total of 24 million simultaneous voice calls or additional capacity of four million DSL connections.
Smart’s improvements resulted in additional capacity for its wireless broadband subscribers in the cities of Baguio and Candon and the province of Laguna in Luzon, the cities of Bacolod and Iloilo in the Visayas, and the cities of Tagum, General Santos and Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao.
The installation of additional fiber optic cables, from the PLDT/Smart backbone network down to the base transceiver stations, is expected to provide greater bandwidth to consumers accessing large chunks of data from the Internet via fixed and mobile devices.
The enhancements not only supply additional capacity for mainstream voice and SMS services, but should also enable a richer multimedia experience, faster Internet browsing and video streaming.
To date, major backbone areas with both high-capacity fiber optics and high-capacity microwave network cover Regions 1 and 2, Baguio to Bulacan, Bicol region, Panay to Negros to Cebu, Zamboanga to Ozamiz and Cagayan de Oro to Davao up to General Santos City.
The aggressive deployment and expansion of fiber optic networks is in line with Smart’s thrust to lead the Filipino mobile phone users’ shift to Internet-capable smartphones in large numbers over the next two to three years.
Smart is introducing an array of smartphones and tablets, led by its “Netphone,” as well as low-cost Internet service packages in the next few months.
At the same time, the company will further beef up its cellular data network in anticipation of the growing volume of mobile data.
As a result, the PLDT Group is expected to raise its capital expenditures to over P30 billion this year.
Globe, Digitel, Bayantel now interconnected
The networks of Globe Telecom, Bayan Telecommunications (BayanTel) and Digitel Telecommunications Philippines (Digitel) are now 100% interconnected in all areas of common presence and operations nationwide, following the commercial activation of the local linkage between the networks of Globe and Digitel in Lucena City and the rest of Quezon province.
The achievement of full interconnection between Globe, Digitel and Bayantel in all areas of common operations is a mandate from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), in compliance with Republic Act 7925, or The Public Telecommunications Policy Act of 1995. The law aims to create a universally accessible and fully integrated nationwide telecommunications network to encourage more infrastructure investments from the private sector that benefit consumers.
Interconnected telecommunication network means that in areas where Globe, Digitel or Bayantel are present, customers of the competing telcos within a province or city can call each other locally via 7-digit local dialing without having to pay long distance rates. In the past, subscribers of rival telcos, regardless of whether or not they live in the same town, had to pay long-distance rates to call each other via landline.
“This is another milestone not only for Globe, Bayantel and Digitel, but more importantly for the public who will benefit from the interconnection,” said Melvin Santos, Head for National Carrier Relations of Globe Telecom, “Competition should not get in the way of serving the public interest and we have proven that even rival telcos can work together for the greater good.”
Globe and Digitel have established interconnection in common operation areas in the National Capital Region and in the provinces of Camarines Norte, Bataan, Lucena, Sorsogon, Ilocos Sur, Nueva Vizcaya, and Zambales. On the other hand, Globe and Bayantel are both present in the National Capital Region and the provinces of Iloilo, Cebu, Eastern Samar, Negros Occidental, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Norte, Davao del Sur, South Cotabato, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and Sorsogon.
The achievement of full interconnection between Globe, Digitel and Bayantel in all areas of common operations is a mandate from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), in compliance with Republic Act 7925, or The Public Telecommunications Policy Act of 1995. The law aims to create a universally accessible and fully integrated nationwide telecommunications network to encourage more infrastructure investments from the private sector that benefit consumers.
Interconnected telecommunication network means that in areas where Globe, Digitel or Bayantel are present, customers of the competing telcos within a province or city can call each other locally via 7-digit local dialing without having to pay long distance rates. In the past, subscribers of rival telcos, regardless of whether or not they live in the same town, had to pay long-distance rates to call each other via landline.
“This is another milestone not only for Globe, Bayantel and Digitel, but more importantly for the public who will benefit from the interconnection,” said Melvin Santos, Head for National Carrier Relations of Globe Telecom, “Competition should not get in the way of serving the public interest and we have proven that even rival telcos can work together for the greater good.”
Globe and Digitel have established interconnection in common operation areas in the National Capital Region and in the provinces of Camarines Norte, Bataan, Lucena, Sorsogon, Ilocos Sur, Nueva Vizcaya, and Zambales. On the other hand, Globe and Bayantel are both present in the National Capital Region and the provinces of Iloilo, Cebu, Eastern Samar, Negros Occidental, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Norte, Davao del Sur, South Cotabato, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and Sorsogon.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Globe slams PLDT for failure to interconnect
As Globe Telecom announced that it is now fully interconnected nationwide with Bayan Telecommunications and Digitel, the Ayala-owned operator rebuked main rival PLDT for failing to fulfill its obligation to fully interconnect with its competitors.
To date, both Globe and PLDT are locally interconnected only in Davao City, Batangas, Cavite, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Cotabato City.
The two companies’ networks are not yet interconnected in at least 20 more provinces where both have commercial operations, including the provinces of Pampanga, La Union and Benguet.
Earlier, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the provincial board of Pampanga announced that PLDT and Globe will implement the interconnection of its networks in the province on April 15, 2011.
“We’ve always been ready and waiting to interconnect our network with all our competitors,” said Froilan Castelo, head of the corporate and legal services group of Globe.
After completing its nationwide interconnection with Digitel and BayanTel, Globe said is hopeful that interconnection agreements with PLDT will be hastened for the benefit of the consumers as part of efforts to develop the country’s telecommunications infrastructure and provide consumers with a more cost-efficient way of communications.
The networks of Globe, Bayan, and Digitel are now 100 percent interconnected in all areas of common presence and operations nationwide, following the commercial activation of the local linkage between the networks of Globe and Digitel in Lucena City and the rest of Quezon province.
The achievement of full interconnection between Globe, Digitel and Bayantel in all areas of common operations is a mandate from the NTC, in compliance with Republic Act 7925, or The Public Telecommunications Policy Act of 1995.
The law aims to create a universally accessible and fully integrated nationwide telecommunications network to encourage more infrastructure investments from the private sector that benefit consumers.
Interconnected telecommunication network means that in areas where Globe, Digitel or Bayantel are present, customers of the competing telcos within a province or city can call each other locally via 7-digit local dialing without having to pay long distance rates.
In the past, subscribers of rival telcos, regardless of whether or not they live in the same town, had to pay long-distance rates to call each other via landline.
“This is another milestone not only for Globe, Bayan and Digitel, but more importantly for the public who will benefit from the interconnection,” said Melvin Santos, head for national carrier relations of Globe Telecom.
“Competition should not get in the way of serving the public interest and we have proven that even rival telcos can work together for the greater good.”
Globe and Digitel have established interconnection in common operation areas in the National Capital Region and in the provinces of Camarines Norte, Bataan, Lucena, Sorsogon, Ilocos Sur, Nueva Vizcaya, and Zambales.
On the other hand, Globe and Bayantel are both present in the National Capital Region and the provinces of Iloilo, Cebu, Eastern Samar, Negros Occidental, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Norte, Davao del Sur, South Cotabato, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and Sorsogon.
To date, both Globe and PLDT are locally interconnected only in Davao City, Batangas, Cavite, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Cotabato City.
The two companies’ networks are not yet interconnected in at least 20 more provinces where both have commercial operations, including the provinces of Pampanga, La Union and Benguet.
Earlier, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the provincial board of Pampanga announced that PLDT and Globe will implement the interconnection of its networks in the province on April 15, 2011.
“We’ve always been ready and waiting to interconnect our network with all our competitors,” said Froilan Castelo, head of the corporate and legal services group of Globe.
After completing its nationwide interconnection with Digitel and BayanTel, Globe said is hopeful that interconnection agreements with PLDT will be hastened for the benefit of the consumers as part of efforts to develop the country’s telecommunications infrastructure and provide consumers with a more cost-efficient way of communications.
The networks of Globe, Bayan, and Digitel are now 100 percent interconnected in all areas of common presence and operations nationwide, following the commercial activation of the local linkage between the networks of Globe and Digitel in Lucena City and the rest of Quezon province.
The achievement of full interconnection between Globe, Digitel and Bayantel in all areas of common operations is a mandate from the NTC, in compliance with Republic Act 7925, or The Public Telecommunications Policy Act of 1995.
The law aims to create a universally accessible and fully integrated nationwide telecommunications network to encourage more infrastructure investments from the private sector that benefit consumers.
Interconnected telecommunication network means that in areas where Globe, Digitel or Bayantel are present, customers of the competing telcos within a province or city can call each other locally via 7-digit local dialing without having to pay long distance rates.
In the past, subscribers of rival telcos, regardless of whether or not they live in the same town, had to pay long-distance rates to call each other via landline.
“This is another milestone not only for Globe, Bayan and Digitel, but more importantly for the public who will benefit from the interconnection,” said Melvin Santos, head for national carrier relations of Globe Telecom.
“Competition should not get in the way of serving the public interest and we have proven that even rival telcos can work together for the greater good.”
Globe and Digitel have established interconnection in common operation areas in the National Capital Region and in the provinces of Camarines Norte, Bataan, Lucena, Sorsogon, Ilocos Sur, Nueva Vizcaya, and Zambales.
On the other hand, Globe and Bayantel are both present in the National Capital Region and the provinces of Iloilo, Cebu, Eastern Samar, Negros Occidental, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Norte, Davao del Sur, South Cotabato, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and Sorsogon.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Mandaluyong deploys first wave of ?e-trikes?
President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III on Wednesday transferred 20 Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded electric tricycles (e-trikes) to the City of Mandaluyong, marking an important first step towards a sustainable, energy-efficient transport model for the country.
Pres. Aquino tries out the e-trike along with Mandaluyong City mayor Benhur Abalos
Emissions from the transport sector currently represent 30-percent of all pollution in the country, and approximately 80 percent of air pollution in Metro Manila. A sizeable proportion of vehicle emissions are attributable to inefficient public transport, particularly from tricycles, jeepneys, and buses.
The 20 e-trikes are part of an ADB-funded project to introduce energy-efficient transportation alternatives in the Philippines. ADB is currently in discussions with the government and other development partners on a proposed project to significantly scale up the rollout of energy efficient e-trikes in Manila and other urban areas as early as 2012.
“Working together, we can give Manila cleaner air, bluer skies, and a more livable environment,” said Kunio Senga, director general of ADB’s Southeast Asia Department.
“The Philippines is assuming a leading role in Asia in supporting green transportation alternatives, and if e-trikes are followed by new fleets of electric buses and jeepneys, the effect could be transformative.”
Over 3.5 million motorized tricycles are currently operating in the Philippines, producing more than 10 million tons of carbon dioxide and using close to $5 billion of imported fuel each year.
Motorized tricycles — which are motorcycles with sidecars — are popularly used as low-cost public transport for short distances.
“Every 20,000 e-trikes that are introduced to Manila’s streets will save the Philippines 100,000 liters of foreign fuel imports each day, saving the country about $35 million annually,” said ADB’s principal energy specialist Sohail Hasnie.
“This initiative not only benefits the environment, but it also supports the Philippines drive to become more energy independent.”
The e-trike hits the road alongside a conventional tricycle.
Though the new e-trikes have higher up-front costs, older petrol tricycles are more than twice as expensive to operate and maintain in the long run. The cost savings will directly increase the incomes of e-trike operators.
The new ADB-supported e-trikes use lithium ion batteries, commonly used in laptop computers and mobile phones. The batteries can be recharged approximately 2,000 times, in contrast to lead acid batteries used in older e-trike models that need to be replaced every two years.
A recently concluded phase-one ADB pilot project demonstrated that the Philippines has the local manufacturing capacity and technical skills base to build and maintain a large e-trike fleet. Once thousands of e-trikes begin to be manufactured, many new jobs could be created.
Factoring in electricity required for charging the batteries, the e-trikes’ carbon footprint will be less than one quarter of petroleum-fueled tricycles’ carbon dioxide emissions.
As part of the pilot project, ADB will install four charging stations in Mandaluyong City, which will be able to charge the e-trike batteries to 50 percent capacity in less than 30 minutes. One of the charging stations will use solar energy.
Pres. Aquino tries out the e-trike along with Mandaluyong City mayor Benhur Abalos
Emissions from the transport sector currently represent 30-percent of all pollution in the country, and approximately 80 percent of air pollution in Metro Manila. A sizeable proportion of vehicle emissions are attributable to inefficient public transport, particularly from tricycles, jeepneys, and buses.
The 20 e-trikes are part of an ADB-funded project to introduce energy-efficient transportation alternatives in the Philippines. ADB is currently in discussions with the government and other development partners on a proposed project to significantly scale up the rollout of energy efficient e-trikes in Manila and other urban areas as early as 2012.
“Working together, we can give Manila cleaner air, bluer skies, and a more livable environment,” said Kunio Senga, director general of ADB’s Southeast Asia Department.
“The Philippines is assuming a leading role in Asia in supporting green transportation alternatives, and if e-trikes are followed by new fleets of electric buses and jeepneys, the effect could be transformative.”
Over 3.5 million motorized tricycles are currently operating in the Philippines, producing more than 10 million tons of carbon dioxide and using close to $5 billion of imported fuel each year.
Motorized tricycles — which are motorcycles with sidecars — are popularly used as low-cost public transport for short distances.
“Every 20,000 e-trikes that are introduced to Manila’s streets will save the Philippines 100,000 liters of foreign fuel imports each day, saving the country about $35 million annually,” said ADB’s principal energy specialist Sohail Hasnie.
“This initiative not only benefits the environment, but it also supports the Philippines drive to become more energy independent.”
The e-trike hits the road alongside a conventional tricycle.
Though the new e-trikes have higher up-front costs, older petrol tricycles are more than twice as expensive to operate and maintain in the long run. The cost savings will directly increase the incomes of e-trike operators.
The new ADB-supported e-trikes use lithium ion batteries, commonly used in laptop computers and mobile phones. The batteries can be recharged approximately 2,000 times, in contrast to lead acid batteries used in older e-trike models that need to be replaced every two years.
A recently concluded phase-one ADB pilot project demonstrated that the Philippines has the local manufacturing capacity and technical skills base to build and maintain a large e-trike fleet. Once thousands of e-trikes begin to be manufactured, many new jobs could be created.
Factoring in electricity required for charging the batteries, the e-trikes’ carbon footprint will be less than one quarter of petroleum-fueled tricycles’ carbon dioxide emissions.
As part of the pilot project, ADB will install four charging stations in Mandaluyong City, which will be able to charge the e-trike batteries to 50 percent capacity in less than 30 minutes. One of the charging stations will use solar energy.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
SUPERLAHAT20
Mga Madlang Davaoenos may promo ang GLOBE Prepaid exclusively for Davao. Ito ang SUPERLAHAT20. Ang 20pesos mo may UNLITEXT to Globe/TM + 100 minutes call to Globe/TM + 1 hour mobile Internet + 5 international texts. Just text SUPERLAHAT20 to 8888. Go Lang ng go! Globe Lang ng Globe!
Globe launches Facebook service
Filipinos who can’t stand five minutes without checking their Facebook accounts now have a way to stay connected with their “friends” at a cheaper cost.
Globe Telecom Inc. announced in a statement the launch of its Super Facebook service, allowing users to enjoy their favorite social networking site on their mobile phones at a very affordable rate.
Exclusive to Globe prepaid subscribers, Globe Super Facebook is a mobile surfing plan that allows subscribers to surf on Facebook on their mobile phones for five straight hours for only P10.
The new service is part of the company’s efforts to increase the usage of Internet services with mobile phones.
This means that Globe Super Facebook users can enjoy Facebook for only P2 an hour. To access Facebook on their mobile phones, subscribers can open their mobile browsers and key in m.facebook.com, the company said.
“As one of the most popular social networking sites in the world today, Facebook continues to evolve to provide its users with a slew of interesting features,” Globe portfolio management head Joanna Africa said.
“Through this offer, we have brought the popularity of Facebook to our subscribers’ mobile phones, making it more convenient for them to truly enjoy Facebook, their way,” she said.
To register for the service, Globe prepaid subscribers can text SUPERFB10 to 8888. A maintaining balance of P1 is required to enjoy the service.
Meanwhile, users who surf Facebook from time to time can subscribe to Globe PowerSurf, which is a consumable mobile surfing plan. Globe PowerSurf allows users to surf and stop as they wish and have full control on how they use their mobile Internet minutes.
Globe Telecom Inc. announced in a statement the launch of its Super Facebook service, allowing users to enjoy their favorite social networking site on their mobile phones at a very affordable rate.
Exclusive to Globe prepaid subscribers, Globe Super Facebook is a mobile surfing plan that allows subscribers to surf on Facebook on their mobile phones for five straight hours for only P10.
The new service is part of the company’s efforts to increase the usage of Internet services with mobile phones.
This means that Globe Super Facebook users can enjoy Facebook for only P2 an hour. To access Facebook on their mobile phones, subscribers can open their mobile browsers and key in m.facebook.com, the company said.
“As one of the most popular social networking sites in the world today, Facebook continues to evolve to provide its users with a slew of interesting features,” Globe portfolio management head Joanna Africa said.
“Through this offer, we have brought the popularity of Facebook to our subscribers’ mobile phones, making it more convenient for them to truly enjoy Facebook, their way,” she said.
To register for the service, Globe prepaid subscribers can text SUPERFB10 to 8888. A maintaining balance of P1 is required to enjoy the service.
Meanwhile, users who surf Facebook from time to time can subscribe to Globe PowerSurf, which is a consumable mobile surfing plan. Globe PowerSurf allows users to surf and stop as they wish and have full control on how they use their mobile Internet minutes.
Globe launches Facebook service
Filipinos who can’t stand five minutes without checking their Facebook accounts now have a way to stay connected with their “friends” at a cheaper cost.
Globe Telecom Inc. announced in a statement the launch of its Super Facebook service, allowing users to enjoy their favorite social networking site on their mobile phones at a very affordable rate.
Exclusive to Globe prepaid subscribers, Globe Super Facebook is a mobile surfing plan that allows subscribers to surf on Facebook on their mobile phones for five straight hours for only P10.
The new service is part of the company’s efforts to increase the usage of Internet services with mobile phones.
This means that Globe Super Facebook users can enjoy Facebook for only P2 an hour. To access Facebook on their mobile phones, subscribers can open their mobile browsers and key in m.facebook.com, the company said.
“As one of the most popular social networking sites in the world today, Facebook continues to evolve to provide its users with a slew of interesting features,” Globe portfolio management head Joanna Africa said.
“Through this offer, we have brought the popularity of Facebook to our subscribers’ mobile phones, making it more convenient for them to truly enjoy Facebook, their way,” she said.
To register for the service, Globe prepaid subscribers can text SUPERFB10 to 8888. A maintaining balance of P1 is required to enjoy the service.
Meanwhile, users who surf Facebook from time to time can subscribe to Globe PowerSurf, which is a consumable mobile surfing plan. Globe PowerSurf allows users to surf and stop as they wish and have full control on how they use their mobile Internet minutes.
Globe Telecom Inc. announced in a statement the launch of its Super Facebook service, allowing users to enjoy their favorite social networking site on their mobile phones at a very affordable rate.
Exclusive to Globe prepaid subscribers, Globe Super Facebook is a mobile surfing plan that allows subscribers to surf on Facebook on their mobile phones for five straight hours for only P10.
The new service is part of the company’s efforts to increase the usage of Internet services with mobile phones.
This means that Globe Super Facebook users can enjoy Facebook for only P2 an hour. To access Facebook on their mobile phones, subscribers can open their mobile browsers and key in m.facebook.com, the company said.
“As one of the most popular social networking sites in the world today, Facebook continues to evolve to provide its users with a slew of interesting features,” Globe portfolio management head Joanna Africa said.
“Through this offer, we have brought the popularity of Facebook to our subscribers’ mobile phones, making it more convenient for them to truly enjoy Facebook, their way,” she said.
To register for the service, Globe prepaid subscribers can text SUPERFB10 to 8888. A maintaining balance of P1 is required to enjoy the service.
Meanwhile, users who surf Facebook from time to time can subscribe to Globe PowerSurf, which is a consumable mobile surfing plan. Globe PowerSurf allows users to surf and stop as they wish and have full control on how they use their mobile Internet minutes.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Smart Bro Prepaid Lifestyle
Enjoy more surfing time with Smart Bro Prepaid Lifestyle! Maximize your load and get better surfing rates!
* Prepaid Lifestyle P250 – 15 hrs valid for 12 days. 28cents/min!
* Prepaid Lifestyle P350 – 25 hrs valid for 18 days. 23cents/min!
* Prepaid Lifestyle P450 – 35 hrs valid for 25days. 21cents/min!
Just text PL250, PL350 or PL450 to 2200 from your SmartBro account.
* Prepaid Lifestyle P250 – 15 hrs valid for 12 days. 28cents/min!
* Prepaid Lifestyle P350 – 25 hrs valid for 18 days. 23cents/min!
* Prepaid Lifestyle P450 – 35 hrs valid for 25days. 21cents/min!
Just text PL250, PL350 or PL450 to 2200 from your SmartBro account.
SangkatuTEX
Sa TNT SangkatuTEX, mas marami kang texts sa TNT at SMART! Mas marami, mas sulit! P15 (200 texts, valid for 2 days), P30 (450 texts, valid for 4 days), P60 (1000 texts, valid for 7 days). Para magregister, itext ang STEX15, STEX30 o STEX60 sa 4545! Mag-maintain ng P1 load. Available din sa eload. Promo ends September 30, 2011.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
TM rolls out ?unli? all-network text offer in GenSan
Globe Telecom’s mass market brand TM has launched an offer exclusive to subscribers in General Santos City that allows them to send unlimited text messages to all networks nationwide.
The AstigUnliTextAll is said to be the first and only offer of its kind now for TM subscribers in GenSan. For P15 per day, users can send unlimited text messages to any mobile subscriber – may it be Smart, Sun, Globe, TM, Talk ‘n Text or Red Mobile.
To avail of the service, TM subscribers in GenSan can register by texting AstigUnliTextAll to 8888.
“TM AstigUnliTextAll is another pioneering offer from TM which lets our subscribers stay connected without having to worry about costs, limitations, or restrictions. There are inter-network text offers available in the market today but they are not unlimited. With TM AstigUnliTextAll our TM subscribers in GenSan can enjoy the benefits of unlimited text messaging to all networks while giving them the best value everyday,” said Winsley Bangit, head of TM activations.
The TM brand holds a commanding 45-percent market share in General Santos City.
The AstigUnliTextAll is said to be the first and only offer of its kind now for TM subscribers in GenSan. For P15 per day, users can send unlimited text messages to any mobile subscriber – may it be Smart, Sun, Globe, TM, Talk ‘n Text or Red Mobile.
To avail of the service, TM subscribers in GenSan can register by texting AstigUnliTextAll to 8888.
“TM AstigUnliTextAll is another pioneering offer from TM which lets our subscribers stay connected without having to worry about costs, limitations, or restrictions. There are inter-network text offers available in the market today but they are not unlimited. With TM AstigUnliTextAll our TM subscribers in GenSan can enjoy the benefits of unlimited text messaging to all networks while giving them the best value everyday,” said Winsley Bangit, head of TM activations.
The TM brand holds a commanding 45-percent market share in General Santos City.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
PSE puts PLDT on trading halt on Digitel deal
The Philippine Stock Exchange on Wednesday imposed a trading halt on shares of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) until 10 a.m. after the telecom firm disclosed more details about a major acquisition deal.
The exchange said PLDT had submitted a comprehensive disclosure in connection with the possible additional listing of PLDT shares to be issued as payment for its acquisition of a controlling stake in Digital Telecommunications Philippines Inc. (Digitel).
Top telco PLDT announced last week it would acquire a 51.55% stake in No. 3 player Digitel from the latter's parent, JG Summit Holdings Inc., and certain other Digitel shareholders.
PLDT would also make a mandatory tender offer to other shareholders, which would increase the value of the deal to $1.7 billion assuming a full acceptance.
On Wednesday the telecom firm said PLDT shares would be issued to Digitel shareholders JG Summit, Express Holdings Inc., Solid Finance (Holdings) Ltd., and Elizabeth Yu Gokongwei, as well as to other shareholders who will participate in the mandatory tender offer.
Shares of PLDT closed 2% lower at P2,352 on Tuesday.
The exchange said PLDT had submitted a comprehensive disclosure in connection with the possible additional listing of PLDT shares to be issued as payment for its acquisition of a controlling stake in Digital Telecommunications Philippines Inc. (Digitel).
Top telco PLDT announced last week it would acquire a 51.55% stake in No. 3 player Digitel from the latter's parent, JG Summit Holdings Inc., and certain other Digitel shareholders.
PLDT would also make a mandatory tender offer to other shareholders, which would increase the value of the deal to $1.7 billion assuming a full acceptance.
On Wednesday the telecom firm said PLDT shares would be issued to Digitel shareholders JG Summit, Express Holdings Inc., Solid Finance (Holdings) Ltd., and Elizabeth Yu Gokongwei, as well as to other shareholders who will participate in the mandatory tender offer.
Shares of PLDT closed 2% lower at P2,352 on Tuesday.
Monday, April 4, 2011
ABS-CBN to Launch 5 New Premium Channels on Free-to-Air TV
ABS-CBN presents the future of television!
The future of television looks bright and clear as ABS-CBN is ready to launch five new premium channels on free-to-air TV via Digital Television (DTV), a high-tech standard that uses digital signals for broadcast.
DTV occupies lesser space in the frequency so that a single TV station can broadcast on more than one channel, giving viewers more programs options. The new channels that ABS-CBN will unveil will cater to different audiences. The new channels to be made available include 2 channels for kids, a channel for the youth, a channel for dads and a channel for moms.
DTV also produces better picture and sound compared to the prevailing analog system. The digital TV viewing experience is comparable to seeing a movie on DVD. This spells more excitement for the viewers. Thus, climatic moments like the bus explosion in “Mula Sa Puso” or the kidnap scene in “Mara Clara” become more heart-pounding when seen on DTV. Musical numbers on “ASAP XV” are captured in more colorful detail. News on “TV Patrol” is delivered in crisper sound.
According to Miguel Mercado, ABS-CBN DTV Head of Marketing, viewers need not wait long because ABS-CBN is ready to launch DTV operations within the year. He said the company is just waiting for the final go-signal from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
“With Philippine broadcasting companies going digital, the viewing public will be able to enjoy digital quality viewing in any TV as DTV addresses the issues of poor reception, grainy pictures and choppy audio,” says Mercado.
Upon the purchase of an affordably priced DTV Digibox to be connected to the television set, viewers will be able to enjoy the five new channels for free, in addition to all existing channels broadcasting in digital. By time ABS-CBN DTV is launched, this list will include Channel 2, Studio 23, GEM TV and NBN.
ABS-CBN expects other broadcasters to follow suit since the NTC has directed the local television industry to make a complete transition to digital by 2015. NTC’s mandate will certainly benefit the general public as it puts the Philippines at par with the international standard. DTV is the system followed in the U.S., Japan, Australia, South Korea and most of Europe.
ABS-CBN has been preparing for the switchover since 2007. Recently, the network conducted DTV trials in more than 1,000 households all over the Philippines. Participants responded very positively.
A 37-year old dad said, “Mas malinaw at maraming pagpipiliang channels. Mas masaya kaming manonood ng pamilya ko.” A 26-year old female employee said, “Mas malinaw ang picture at sound,” while a 67-year old grandmother replied, “Mas maraming channels na puwedeng panooran na siguradong ikatutuwa ng buong pamilya.”
Moreover, the viewers expressed willingness to buy the DTV Digibox (which costs only as much as a DVD player) so that they could get the new channels for free. As one mother cited, “Wala ng monthly fee. One time ang pagbabayad. Magugustuhan ng anak ko.”
The future of television looks bright and clear as ABS-CBN is ready to launch five new premium channels on free-to-air TV via Digital Television (DTV), a high-tech standard that uses digital signals for broadcast.
DTV occupies lesser space in the frequency so that a single TV station can broadcast on more than one channel, giving viewers more programs options. The new channels that ABS-CBN will unveil will cater to different audiences. The new channels to be made available include 2 channels for kids, a channel for the youth, a channel for dads and a channel for moms.
DTV also produces better picture and sound compared to the prevailing analog system. The digital TV viewing experience is comparable to seeing a movie on DVD. This spells more excitement for the viewers. Thus, climatic moments like the bus explosion in “Mula Sa Puso” or the kidnap scene in “Mara Clara” become more heart-pounding when seen on DTV. Musical numbers on “ASAP XV” are captured in more colorful detail. News on “TV Patrol” is delivered in crisper sound.
According to Miguel Mercado, ABS-CBN DTV Head of Marketing, viewers need not wait long because ABS-CBN is ready to launch DTV operations within the year. He said the company is just waiting for the final go-signal from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
“With Philippine broadcasting companies going digital, the viewing public will be able to enjoy digital quality viewing in any TV as DTV addresses the issues of poor reception, grainy pictures and choppy audio,” says Mercado.
Upon the purchase of an affordably priced DTV Digibox to be connected to the television set, viewers will be able to enjoy the five new channels for free, in addition to all existing channels broadcasting in digital. By time ABS-CBN DTV is launched, this list will include Channel 2, Studio 23, GEM TV and NBN.
ABS-CBN expects other broadcasters to follow suit since the NTC has directed the local television industry to make a complete transition to digital by 2015. NTC’s mandate will certainly benefit the general public as it puts the Philippines at par with the international standard. DTV is the system followed in the U.S., Japan, Australia, South Korea and most of Europe.
ABS-CBN has been preparing for the switchover since 2007. Recently, the network conducted DTV trials in more than 1,000 households all over the Philippines. Participants responded very positively.
A 37-year old dad said, “Mas malinaw at maraming pagpipiliang channels. Mas masaya kaming manonood ng pamilya ko.” A 26-year old female employee said, “Mas malinaw ang picture at sound,” while a 67-year old grandmother replied, “Mas maraming channels na puwedeng panooran na siguradong ikatutuwa ng buong pamilya.”
Moreover, the viewers expressed willingness to buy the DTV Digibox (which costs only as much as a DVD player) so that they could get the new channels for free. As one mother cited, “Wala ng monthly fee. One time ang pagbabayad. Magugustuhan ng anak ko.”
Globe moves to cap Internet data volume
Without any law to prevent its adoption, Ayala-led telco Globe Telecom has decided to invoke the “fair use” doctrine in imposing data limits on the broadband subscription of its customer as a way to curb unrestrained use of just a few broadband users.
Globe’s move, first reported by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, was contained in a press statement issued by the company over the weekend.
By putting a cap on the data volume of its broadband users, Globe said it can “promote a more responsible way of using the Internet that will ensure fair and optimum usage of its broadband services across all subscribers.”
In a recent analysis, Globe said only 5 percent use 80 percent of the available broadband network bandwidth, leaving only 20 percent of the capacity to be shared by 95 percent of the remaining users.
The data volume limit, according to the Inquirer, “would affect only users who download data in excess of 1 gigabyte a day.”
The issue on data volume capping remains a contentious topic in the industry, with local telcos pushing the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to impose it as a formal regulatory rule.
The agency, however, has already announced that it will not include any provision on data capping on a circular it is currently drafting on the minimum broadband speed in the country.
This is not the first time, however, that a broadband provider has adopted a data usage ceiling. San Miguel-owned Liberty Telecoms, which operates wi-tribe, has been offering WiMax services that have data limits. Lopez-owned firm SkyBroadband also recently rolled out a 5-Mbps Internet offering with 15-GB threshold.
Saying network bandwidth is a finite resource, Globe said “it is necessary to adopt a policy that promotes responsible and fair use of the Internet to prevent abuse and misuse of services from a relatively smaller group of consumers.”
“Moreover, the policy aims to preserve the quality of resources in order to provide subscribers with seamless, uninterrupted, and reliable internet connections,” it added. “This also ensures consistency and reliability of connection for use of the greater majority of broadband subscribers.”
Globe cited study done by Envisional which showed that close to 36 percent of torrent downloads was pornography and another 48 percent was movies and television shows.
The study further claimed that 23.8 percent of global Internet traffic is piracy-related and nearly one-quarter of the traffic on the Internet involves the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials such as movies, TV shows, music, and video games.
“These activities, apart from being unsecured, also utilize a significant amount of broadband network data which prohibits other subscribers to enjoy the same quality of Internet connection,” the company said.
In the statement, Globe said it has partnered with a parenting group MLAC Institute for Children and Families to educate parents on how to guide their children on the proper use of Internet and computers.
“Because it is our responsibility to provide our subscribers with quality Internet services, we are doing all we can to teach our broadband users how to properly use the internet,” stated Jurist Gamban, head of globe fixed broadband business.
Gamban added, “Through this forum, we are actively involving the parents in guiding their children when they access the World Wide Web. We are concerned about how children are exposed to various Internet activities, from downloads, playing games, to watching videos and doing social networking and chatting.
Without restrictions, the Internet can be a source of information not suited for children, or worse, might pose risks that will threaten their minds and own security, Gamban said.
Globe’s move, first reported by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, was contained in a press statement issued by the company over the weekend.
By putting a cap on the data volume of its broadband users, Globe said it can “promote a more responsible way of using the Internet that will ensure fair and optimum usage of its broadband services across all subscribers.”
In a recent analysis, Globe said only 5 percent use 80 percent of the available broadband network bandwidth, leaving only 20 percent of the capacity to be shared by 95 percent of the remaining users.
The data volume limit, according to the Inquirer, “would affect only users who download data in excess of 1 gigabyte a day.”
The issue on data volume capping remains a contentious topic in the industry, with local telcos pushing the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to impose it as a formal regulatory rule.
The agency, however, has already announced that it will not include any provision on data capping on a circular it is currently drafting on the minimum broadband speed in the country.
This is not the first time, however, that a broadband provider has adopted a data usage ceiling. San Miguel-owned Liberty Telecoms, which operates wi-tribe, has been offering WiMax services that have data limits. Lopez-owned firm SkyBroadband also recently rolled out a 5-Mbps Internet offering with 15-GB threshold.
Saying network bandwidth is a finite resource, Globe said “it is necessary to adopt a policy that promotes responsible and fair use of the Internet to prevent abuse and misuse of services from a relatively smaller group of consumers.”
“Moreover, the policy aims to preserve the quality of resources in order to provide subscribers with seamless, uninterrupted, and reliable internet connections,” it added. “This also ensures consistency and reliability of connection for use of the greater majority of broadband subscribers.”
Globe cited study done by Envisional which showed that close to 36 percent of torrent downloads was pornography and another 48 percent was movies and television shows.
The study further claimed that 23.8 percent of global Internet traffic is piracy-related and nearly one-quarter of the traffic on the Internet involves the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials such as movies, TV shows, music, and video games.
“These activities, apart from being unsecured, also utilize a significant amount of broadband network data which prohibits other subscribers to enjoy the same quality of Internet connection,” the company said.
In the statement, Globe said it has partnered with a parenting group MLAC Institute for Children and Families to educate parents on how to guide their children on the proper use of Internet and computers.
“Because it is our responsibility to provide our subscribers with quality Internet services, we are doing all we can to teach our broadband users how to properly use the internet,” stated Jurist Gamban, head of globe fixed broadband business.
Gamban added, “Through this forum, we are actively involving the parents in guiding their children when they access the World Wide Web. We are concerned about how children are exposed to various Internet activities, from downloads, playing games, to watching videos and doing social networking and chatting.
Without restrictions, the Internet can be a source of information not suited for children, or worse, might pose risks that will threaten their minds and own security, Gamban said.
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