Blog@Globe

Shockfest with the Volcanoes: “Tweet and Watch” BlackBerry Giveaway!

Get a chance to win a brand new BlackBerry 8520 just by tweeting and watching the Philippines Volcanoes LIVE tonight at Flippish.com! Here’s how!

1. Tweet your dares or questions for the Philippine Volcanoes by using the hashtag #VOLCANOESvsSHOCK starting noon today. Include http://bit.ly/VolcanoWin on your tweet. You can post as many tweets as you can.

2. Watch “Happy Endings” on http://www.flippish.com tonight at 8-10PM for the Shockfest with the Philippine Volcanoes.

3. Wait for the announcement of the lucky 10 Twitter handles that may win the prize.

4. During the show, a Twitter task will be given to the 10 finalists.

5. The first person to do the Twitter task successfully with the hashtag #VOLCANOESvsSHOCK wins the BlackBerry phone!

6. Another surprise gift from Globe will be raffled off to one of tonight’s lucky viewers.

Globe announces network modernization and IT transformation program; company to invest US$790M

Globe Telecom, Inc. is pleased to announce that it will undertake a landmark mobile network modernization program over the next two to three years. The massive network upgrade is aimed at significantly improving network quality and customer experience, increase capacity, drive down costs, as well as prepare the network to meet the needs of customers today and in the future. Given the growing demand for bandwidth-heavy services, the modernization program will bring significant improvements to network capacity leading to improved reliability, ease of access and pervasive coverage. For the Company, this transformation effort will enable improved revenue growth prospects, savings in capital spend and operating expenses, as well as efficiencies resulting from synergies with a dedicated vendor partner. By adopting the latest technologies available today, Globe will be in a better position to provide the needs of its customers, secure and enhance its position in this highly competitive market.

The Company is at the same time initiating an IT transformation project to create a streamlined and integrated information environment, in response to changing market and business demands. The system transformation effort is a comprehensive re-engineering of Globe Telecom’s IT systems over the next two years. This will result in convergent billings and more innovative product development, faster response to customer queries and service requests by our stores and call centers. The endeavor will result in quicker time-to-market for new products that adapt to changing customer needs, and timely customer loyalty offers enabled by enhancements in customer segmentation and usage monitoring.

The Company is tapping external partners to help manage the modernization efforts. After thorough evaluation and extensive deliberations of vendor proposals, the Company has awarded the network modernization to Huawei given its technical expertise and strong track record of success. Globe Telecom expects to realize additional synergies with Huawei in establishing a Joint Innovation Center (JIC) that would bring the latest technological developments and help address the Company’s customization needs. Through the JIC, Globe will be able to learn network best practices and tap into the latest developments of the 17 research and development centers that Huawei has around the world. The Company expects to sign the definitive agreements with Huawei in the coming days.

For the IT systems upgrade, Globe has selected Amdocs as technology partner, given its extensive experience in business process transformation and access to leading edge technology. Globe expects to complete the definitive agreement with Amdocs by the first quarter of 2012. “Amdocs has delivered some of the industry’s most complex transformation projects to some of the largest players in the world, and we are excited to be able to draw on this experience for Globe,” said Eli Gelman, Amdocs’ chief executive officer. “This strategic transformation project significantly expands Amdocs and Globe Telecom’s relationship to support the mission critical operations of Globe. Our ability to deliver innovative and partner technology will be key to enable Globe to deliver service innovation to their nearly 30 million customers and establish operations that can support rapid growth.”

Globe will invest around US$700 million in the next five years to support the network modernization project, and another US$90 million to complete the IT transformation initiative. This will be the biggest and most significant investment that the Company has undertaken in the past two decades. The Company targets completion of the two projects over a period of 24 – 36 months.

The Company also announced that it will change its dividend pay-out policy to be at 75% to 90% of prior year’s core net income instead of reported net income. This will ensure that dividends will remain sustainable and yields competitive. The dividend policy change will take effect with the 2012 dividends, based on 2011 core net income. The network and IT transformation programs are expected to generate savings in operating expenses and capital expenditures totaling to US$180 million and US$210 million respectively over the next five years, in addition to the revenue uplift driven by the network quality improvements and increased capacity. Since it will involve replacing network equipment and IT systems, the Company expects that assets with net book values estimated at US$388 million will need to be decommissioned after modernization. This estimate is before any possible proceeds from resale and is still subject to actual site validation. All efforts will be taken to maximize the re-use of the existing equipment. The net book values of these non-useable assets will impact Globe’s profitability through an acceleration of depreciation over its remaining useful life until such time when the new, replacement capex is ready for service. Owing to its exceptional and non-recurring nature, this accelerated depreciation will not be considered in the determination of core net income. It will likewise not compromise cash flows nor the Company’s ability to declare dividends.

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#TodayIWill, Go lang nang Go!

We are today’s youth. We are neither children nor adults. And that to us is perfection. Free from yesterday’s innocence and tomorrow’s seriousness, we live in the here and now. And right now, we are taking our place. We are the stars of our own show, the “today” show. Today, we define what we are. And today, we redefine what is. Because we see things differently. We communicate with a new language. We face old problems with new solutions. Today is our day. And whatever we want to do, today, we will.

HELGA WEBER
blog.ditz-revolution.net
Today, I will learn how to manage my time and find a happy work-life balance

JACKIE GO
gojackiego.com
Today, I will be worry-free… for once!

ROCHELLE SY CHUA
rochellesychua.com
Today I will set a goal and stick to my plans!

FAITH SALAZAR
tanggera.com
Today I’ll make sure to choose what I eat to achieve a healthier lifestyle!

ALVIN CHUA
cheftonio.com
Today I will worry less and explore more!

LLOYD SALAC
thelostboylloyd.com
Today, I will practice my freedom and travel around the Philippines. I want to show the world that the Philippines is such a beautiful, beautiful place and I want them to tell their friends that the Philippines is the “Pearl of the Orient,” we have so many hidden gems and we are in the map. Today, I will help contribute in the efforts for the Philippines to regain its lost glory, especially in Manila and Mindanao.

PATRIZHA MARTINEZ
Marketing Manager
SHOT Magazine
Today, I will definitely start my proper diet and thorough exercise. It’s been long overdue and since I have enjoyed all the food trips and holiday treats, I know it’s time to get back into shape. My busy schedule and stressful work hours have been holding me back but this time, I will reward all my hard work with an effort to stay healthy and starting going back to being fit. Health is beauty and today, my eyes are set on that.

ERIC FAUSTINO
Server, Mary Grace Restaurant
Today, I will celebrate my adventurous spirit. I will find ways to do what I’ve always wanted to like climb the mountains, explore the wilderness … that is where I’ll achieve freedom

ADE MAGNAYE
ademagnaye.com
Social media specialist
Today I will start to visualize what I want in life and work hard to achieve my goals!

ARVIN ELLO
vintersections.com
Today, I will try to reawaken my habit of reading poetry and continue the things I’m very passionate about—Arts & Cinema. These are the things that keep me alive!

Globe Prepaid supports the Filipino youth as they chase their dreams and live in the moment; erase their fears and celebrate their freedom; execute their missions with passion and enjoy their just rewards; believe in themselves and feel secure about their accomplishments, no matter how small.

In every step of their journey, Globe Prepaid, with its Super Suite of products and services, will make their “Today I Will” statements easier to achieve. With Globe Prepaid, the youth can break free from all restrictions so they can Go lang nang go!

Globe Telecom welcomes PLDT’s divestment of 10Mhz 3G frequency

Globe Telecom lauds Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba, Deputy Commissioners Delilah Deles and Carlo Jose Martinez of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in issuing its decision involving the PLDT-Digitel merger.  Globe head of corporate legal services group Atty. Froilan Castelo said, “The approval of the joint application with condition to divest PLDT’s 10Mhz 3G frequency is a progressive step for the NTC in promoting consumer welfare and fair competition. Given the length of time this deal has been discussed by several authorities in the government, the media, and private sector, the decision of the regulatory body upholds its support to the industry, ensuring equal opportunities among players to compete, and allowing consumers to enjoy quality services from their chosen service provider.”

Globe Telecom also notes the proactive approach of the NTC to effect local interconnection between Globe and PLDT in provincial areas which benefits subscribers by lowering the cost of landline domestic calls. Globe expects the NTC to come out with a similar pro-consumer position on internet peering to help expand market opportunities in providing internet services in the country.

Globe Telecom to compensate subscribers

Globe Telecom is giving free call, text or mobile browsing services to customers affected during the service disruption last May 9, 2011. Customers can expect to receive an SMS from Globe to avail of the service no later than May 17, 2011.

Globe Telecom has fully restored mobile and broadband services in the affected areas in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

Globe earlier announced that a significant portion of its 2011 capital expenditure (CAPEX) of US$ 500 million will be allocated on investments to expand coverage and improve quality and capacity of its network infrastructure throughout the country. Globe has likewise ensured that its network has increased redundancy and resiliency to better serve its customers.

Globe assures its subscribers that the service disruption was an isolated case which involved multiple fiber cuts. Initial findings indicate that one of the causes was weather-related.

Globe improves mobile network quality – Makes significant investment on quality and capacity upgrade

Globe Telecom announced that it is investing US$500-million in the Philippines this year. A significant portion of this investment will be allocated to improve the quality and capacity of its mobile network infrastructure throughout the country.

Network quality will be a top priority for Globe this year. As part of its network transformation program, the company is making one of its biggest network investments in quality and capacity to date, where the significant amount will be used for capacity build up, network modernization, and optimization. These upgrades in the network systems are expected to provide better subscriber experience in call, text, and data services for its 2G, 3G and 4G customers.

In line with this major investment, Globe earlier announced a major expansion of its current 4G footprint with the country’s first commercial rollout of 4G mobile technology. At its initial phase, Globe utilized the global standard HSPA+ or Evolved High-Speed Packet Access for its 4G mobile network. Complementing the company’s existing 4G WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) network, HSPA+ 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. Under the Globe HSPA+ network, subscribers are expected to enjoy browsing at a typical speed of 4-6 Mbps with even faster peak speeds.

“Our customers are looking for better network quality, and this is what we are giving them. We are making a substantial investment in our network to improve the quality of our services to our subscribers. Certainly, the network on which our services are delivered play a pivotal role in achieving superior customer experience. By continuously enhancing our network facilities and operations, our subscribers will enjoy better quality and greater reliability for calls, text messaging, and data services,” said Ernest Cu, President and CEO of Globe Telecom.

Cu added, “This year, we are making significant investments in upgrading and expanding our networks. One tangible result of which is the commercial rollout of 4G for mobile, making us the first Philippine operator with a 4G mobile network in the country.”

The 4G HSPA+ roll out expands the foray of Globe into new and up-to-date network technologies to provide its subscribers with high-speed broadband access with the added convenience of full mobility. Other technologies in the 4G category include Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) and Long Term Evolution (LTE).

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.

Watch Out for Something BIG on April 18!

Globe ready to compete, fundamental strategy to continue

Globe Telecom will remain focused on its strategy of delivering superior, relevant services to its customers, and build on the momentum that has been created since the second half of 2010. This statement was made in reaction to the recent announcement that Digitel and PLDT / Smart are combining forces in the mobile, fixed line, and broadband space. Ernest L. Cu, Globe President and CEO, said “The Digitel and PLDT merger will not fundamentally change our strategy. We stand ready to compete, and to defend and grow our market share. This industry has always been intensely competitive, and we have been a strong challenger to a dominant incumbent all this time. We will continue to focus on delivering relevant products to our retail and corporate customers, providing differentiated customer service, and enhancing our network to deliver the best experience possible to our subscribers”, said Mr. Cu.

Globe ended the year with a mobile SIM base of 26.5 million, up 14% from prior year’s level. The Company had a postpaid subscriber base of 1.1 million, with fourth quarter net subscriber growth at a 7-year high. The Company has made strong revenue market share gains in the second half of 2010, driven by strong postpaid subscriber growth with the success of Globe’s personalized plans All-New My Super Plan, as well as and improvements in prepaid top-up and usage levels driven by attractive all-network SMS offers such as SuperAllTxt 20 and unlimited, intra-network call and text services such as SuperUnli 25. The Company has also made market share gains in the broadband space. Globe closed the year with 1.1 million wired and wireless subscribers, up 50% from 2009 levels.

TM brings fun to Facebook fans

Saturday night is barkada night for most, and for more than 30 excited individuals, last Saturday was no exception. An energetic group of textmates and Facebook friends, known collectively as the Facebook Addiktus TM Clan, got together for an Eyeball event at V8 Baresto along Shaw Boulevard in Pasig City, ready to party all night with their best Globe-connected buds.

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