MANILA, Philippines — Globe Telecom broadened its network infrastructure and ventured into satellite direct-to-cell technology to boost mobile connectivity, after the latest National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) tests showed it was posting a 99.41 percent SMS (short message service) success rate in Metro Manila.
Based on the NTC's quality-of-service tests, Globe registered the highest average SMS success ratio among the country's three mobile operators, becoming the only provider to satisfy the regulator's prescribed standard of above 99 percent.
Globe likewise logged an average call drop ratio of 0.74 percent, comfortably below the NTC's 2 percent threshold, and reached a peak mobile download speed of 381 megabits per second (Mbps). Among all three operators, 113 of the 142 test campaigns registered mobile broadband speeds surpassing 50 Mbps—a performance the NTC rated as very satisfactory in most areas tested.
The company, in a statement, attributed its gains to sustained efforts to fortify its network through targeted infrastructure upgrades, accelerated deployment of network sites, and broader coverage in underserved communities.
It was also exploring satellite direct-to-cell technology to bring connectivity to areas beyond the reach of conventional mobile networks.
"These results demonstrate the strength of Globe's network in delivering the essential services Filipinos rely on every day, from making calls and sending messages to accessing mobile data," said Froilan Castelo, Globe’s general counsel.
"We welcome the NTC's continued monitoring as it provides an important measure of service quality and helps us identify where further improvements are needed," Castelo said.
Independent monitoring by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) likewise reflected gains in Globe's network performance, according to the same statement.
Under its nationwide ‘Oplan Bantay’ Signal initiative, Globe's overall performance score climbed from 77.2 in January to 82.6 in September while its average download speed rose by 41 percent from 36.5 Mbps to 51.53 Mbps.
Globe held 44.76 percent of the mobile market in September while accounting for only 6.1 percent of disconnection complaints—a 64 percent decline from January levels as indicated by DICT's Telco Report Card. Its network investments are focused on areas where additional infrastructure can serve more Filipinos, especially communities with limited access to reliable mobile connectivity, according to Globe.
