Globe to improve network in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — Globe Telecom Inc. is set to improve its network in Manila in an effort to spearhead the digital transformation of the country’s capital.

“We need to build additional 100 wireless sites to improve the signal in Manila,” Globe president and CEO Ernest Cu said.

Globe and the City of Manila have entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the Ayala-led telco to provide fast and reliable internet connectivity in key areas with GoWifi.

Globe said it is making GoWiFi available at Manila City Hall, Ospital ng Maynila, Tondo Medical Center, Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center, Tondo National High School, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and Universidad de Manila.

GoWiFi is the country’s largest WiFi service that aims to provide customers better WiFi experience with speeds of up to 100 Mbps, depending on the location.

As of the first half, GoWiFi is accessible in 2,500 sites nationwide, up by 500 sites from the previous year.

Globe intends to double its GoWiFi sites to 5,000 by next year as it continues its expansion plans nationwide, particularly in high-traffic areas like malls, hospitals, and schools to make high-quality internet connection accessible and affordable to more Filipinos.

The MOA with the City of Manila also covers the use of GCash as the official financial services platform to send allowances and other monetary benefits to about 15,000 scholars under the Office of the Manila City Mayor.

Globe said students would receive a corresponding GCash Mastercard to withdraw their cash allowance. It would also serve as their official identification card as a scholarship beneficiary of the city.

GCash is a mobile wallet which now has 20 million registered users.

Cu said the collaboration with the City of Manila is a first step in contributing to the city’s digital transformation initiatives.

“Providing free WiFi services via GoWiFi and bringing financial inclusivity via GCash are just the initial undertakings from our end to contribute to the digitalization efforts of the city. Our goal is to provide the entire digital ecosystem of Globe for Manileños to enjoy their digital lifestyle,” he said.