Globe Telecom begins massive MIMO rollouts at 150 sites

Globe network upgrade
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Globe Telecom says it has begun deploying massive MIMO technology in 150 sites, located mostly in Southern Luzon and Northern Luzon, to enhance the mobile internet connectivity experience in high-density areas.

The rollout follows initial tests of massive MIMO earlier this year in the Makati financial district. Those tests, which made use of the 2600 MHz spectrum band, showed that the technology improves LTE capacity up to 6 times compared to a regular site.

Massive MIMO technology enables a mobile network to multiply the capacity of a wireless connection without requiring more antennas, thus increasing wireless throughput, accommodating more users at higher data rates with better reliability while consuming less power.

Earlier this month, Globe activated massive MIMO using 2CC carrier aggregation, which doubles LTE capacity by using two distinctly separate blocks of the 2600 MHz spectrum and aggregating them using LTE-Advanced equipment to deliver faster internet speeds.

In March, Globe said it commercially deployed 4CC spectrum aggregation in Manila using the 2600-MHz band.

“The use of massive MIMO technology is an important component of our goal to stay ahead of the demand curve for data capacity in densely populated and high-foot traffic areas,” said Joel Agustin, senior VP for Program Governance at Globe’s Network Technical Group.

Globe gained additional spectrum assets in the 2600 MHz band following a partial acquisition of San Miguel’s telecommunication assets last year.

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