Globe posts improvement on call quality – NTC

Results of benchmark tests show early gains ahead of full modernization

A recent Quality of Service performance study conducted by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) comparing the Grade of Service and overall signal quality of local network service providers revealed that Globe Telecom has achieved marked enhancement in its grade of service from the previous quarter.

This development transpired even as the company is at 62% completion of its total network modernization effort.

The results for the month of September 2012 were benchmarked against the established NTC Cellular Mobile Telephone System or CMTS criteria and showed that the Globe legacy network met the standards in four out of five parameters, namely grade of service or blocked calls, call set-up time, average received signal level (dBm) and average signal quality.

With regard to the grade of service for the said period, or the ease of calls getting connected at first try which the NTC prescribed to be not more than 4%, Globe posted a 2.75% rating, elevating its quality from 4.45% compared to last quarter. This is an early manifestation of the improved quality of service that the network modernization brings to Globe subscribers.

The call setup time or the measure of how fast domestic calls get connected from one number to the other through the Globe network was at 11.56 seconds, faster that last quarter’s figure of 11.90 and within the NTC’s directive of less than 14 seconds.

For Globe, the average received signal level or the signal strength being provided by the service cellsite to a mobile handset during the said month was well within the NTC’s minimum of -85dBm at -69.21 against last quarter’s -69.83; while the average signal quality was at 1.03, where the ideal figure should be less than 4 and closer to 0.

However, dropped calls for the month of September has become an industry concern and were observed in the Globe legacy network and the competition’s upgraded network. This is despite competition’s claim of overhauling and optimizing their entire cellular network countrywide ahead of schedule since July this year. As the NTC standard should not be more than 2%, Globe and Smart tallied 2.75% and 2.15%, respectively. The slight difference between Globe and Smart in dropped calls is equivalent to about one call out of 100. Globe also noted that in September 2012, the number of interference from illegal repeaters and jammers has increased based on the number of its affected cell sites in the same period, causing the rise in the number of dropped calls. The company has been working closely with the NTC to eliminate the unauthorized use of these equipment.

The benchmark study is regularly conducted by the NTC to ensure that both telco service providers comply within its prescribed standards, specifically the grade of service and dropped call rates of each through network drive tests using postpaid SIMs subscribing to regular services with a sample size of over 2,000 test calls.

Globe has announced in late October 2012 that its $700-million network modernization program is ahead of target completion, the first phase will be done by the first quarter 2013. Specifically for the National Capital Region where the NTC conducted its test, the modernized Globe network is scheduled  for completion by the fourth quarter of this year.  These areas include central and southern Metro Manila, Quezon City, Pasig City and Makati City.

Asked for his statement about the company’s latest performance figures, Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu said that “there is marked improvement in our own grade of service, ease of calls getting through and signal strength which are early indications that the network improvements are happening because of our ongoing modernization. While a good portion of our legacy network is still operational as these tests are being done, we are confident that we will achieve better results as soon as we approach completion of our brand new network. We expect to be ahead of our commitment of 70% completion by yearend 2012. “

“We are pushing forward with the modernization drive to future-proof our brand new network which can be among the best in Asia. We want to assure our over 32-million subscribers that Globe is steadily achieving its promise of unparalleled customer experience and superior network quality. As soon as we feel the full benefits of the modernization drive, this will truly set us apart in the telecommunications industry in this side of the world,” he said.

The Masskara Experience #GlobeGalaxyNote2 Giveaway!

Want to win a Samsung Galaxy Note II? We are giving away 2 units on Twitter via @enjoyGLOBE! Here are the mechanics:

1. Wait for @enjoyGLOBE’s #GlobeGalaxyNote2 Theme of the Day.

2. Follow the Team Hashtags #TeamSPen #TeamSVoice #TeamSNote from 3-8PM.

3. Tweet your favorite team’s best artwork and tell us why you think it’s creative.

4. Include the team hashtag and #GlobeGalaxyNote2 in your tweet.

5. Submit as many tweets as you can!

6. One winner of Samsung Galaxy Note II will be chosen by the teams on October 21 and on October 22.

Globe is Philippines Telecom Service Provider of the Year

Leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom was hailed the Philippines Telecom Service Provider for 2012 by global business research and consulting firm Frost & Sullivan four months after naming Globe President and CEO Ernest L. Cu, CEO of the Year (Service Provider).

“These are truly exciting times for Globe.  We are in the midst of important milestones in the company’s history with our transformation initiatives, so once again Globe is at the forefront of innovation as we build a brand new network that will set a new benchmark in Philippine mobile service.  We are also changing our IT systems that will make superior customer experience a reality in the telecom industry.    Once in place, these will broaden the telecommunications horizon of thePhilippinesand effectively raise the bar of service in the industry, bringing us at par with the world’s most advanced telecom communities and practices,” said Cu.

The Frost & Sullivan Awards are presented each year to the companies which exhibit excellence in Growth Strategy and Implementation, Degree of Innovation with New Products and Technologies, Leadership in Customer Value and Market Penetration in their respective industries.

“Globe Telecom outperformed the market average with 9.4% year-on-year growth to reach US$1.5 billion in revenue while its subscribers grew 13% by the end of the year. Besides performing well in its top line, Globe Telecom consistently maintained a strong EBITA margin of 51.8% last year,” said Serene Chan, Industry Analyst, ICT practice, Frost & SullivanAsiaPacific.

Chan added, “Its market share increase of 2.2% is indicative of an effective market penetration strategy via a strong brand message and compelling price plans for both the mobile and fixed communication services. We are confident that Globe Telecom will continue to deliver outstanding performance.”

“Globe as Telecom Service Provider of the Year will further inspire our employees and deepen our commitment to serve our customers and make them happy. This award is another step towards our vision of having the happiest employees and happiest customers.  Indeed, our superior customer experience proposition will become a palpable and pervasive reality,” Cu said.

For the first half of 2012, Globe delivered another record performance with consolidated service revenues of P40.8 billion, 6% higher than last year’s level of P38.4 billion. Mobile subscribers stood at 31.7 million as of end-June, up 12% from the same period in 2011.

In June 2012, Frost & Sullivan has chosen Cu as CEO of the Year (Service Provider) for his visionary leadership which pushed Globe forward as a customer-focused, service-centric company bent on delivering superior customer experience.

Xian Lim: Welcome to my World

Xian Lim talks about his inspirations, his passions and shows us exactly how he moves millions

What a difference a few years makes. In 2009, the name Xian Lim was virtually unknown to the Filipino public. Then his big breaks came—nearly consecutive starring roles in TV shows like Katorse, My Binondo Girl (with Philippines’ sweetheart Kim Chiu), and My Cactus Heart (with Maja Salvador) in 2010 and 2011 – and he suddenly exploded into the national consciousness, cementing his leading-man status in the industry. These days, big-name brands are beating down his door and he has a legion of vocal fans who will likely follow him to the ends of the earth. What is it about Xian Lim that inspires such adulation and devotion in everyone from his loving fans to the stalwarts of the entertainment industry?

His Own Inspirations

Xian was fortunate to grow up surrounded by good role models. He credits his parents with inspiring him to become the person he is, independent and introspective. He has said that if he hadn’t pursued acting, he would have liked to study psychology because he enjoys listening to people and trying to guess what they’re thinking. But when asked about his role model in the arts, he didn’t name any big time Hollywood directors. Instead, his artistic inspiration came from a source closer to home.

“Christopher de Leon,” Xian answers immediately. “I love the way he made his films, na nakakaiyak, intense, very intense.” This intensity is what struck him and stayed with him, pushing him to find work that inspires him to deliver the same fervor and passion.

Xian is also well aware of the role he plays in the lives of his fans, who look up to him as a person worth emulating. “Kids have role models,” Xian says. “They have their favorite actor, and if they see their favorite actor doing something, siyempre they are inspired. Gugustuhin nila that someday they will achieve something like that.”

He takes his role model status seriously because he knows how people see personalities—as idols. If you look to the trends in style and language, even in attitude, you see people mimicking their favorite star. “It affects you,” he says. “You have people looking up to you, you have your supporters looking at mga naachieve mo. It encourages me. It makes me aim high and work hard. I want them to have something to look up to.”

The Virtual World

Twitter and YouTube are big favorites of Xian, with their ability to entertain, inspire, and allow one person to reach millions. As part of the new generation who has taken these tools to a whole new level, Xian is excited about what they can do. And he admires those who have touched so many people just by posting a YouTube video.

“I’m a huge YouTube fan,” Xian laughs. “Finofollow ko yung mga YouTube sensations sa States, minsan tini-Tweet ko sila. Palagi ko vini-view yung mga channels nila. Maraming marami sila, si JR Aquino, Kina Grannis.”

“Hindi na katulad ng dati,” Xian says excitedly. “Ngayon exposed ka sa buong mundo. You can reach out to so many people! You have such a wide audience online; it’s all over the world. And it’s easy to start, just get an account and you can do so much. A simple video can inspire so many.”

He even confesses to posting YouTube videos himself. “I just posted a Call Me Maybe video,” Xian says, laughing. The fun trend continues to be a huge hit among the online community. “Nakakatuwa na someone can just post on YouTube and become famous. We have the freedom to express, and we’re lucky. It’s a privilege to have that.”

Xian also expresses his thoughts on Twitter. “Nag-uupdate ako palagi sa Twitter. I do my best to reply to my fans. And I do it myself, totoo ako sa Twitter,” he says. “That’s why I love my phone, and I love Globe! Wherever I am and whenever I feel like it, I can tweet, listen to music, and watch YouTube online. Perfect.”

But, with the good effects of the online community there is also an ugly side. Recently, popular personalities have taken online criticism too much to heart, some even going into a mild depression over website comments. But, Xian’s attitude towards the so-called “haters” out there is more carefree. “You can’t please everyone,” Xian says lightly. “For me, hindi ako naapektuhan, binabasa ko lang siya. Some people really get affected, but it’s unrealistic to think you can make everyone like you. Sometimes you just have to ignore your critics and follow what’s in your heart.”

One thing that entertainers, old and new, can admire and imitate is Xian’s relaxed attitude. They say you need a tough skin to survive the entertainment industry, but, like Xian, maybe you need to just let things go. Xian proves he’s got what it takes to handle himself. New actors should take note and follow his lead.

Leading the Pack

As an avid basketball player, Xian knows the value of ignoring the hecklers in the crowd and just focusing on the game. He has to be in the zone, just playing the game on his own terms.

“Hindi ko naiisip na leader ako,” Xian says. “I don’t dictate to others. I’m just doing my thing. As long as I’m myself, I’m happy. I don’t let people tell me what to do. I have my own thing going, my own personality.”

Unconsciously, Xian manages to inspire his fans and the people he works with by the simple act of being himself. He leads the crowd and is the idol of so many because he isn’t afraid to march to the beat of his own drum.

People always look for strong character in their leading men, and he fits the part perfectly. Xian chooses to live his life on his own terms, caring about his fans but not revolving his decisions around pleasing the crowd. He doesn’t wait for people to dictate his moves, instead he makes his own way—and we are inspired to watch him and do the same.

“You know how painters and other artists, may sarili silang mundo?” Xian says. “It’s not being selfish, but it’s like you’re in your own zone. If I don’t like it I’m not going to do it, that kind of thing. I’m in my own zone.”

He continues to set the example that thousands of fans follow, to do his own thing and be his own man. He inspires people by living the life he wants to live and being successful at it!

Why You Should Upgrade to iOS 6 (Or Not)

Apple users have been given the option to upgrade their devices’ operating systems with the release of version 6 of iOS last September 19. Most of you probably have already upgraded to the iOS 6 but if you’re having second thoughts about giving in to Apple’s latest iOS, here are a few points that might help you decide if it’s worth the upgrade.

For one thing, the iOS 6 is free. The downside here is that it’s only available for supported products and the older the version of your gadget is, the lesser of the iOS 6 you’ll actually experience. You’ll probably be frustrated to know that some of the very useful features are unavailable to the iPhone 3G and even to the iPhone 4.

One of the biggest changes in the iOS is the absence of Google. The YouTube player has been removed, and Google Maps has been replaced by a new application of Apple’s own design that you’ll find to be one of the weaker points of the iOS 6. If you’re expecting the Apple-designed Maps to have Street View, well, you’re going to be disappointed. However, you do get interactive 3D models of cities with the new Flyover feature and finally, the turn-by-turn navigation feature is here. It has been observed by some users though, that Google Maps is more accurate than the replacement. Apple also introduced Passbook, an e-wallet, which will soon probably directly compete with Google Wallet.

Another immense change in the latest iOS is the newly improved Siri. With its voice command enhanced, Siri has been deemed ‘wiser’ now. Ask Siri for driving directions and movie schedules, find the best restaurants area or launch your favorite apps—she’ll do it all for you. You can even tweet and post on Facebook from Siri. Finally, Apple has made Siri available for iPod Touch (5th generation) and iPad (3rd generation) users. The iCloud integration has also been running better and smoother across the OS competing with Android’s syncing capabilities.

The iOS 6’s Phone app and FaceTime have been given boosts as well. You get more options than Accept or Decline when a phone call comes in: you’ll be able to reply via iMessage or SMS, or set a reminder to call that person back. A Do Not Disturb feature is also added in your Phone app which you can schedule to your preferred time. Also, FaceTime can finally be used over 3G with the right hardware and cellular data.

With Twitter integration already in, the iOS 6 has also included Facebook integration. The great thing about this is the contact and calendar integration wherein you can opt to include your friends’ birthdays and other events in your diary. This is a great move since it’s really imperative to have the biggest social networks integrated to a mainly social device.

Photography lovers will love the Panorama feature. Now you don’t need to download those 3rd party apps to achieve this effect on your photos. The iOS 6 Camera app definitely makes capturing panoramic photos easy.

In conclusion, the iOS 6 has been deemed “not a revolution but a refinement” with over 200 changes. These refinements, taken collectively, are enough to convince anyone to upgrade. After all, who can decline a wiser Siri and easier access to Facebook?

Have you upgraded to iOS 6 yet? Are you happy that you have? Tell us about your experience via Twitter and Facebook.

Globe 4G LTE Update: Tattoo Black raffles off all-expense paid trip to the Singapore Grand Race

TATTOO Black, the premium mobile broadband stick powered by LTE makes a blazing entrance as it raffles off all-expense paid trips to the Singapore Grand Race happening on September 21-23.

Boasting of only the best line-up of broadband customer service, Tattoo Black subscribers will enjoy not just the fastest speed but unparalleled customer service plus exclusive perks and freebies for a broadband experience that is unlike no other.

Customers may choose from Tattoo Black Plan 1799 and Tattoo Black Elite 2499, both powered by Long Term Evolution (LTE).  Both plans also come with a dedicated hotline and priority handling in stores for ultimate customer satisfaction.

Plan 1799 comes with free USB dongle and runs at speeds of up to 28 Mbps. Customers have the option to upgrade their device to a SuperStick for a minimum additional charge of only P150 a month. Customers who will get Tattoo Black Plan 1799 will also enjoy discounts at partner establishments plus nationwide concierge assistance.

Tattoo Black 2499 boasts of only the premium line-up of broadband customer service, running at speeds of up to 42 Mbps. With a dedicated hotline, priority handling in stores and a personal relationship manager to handle all the Tattoo Black customer needs. Plan 2499 subscribers will also have complimentary tickets to Tattoo parties, MIASCOR Lounge Access Extension Card, credit limit extension and priority reservation on Globe handset and tablet devices.

“With a Tattoo Black Postpaid Plan, you get not just speed but unparalleled customer service. And this all-expense paid trip to the Singapore Race is just one of the many perks in being a part of the Tattoo Black circle,” Ronquillo said.

“All it takes is to register your interest to own the much awaited Tattoo Black and you instantly get a raffle ticket for a chance to witness the intense speed of the race in Singapore and live performances of top international artists,” Ronquillo adds.

Consumers should register their interest to avail of the Tattoo Black Postpaid Plan via the tattoo. globe.com.ph portal where they will fill up a form to enter their personal information.

Consumer could only register once for the Singapore Grand Race raffle promo. Last day for registration is 12 noon of September 14, 2012.

The Raffle Draw will be held on September 14 , 2012, 1:00 PM at the Consumer Broadband Group Office, 3/F Globe Telecom Plaza 2, Pioneer cor. Madison Sts., 1552 Mandaluyong City, to be witnessed by a DTI representative. One (1) winner will be drawn, with four (4) back-up options winner in case the winner will not confirm within 24 hours upon receipt of the Globe notification.

Globe Telecom will inform the winner through registered mail, Facebook notification, email and via cell phone call and text.

The winner should confirm redemption of their prize within 24 hours from receipt of the registered mail. Globe Telecom will call the winner directly before the 24-hour period is over to get final confirmation on redemption of the prize.

The prize will be given to the next drawn winner if the original winner will not confirm in 24 hours.

“Ultimate speed and pure spectacle is what Tattoo Black is all about, which is very much similar to the Singapore Race.” Ronquillo said.

Globe sign-up page makes sure you’re first to get the latest. Have you enlisted?

For the past couple of days, Globe Telecom has been teasing consumers with cryptic messages in social media and via SMS, hinting a new major device coming. Now, it’s whetting everyone’s appetite even further by putting up a registration page that makes sure we hear about it FIRST, when the right time comes.

According to its newly published “Get Updates” page:

“The mobile community is abuzz with rumors on the newest, most-awaited phones. Interested? We’ll keep you informed about their launch and how to get them with our best plans and offers yet.”

I’m going to stop beating around the bush here. You know what we’re talking about. It’s almost here and it can be yours. Have you signed up yet?

Globe is bringing the iPhone to everyone!

This post was written by Erika Jocson, Globe’s brand manager for postpaid.

The weekend is finally upon us, and fortunately for iPhone fans and geeks alike, so is a two-day iPhone sale at Globe’s SM Megamall Store. Globe, the long-standing leader in postpaid, is really dropping the price of heritage iPhones, lowering the barrier to owning this highly coveted smartphone.

Up for grabs in this sale are iPhone 3, iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. These are available to new and re-contracting (out of lock up) subscribers, and you can get one with ZERO CASHOUT starting at Plan 999.  To take advantage of these amazing offers head to SM Megamall RIGHT NOW, just don’t forget to bring your proof of IDs, proof of billing address and proof of financial capacity. In a matter of minutes, you’ll be going home with a brand spankin’ new (old) iPhone.

Just as the buzz and speculation surrounding Apple’s September 12 media event is becoming almost unbearable, Globe gives us yet another reason to celebrate. It is no secret that Globe has always been at the forefront of bringing the iPhone to us, and if history is any indication…

well, we’ll leave it up to you to piece things together.

Globe to offer revolutionary Nano-SIMs in Globe Stores this month

Globe Telecom is now gearing up to offer the new Nano-SIMs in Globe Stores this September as it provides subscribers a new and better mobile experience.

The Nano-SIMs are new generation subscriber identity module (SIM) cards for the latest generation of smartphones and handsets running on the most modern mobile network technologies. Globe has ordered as much as 5x more Nano-SIMs than its regular SIM stocks, anticipating high customer demand when smartphones running on Nano-SIMs are offered in the market.

According to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), the new Nano-SIM cards will be 40% smaller than the Micro-SIM, the smallest SIM card design to date, and will measure 12.3 millimeters wide, 8.8 millimeters high, and 0.67 millimeters thick.

“The Nano-SIM cards are packaged and distributed in a way that is backward- compatible with existing SIM cards. The new design will offer the same functionality as all current SIM cards,” added ETSI. “When Nano-SIM cards enter production, their size will free up room inside mobile phones for additional memory and larger batteries, helping phone vendors create thinner devices”, revealed Giesecke & Devrient, a global pioneering innovator that provides end-to-end solutions for identification systems and mobile security applications.

“Once again, Globe pioneers in bringing the latest technologies to Filipino mobile phone users as we offer the revolutionary Nano-SIMs in our Globe Stores with the availability of newer smartphone models using this type of SIM very soon. With the Nano-SIM and its stunning features and specifications, our smartphone experience will definitely be taken to another level,” said Martha Sazon, Head of Globe Postpaid.

The ETSI produces globally-applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), including fixed, mobile, radio, converged, broadcast and internet technologies.

The iPhone 5: Rumor round-up.

This post was written by Francis Tan, Globe’s social media specialist and resident Apple geek.

It’s the hottest thing on the Internet, everyone’s talking about it. You guessed it: it’s the much-anticipated launch of the redesigned iPhone, which everyone speculates will be called the ‘iPhone 5.’ Very little is known about Apple’s upcoming device as up to this point, nothing official has been revealed, aside from the fact that it’s going to run on iOS 6. That certainly didn’t stop the Internet from hunting down possible leads, posting rumors and speculations left and right.

As early as June this year, rumors that Apple is gearing up to unveil a new product at a September 12 event has started to make its rounds. It wasn’t until yesterday when images of the actual event invite showed up all over the Internet, wherein the Cupertino-based company has become more explicit in teasing us with what might be the iPhone 5, in a typical Apple fashion.

We here at Globe are just as excited as you guys, so we’ve decided to whip up a little something: a one-stop rumor roundup of everything iPhone 5. In the coming days, we’ll update you with the hottest and latest speculations all around the net. Just to be perfectly clear, we are not confirming or denying any of these rumors, we just want to participate in the conversation.

Fresh Look: a Complete Redesign (via Cult of Mac)

Alex Heath of Cult of Mac, speculates that we can expect a full body makeover. He said:

“Rumors and part leaks have shown a two-toned metallic backplate design that’s reminiscent of the chrome-plated metal frame on the original iPhone. Like a supermodel, expect the next iPhone to be slim and tall. Rumors say it will only be 7.6mm thick –that’s nearly 2mm thinner than the iPhone 4S. The new look should also drastically improve the iPhone’s overall durability and resistance to scratches.”

A Smaller Dock Connector for a Sexier iPhone (via Mashable)

Emily Price of Mashable.com, picked up rumors the the new iPhone will come with a 9-pin dock connector. She said:

“Apple will be trading in its current 30-pin connector for a new 9-pin dock connector in the next generation of iPhones. A new connection that would make it impossible to use existing speakers, docks, and chargers without the use of an adapter converting it back to the traditional 30-pin, something that Apple will likely make available.”

Bigger Screen: Taller, but not Wider (via 9to5mac)

Seth Weintraub of 9to5mac.com, shares some information about the possibility of having a bigger screen. He said:

“We know of two next-generation iPhones in testing with a larger display. Both of these phones sport a new, larger display that is 3.999 inches diagonally.  Apple will not just increase the size of the display and leave the current resolution, but will actually be adding pixels to the display. The new iPhone display resolution will be 640 x 1136.  That’s an extra 176 pixels longer of a display.  The screen will be the same 1.9632 inches wide, but will grow to 3.484 inches tall. This new resolution is very close to a 16:9 screen ratio, so this means that 16:9 videos can play full screen at their native aspect ratio.”

HD Front-facing Camera, Slightly Improved Back Camera. (via CNET)

Lance Whitney of CNET adds, while quoting sources, that the new iPhone might sport an HD front-facing camera. He said:

“The new iPhone may also deliver a high-definition front-facing camera, while the rear camera will likely stick with 8 megpixels but could increase the maximum aperture to 2.2 from its current 2.4.”

We can’t reveal anything yet at this point, and as we’ve said, these are only things that we’ve gathered from different source as rumors. For now, take it with a grain of salt, but we’ll definitely let you in more details as they are revealed. We have a couple of surprises lined up for you guys, but we can’t tell them to you just yet. You’ll just have to wait for the right time to come. All we can say right now is — it’s almost here, we’re just as excited, and it can be yours.

Want to join in the conversation? Feel free to connect with us via Facebook and Twitter.