The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Top telecommunications firm Globe Telecom has secured the support of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to use train stations around the metropolis to host network infrastructure, starting with the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) stations on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (Edsa).
The plan would significantly improve the mobile Internet experience and connectivity of the commuting public, Globe said in a statement.
The company recently signed with the MRT-3 operators a memorandum of understanding allowing Globe to deploy wireless internet infrastructure along the train stations.
“In line with the two organizations’ commitment to continuously improve the lives of its customers and the Filipino people in general, this partnership is a milestone that is expected to improve the experience of the public riding the MRT-3, including those in the communities surrounding the MRT-3 stations,” Globe said.
“With the support of government agencies, such as the operators of the MRT-3, we hope to change the experience of our customers in high foot traffic areas and strategic locations, such as public transport systems,” said Joel Agustin, Globe senior vice president for program governance of the network technical group.
He said many of the company’s customers seek internet connectivity not only in their offices or at homes, but also while they are in transit.
“By providing a reliable mobile and Wi-Fi [wireless fidelity] internet connectivity, our customers will be able to catch up on e-mails, [remain] updated on online entertainment, and [meet] other communication requirements to further enhance their digital lifestyle even while on their way to work or after work,” Agustin said.
He also said the project would also help address existing challenges on mobile signals on Edsa, especially during rush hours.
The additional capacity brought by the macrosites and small-cells deployment will help decongest peripheral areas around the train stations and provide improved mobile experience to customers.
In addition to expanding network capacities in major areas where there is commuter traffic, Globe will also provide free Wi-Fi services in all MRT-3 stations.
This is expected to benefit about 350,000 who will have free Wi-Fi access for 30 minutes daily.
Globe has set aside for 2016 a capital expenditure of $750 million, the bulk of which will be used to boost data capacity and expand network reach.
In line with its vision of ushering in a digital nation, the company will also increase the capacity of its network for both mobile and wirelines using different technologies, including 3G, LTE (long-term evolution) and Wi-Fi.
In addition, Globe also launched early this year an initiative of creating an internet superhighway by deploying fiber optic cables in 20,000 villages in the country to provide faster and more reliable internet access in about 2 million homes nationwide.
Building the infrastructure is expected to take five years and will extend network coverage to more areas that currently have no connection or spotty service.
Seriously??? MRT officials should focus their attention on improving MRT stations and facilities like working elevators than giving free Wi-Fi to MRT commuters. Is this way of diverting commuters attention? It is like saying please don’t mind if MRT service sucks we now provide you with free Wi-Fi. Hellooooo… internet connection whether free or not is not their main concern. Arriving to work on time and not having to wait in line for longer than it should be is their main concern.