Globe to use lens antenna for internet in rural areas

MANILA, Philippines — Ayala-led Globe Telecom Inc. will deploy in rural areas a new connectivity technology allowing subscribers to access the internet at high speeds even in demand-heavy sites.

Globe announced that it has become the first telco provider in Southeast Asia to finish the pilot deployment of multi-beam, multi-band lens antenna technology.

Globe said the new solution enhances 4G and LTE, as well as 5G, connectivity for mobile users and minimizes coverage holes, particularly for crowded areas.

The new technology can serve the capacity demands of data-heavy handsets, making it ideal for outdoor events, populated locations and rural areas. The lens antenna can emit and maintain multiple beams with minimal radio frequency interference to avert signal disruptions.

Globe said the lens antenna it tested was made by California-based MatSing Ltd. and was rolled out by iBMS Technology Philippines Corp. For the pilot, Globe installed four units in two of its cell sites: the first in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro for residential use, the other in Parañaque City for a music festival.

During the pilot, Globe said its network managed to expand its coverage by more than eight times and raise its LTE speed by nearly eight times as well.

Likewise, the mobile giant said the lens antenna allowed its network to accommodate increased traffic by over three times and boost network quality by nearly thrice.

Globe head of network strategy and technology enablement Gerhard Tan said the telco would deploy lens antenna in multiple areas in Visayas and Mindanao, such as in Cebu, Iloilo, Antique, Aklan, Bohol, Capiz, Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.

“Globe has always been a pioneer in adopting new technologies for its customers. Also, the lens antenna technology is another major milestone in Globe efforts to provide Filipinos with reliable and high-quality mobile connectivity,” Tan said.

MatSing CEO Bo Larsson said the firm would broaden its partnership with Globe for the delivery of consistent connectivity for mobile.

“We are thrilled with the results of the pilot deployment and are excited to continue working with MatSing to bring this innovation to our network on a larger scale,” Tan said.