by admin | Nov 10, 2016 | Globe Updates, Tech Talk
The advent of budget airlines and affordable rates give more people an opportunity to plan their trips abroad whether it is for work or vacation. Alongside flights and accommodation details, connectivity has become an essential to be able to keep in touch and share experiences real-time.
Roaming options have long been available in the market. Yet, some offers remain too pricy, especially for travellers who are on a tight budget. Finally, travellers now have an option for a more affordable roaming service as Globe introduces the new Easy Roam 149.
Easy Roam 149 eases customers’ concerns on expensive roaming charges with its unlimited data roaming good for 5 days. It is the only roaming offer that is easy on the pocket as it is paid in installment over a period of 12 months, for just P149/month on a Globe myLifestyle postpaid plan. For the same 12 month period, customers get 5 days worth of data roaming that can either be consumed on a single trip or on multiple overseas trips.
Enrolling and using Easy Roam 149 is simple and straightforward. To subscribe, interested Globe postpaid customers can simply visit any Globe store, call the Globe hotline or log on to http://www.globe.com.ph/international/roaming-postpaid/easy-roam-149. Once successfully enrolled, customers who travel abroad will already be allowed to use their 5-day unlimited data roaming allocation. All one needs to do is to turn on his mobile and data roaming to receive the unlimited data roaming allocation by Globe Telecom’s preferred roaming partner.
“We have long been working on improving our customers’ experience not only here in the Philippines, but also when they travel. With the growing array of travel deals that are purchased in advance as a way of enjoying the best value-for-money, we believe that another travel essential, data roaming, should also follow suit. What’s even better is that Easy Roam 149 is paid in 12 monthly installments, charged to bill. Easy Roam 149 lets our postpaid customers to plan ahead and truly enjoy the trips they have so longed to take without having to break the bank.,” says Globe Vice President for Emerging Strategic Businesses, Coco Domingo.
Ideal for budget-savvy jet setters, Easy Roam 149 allows one to maximize their travel experience through hassle-free connectivity in over 120 countries around the world. One can easily share the excitement to loved ones back home, or simply post about their trip highlights on social media. Unused roaming days out of the 5 can simply be used for the next trip as long as it is within the same 12 month period. But, should one exceed 5 days of data roaming, the regular rate of P599 for unlimited 24-hour data roaming will apply.
Getting Easy Roam 140 is quick and easy. Customers just need to sign up via http://www.globe.com.ph/international/roaming-postpaid/easy-roam-149 or visit a Globe store to subscribe. Enrollment period to Easy Roam 149 is available until December 31, 2016. Per DTI – FTEB SPD Permit No. 10839 Series of 2016.
by admin | Nov 2, 2016 | Headlines, Tech Talk
Summit readies region for next industrial revolution
MANILA, Philippines (August 25, 2016) – Filipino Young Global Leaders and Shapers recognized by the World Economic Forum are getting together and gearing up for the Open Collaboration with East Asia New Champions (OCEAN) 2016 Summit from November 24 to 26 at the Be Grand Hotel in Bohol.
Chief Organizer Winston Damarillo, a WEF Young Global Leader said, “This year in Davos, we talked about the 4th Industrial Revolution – how high technology will promote rapid industrialization and how digital can impact lives for the better. We want to make sure that all emerging countries don’t miss out. We don’t want to miss out.”
“Our goal for OCEAN 16 is to take the whole concept of the 4th Industrial Revolution beyond the think tanks and the people talking theories in Davos. We want to bring it to emerging countries like the Philippines at the grassroots level,” he added.
Started in 2014 by Damarillo with fellow WEF Young Global Leaders, Karen Davila and Senator Bam Aquino, OCEAN aims to encourage local and global leaders to work together and strengthen the ecosystem for innovation, technology and creativity in the Philippines.
OCEAN 14 brought together over 200 changemakers from all over the world to Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island in Cebu. Panel discussions covered Inclusive Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Social Initiatives, Environment in the Next Decade, the Creative Economy, and Igniting Private & Public Partnerships. Attendees included Tony Meloto, Maria Ressa, Manny Osmeña, Geena Rocero, Jeffrey Tarayao, Cherrie Atilano, Carlo Delantar, Lynn Pinugu and Anna Oposa.
Notable outcomes from OCEAN 14 include the Start-Up Business Bill, a proposed legislation to provide tax exemptions to young companies; the Hope Now Foundation, which activates mobile hospitals in response to natural disasters; and a bamboo school that facilitates active learning for the youth in Bohol.
What’s going to Bohol?
For this year’s OCEAN Summit, the WEF communities, led by Young Global Leaders and Shapers, are bringing discussions from Davos to Bohol. They will confer on the applications of technology in driving inclusive and sustainable growth in the region.
OCEAN 16 will focus on the question, “How can the Philippines – and other emerging countries – harness new technologies to accelerate economic development and social progress?”
The three-day summit will feature keynote addresses from government, business, and civil society leaders; plenary sessions on entrepreneurship, innovation, the Philippines, and the global community; interactive brainstorming sessions centered on how to scale emerging, youth-led social solutions; demos of cutting-edge new technologies including drones, 3D applications; and a maker market of goods from local artisans and entrepreneurs.
The Summit will also introduce and feed into a roadmap for “Digital Bohol” – a plan for holistic digital inclusion in Bohol that aims to set the standard for how local leaders can collaborate to harness technology to empower business, government and civil society.
Bohol was selected to pilot the smart city movement because of its strong public and private partnerships, and its vast work building its ICT infrastructure towards becoming a tech hub. It is also set to become a global destination with the opening of the Panglao International Airport in 2018.
OCEAN 16 signed a memorandum of agreement with the Provincial Government of Bohol and the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry last August 15, as part of a joint initiative for the development of smart cities in the Philippines, starting with Tagbilaran City in Bohol as the pilot and model city.
“Technology plays an important role in society and we’re very excited to be one of the first LGUs to start utilizing it to develop smart cities, enable disaster preparedness, promote inclusive economic development, boost tourism and ensure the safety of our citizens,” says Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto.
OCEAN 16 is co-organized by the WEF communities in the Philippines; Amihan Global Strategies, a digital transformation consultancy; and Kaya Collaborative, an international nonprofit that connects the global Filipino community to entrepreneurship, impact, and innovation in the Philippines.
For more information, visit www.ocean16.asia, email info@ocean16.asia or call 0947-813-6401. You may also participate in online discussions by following OCEAN 16 on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook @WEFPHOCEAN.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Carissa Villacorta / Pauline Mangosing
Mobile: +63917-595-5480 / +63998-867-2088
E-mail: carissa.villacorta@gmail.com / pauline.mangosing@gmail.com
by admin | Oct 18, 2016 | Headlines, Tech Talk
Globe Telecom is seeking the support of the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines in building telco infrastructure in the country in line with its vision of ushering the country to become a digital nation by 2020.
Specifically, Globe is looking to rationalize the permitting process to mitigate bureaucratic red tape and other political hurdles that stand in the way of deploying telecommunication infrastructure such as cell sites and fiber optic cables. If implemented, this would enable the company to improve data connectivity at lower rates.
Emphasizing that data connectivity is a key driver of economic growth in the Philippines, Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu emphasized that a collaboration with the government in developing key telecommunications infrastructure would enhance digital capabilities of the country, enabling local industries and communities to access services and improve productivity. He pointed out that existing telecommunication infrastructure in a given locality, or the lack of it, is oftentimes a direct result of the LGU permitting environment. Securing different permits at LGU level could be very challenging, from the sheer number of permits to the different political personalities that mobile operators have to deal with, said Cu, adding that it takes at least 8 months to complete the permitting process, involving around 25 permits. “We would like to reiterate our call for a closer collaboration with the government as we set out in building a telco infrastructure that would provide world-class data connectivity even in areas outside our major cities,” said Cu.
Early this year, Globe launched a plan to create an internet superhighway nationwide. The plan aims to deploy fiber optics in 20,000 barangays by 2020 to provide ultra-fast internet access to around 2 million homes nationwide. Globe plans to deploy fiber optics in 1,000 sites before the end the year. So far, deployment of fiber optics has been completed in about 300 sites. One of the most important advances in broadband technology, fiber optics offer the fastest way to access data, providing consumers with higher download and uploads speeds, lower latency and faster internet browsing,
Globe is also maximizing the use of additional frequency assets obtained from the sellout of San Miguel’s telco assets. This is in line with its commitment to the National Telecommunications Commission to deploy about 4,500 multiband, multimode software defined radio base station equipment to 95% of total municipalities and cities in the country, for the improvement of overall customer experience in terms of the speed and reliability of mobile internet services.
To date, Globe has completed the deployment of LTE 700 in 200 sites, mostly within Metro Manila, and LTE 2600 in 900 sites, mostly within Visayas and Mindanao. According to Cu, the sites where the LTE 700 and LTE 2600 have been deployed cover major business districts, and highly-urbanized and populated areas in the country. Cu further disclosed that Globe also expanded its GoWiFi network to 500 sites that include Ayala Malls, fast food chains, bus terminals, convenience stores and other public places. He added that Globe is working on widening its WiFi coverage and plans to deploy GoWiFi services in close to 1,000 sites across the country. This will provide WiFi coverage not only for Metro Manila but also for Davao, Cebu, Bulacan, Cavite, Cagayan Valley, Cagayan de Oro, Nueva Vizcaya, Dumaguete, Zamboanga, and Boracay.
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For more information, please contact:
Yoly C. Crisanto
Head, Corporate Communications
Globe Telecom, Inc.
Email Address: gtcorpcomm@globe.com.ph
Globe Press Room: www.globe.com.ph/press-room
Twitter: @talk2GLOBE │ Facebook: www.facebook.com/globeph
by admin | Oct 16, 2016 | Health and Medicine, Tech Talk
TAGBILARAN CITY, October 14 (PIA)–There is a current move by information communication technology (ICT) and business process management (BPM) bigwigs to shake off the list of next wave cities (NWC) in lieu of a more reliable location profile.
No less than Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA) president Jonathan de Lazurriaga bared this at the Kapihan sa PIA Thursday, a day before Bohol opens its doors again to prospecting investors during the Bohol ICT Summit.
ICT and BPM investors especially the big ticket call center companies into business process out sourcing have always looked for possible locations of expansion of operations.
This need pushed local industry leaders to rank potential locations and called them the NWC where in a list, the industry stakeholders update over the years.
Lazurriaga explained that the NWC is a distinction given to possible locations all over the country based on four identified factors.
He said one factor considered is the availability of local talents like call center workers aptly trained adopting a global standard for competitiveness.
Under this, he explained that a place must have sufficient training institutions that come up to quality and quantity of the graduates to hopefully man the possible investments.
Secondly, national industry stakeholders look for the most business friendly environment in a location.
Investors especially in the BPO would like to settle in an area that would be easy to make business with, safe where crime and corruption is inexistent to low.
Third, BPM investors want power and water service utilities that are cheap and reliable, the location is safe and costs of living is manageable, social issues like traffic, pollution, food, housing and basic necessities are reasonable as this affects the cost of operations.
Finally, investors would certainly be interested if the new location has already or is willing to put up key infrastructure needed for the BPO management operations.
However, Lazurriaga said the listing has become less significant with investors now seeing the key factor of a life-work balance in their workers.
For now, the move is to do away from the NWC ranking, the chair of the country’s software industries leaked.
The PSIA chair said the NWC has created a template that is sets blinders to the more relevant work-recreation balance, that the ICT stakeholders would rather go for a profile of locations to guide big-ticket call center companies to locate.
It may be recalled that Bohol has recently pressed for the placing of Tagbilaran as among the NWC in the country.
The Bohol ICT Summit has been an identified step towards the attainment of the goal.
But, Lazurriaga stressed that getting to the NWC may not be that important anymore.
PSIA hopes that when the profiles are out, it would certainly shift the focus of investors in the BPO and ITC, and this is what Bohol should get, Lazurriaga who comes to the Bohol ICT Summit bared. (rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
by admin | Oct 7, 2016 | Tech Talk
Globe network stimulates higher mobile speed experience
For the first time in many years, Akamai Technologies included the Philippines in the country ranking for mobile internet speeds. And the results did not disappoint Filipino consumers.
With an average speed of 8.5 Mbps, the Philippines ranked 6th in the average mobile internet connection speed according to the 2nd Akamai State of Internet Report. The latest Akamai report also reveals that the Philippines also achieved 105.1 Mbps peak mobile speed which in the third highest in Asia Pacific next to Australia and Thailand.
Globe Telecom’s efforts to improve internet experience of its customers advanced significantly in the first 100 days of the Duterte administration, as the company managed to drive the mobile internet speed ranking of the Philippines with its 1st world internet campaign.
Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu reiterated the company’s commitment to improve the state of internet in the Philippines in order to make the nation admired globally. “More and more Filipinos are becoming dependent on fast and reliable internet connectivity, it is imperative that telco operators like Globe work closely with the government in expanding and improving telecommunication services,” Cu said.
Cu emphasized Globe is maximizing the use of additional frequency assets it obtained from the sellout of San Miguel’s telco assets in line with its commitment to the National Telecommunications Commission to deploy about 4,500 multiband, multimode software defined radio base station equipment to 95% of total municipalities and cities in the country, intended to improve overall customer experience in terms of speed and reliability of mobile internet services.
To date, Globe has already completed deployment of LTE 700 in 200 sites, mostly in Metro Manila as well as LTE 2600 in 900 sites, mostly in Visayas and Mindanao. According to Cu, sites where the LTE 700 and LTE 2600 have been deployed cover major business districts and highly-urbanized and populated areas in the country.
Cu further disclosed that Globe also expanded its GoWiFi network as it recently completed deployment of the service in close to 500 sites that include Ayala Malls, fast food chains, bus terminals, convenience stores and other public places. He added that Globe is working on widening its WiFi coverage and plan to deploy GoWiFi services in close to 1,000 sites across the country. This will provide WiFi coverage not only Metro Manila but also in Davao, Cebu, Bulacan, Cavite, Cagayan Valley, Cagayan de Oro, Nueva Vizcaya, Dumaguete, Zamboanga and Boracay.
Launched in 2015, GoWiFi, the company’ premium open national WiFi network, is now serving close to 3 million customers per month. The company’s national WiFi network is open to any customer with a WiFi enabled device. While customers are able to access the service for free for 30 minutes a day, customers can easily purchase GoWiFi credits which they can use in any GoWiFi hotspot.
According to Cu, the company is also about to complete deployment of free Wi-Fi services in all MRT Line 3 stations, enabling Globe customers riding the MRT to efficiently make use of their transit time as they are now able to access the internet for free.
The deployment of free Wi-Fi services is expected to benefit around 350,000 daily passengers of MRT Line 3. Each passenger will be given free Wi-Fi access for 30 minutes daily, said Cu, emphasizing that provision of free WiFi services in all MRT3 stations is part of the company’s initiative to enhance network capacities.
Aside from MRT Line 3, Globe also signed an agreement to provide free Wi-Fi services in all 20 LRT stations. In addition to deployment of WiFi services, Globe will also provide fiber optic cable system that will extend the length of the entire LRT 1 and cover all LRT stations and LRMC’s depot in Pasay City. Globe also recently signed with the Metro Manila Development Authority a similar agreement that will allow the telco provider to deploy wireless infrastructure in MMDA controlled areas as part of its efforts to enhance network coverage and capacities.
The 2Q Akamai report also showed the Philippines has average internet speed of 4.3 Mbps in fixed broadband, up by 24% QoQ and 27% YoY. The country registered the strongest growth in Asia Pacific region in terms of “above 4Mbps connectivity adoption” at 33% adoption rate, growing 79% QoQ and 116% YoY.
For above 10 Mbps connectivity adopted, the country showed a 5% adoption, growing by 86% QoQ and 683% YoY. For 15Mbps connectivity adoption rate, the country is at a nascent 2.1% adoption, up 109% QoQ and 872% YoY.
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For more information, please contact:
Yoly C. Crisanto
Head, Corporate Communications
Globe Telecom, Inc.
Email Address: gtcorpcomm@globe.com.ph
Globe Press Room: http://newsroom.globe.com.ph
Twitter: @talk2GLOBE │ Facebook: www.facebook.com/globeph
by admin | Sep 27, 2016 | Headlines, Tech Talk
Leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom announced the winners of the 5th Globe Media Excellence Awards – Visayas who have shown exemplary communication skills in promoting sustainable development and bringing social issues to the attention of the public via print, broadcast, or digital media.
The outstanding media professionals and digital media practitioners were feted during the awarding ceremonies held in Radisson Blu Hotel on September 22 as part of the Cebu Press Freedom Week celebration. They bested 777 other entries in the 12 categories.
“The critical role of media organizations and online communities in forming and shaping public opinion makes it imperative for organizations like Globe to institutionalize an award-giving body that recognizes outstanding, incisive, and impactful reportage. As we commemorate the value of press freedom in driving a progressive nation, we see GMEA as an opportunity to give back to our media friends and our blogger and influencer partners, the honor that they deserve as we collectively create a world that is purposive and wonderful,” said Yoly Crisanto, Senior Vice President, Globe Corporate Communications during her opening remarks.
For this year, GMEA was anchored on Globe Telecom’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to help create a Wonderful Philippines. The winning entries did not only embody quality and relevant content but also focused on any or a combination of four areas such as care for environment, care for people, positive societal impact, and digital nation.
Bagging the Reporter of the Year for Print award for the fourth consecutive year was Ador Vincent Mayol of Cebu Daily News who wrote “Wrinkled Hopes”. Mayol also received the Reporter of the Year for Online News Portal award together with his editor Rosemarie Borromeo for the piece “Shining through the haze”. Reporter of the Year for TV went to Estela Grace Rosit of TV 5 and her editor and videographer Joveniano Yap for “El Nino sa Sugbu” while Runelyn Jamolo of DyLL Radyo ng Bayan Iloilo was named Reporter of the Year for Radio for “Bayanihan kontra maternal deaths.”
Explanatory Story of the Year for Print was awarded to Sun.Star Cebu’s “Breaking Child Labor” written by Cherry Ann Lim while Explanatory Story of the Year for TV was given to “Krisis sa Tubig” of GMA’s Alan Domingo together with his editor Rod Prado and Clanz Gabutin and videographer Jun Solon. On the other hand, Public Affairs Story of the Year award was given to “Basura Bayloan og Grocery/Recycling of Waste Materials” of Atty. Ruphil F. Bañoc – DYHP RMN Cebu.
Julia Carreon-Lagoc of Panay News Iloilo took home the Columnist of the Year Award for “Big 3 little words: humane, just, fraternal” while Ferdinand Edralin of Cebu Daily News got the Photojournalist of the Year Award for his entry “State of Emergency.”
Christian Vincent Literatus of Bisdak Explorer won Blogger of the Year Award for “Bisdak Explorer’s Top 10 Free Travel Apps for Your Next Adventure”; Joyce Torrefranca was chosen as Social Media Advocate of the Year for “I got inspired by a kid: Daniel Cabrera”; and “Bacolod Needs More Plants in Commercial Areas” of Maria Sigrid Lo won the Social Media Campaign of the Year.
All winners received a cash prize and a trophy each while their editors also received cash prizes.
The distinguished panel of judges was composed of Ma. Theresa Sederiosa – Investment and Promotions Officer of the Cebu City Government, Ahmed Cuizon – Regional Director of LTFRB 7, Romelinda Garces – Communications Officer of San Miguel Brewery, Auke Idzenga – Founder of Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation Inc., and Donna Rose Ratilla – President of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Iloilo Chapter.
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For more information, please contact:
Yoly C. Crisanto
Head, Corporate Communications
Globe Telecom, Inc.
Email Address: gtcorpcomm@globe.com.ph
Globe Press Room: www.globe.com.ph/press-room
Twitter: @talk2GLOBE │ Facebook: www.facebook.com/globeph
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