Ayala-led Globe Telecom has revealed plans to launch its 5G service in partnership with Huawei Technologies in Q2 2019, despite rising concerns related to the Chinese firm and national security. Despite reservations in a number of countries – including the US, UK and New Zealand – the Philippines is forging ahead with Huawei, joining a number of other Asian nations such as Thailand and Singapore which are understood to be tapping the Chinese vendor for 5G technology.
In a press interview this week, Globe CEO Ernest Cu said that his company sees Huawei’s technology as ‘a year ahead of their competitors’, adding that a tie-up will allow Globe to have an advantage in the market. The Globe fifth-generation network will also use some Nokia gear – as the pair are currently in negotiations over a supply contract.