Globe ends sales of 3G SIMs in bid to drive 4G uptake

Globe Telecom has announced that it has stopped selling or issuing 3G SIM cards across its entire distribution chain as it looks to accelerate the migration of subscribers to 4G LTE services. In a statement on Tuesday (20 October), Globe’s head of communications Yoly Crisanto said that the carrier is offering free SIM card upgrades, but admitted the decision means that many customers would have to purchase a 4G-ready smartphone first. To mitigate the additional cost, Globe is providing ‘free device changes or a really low price on 4G/LTE devices’ where possible, she said. Although no date has been given for the eventual shutdown of 3G services – and Globe also continues to support the many people on the even older 2G network – it is urging its customers to switch to 4G.