Globe Telecom reports that by dint of its efforts to accelerate the rollout of advanced mobile technology across the Philippines, the number of 5G devices live on its network passed 700,000 at end-May 2021, up from 620,000 in April and 560,000 the month before that. The Philippine Star quotes the telco’s senior vice president for programme delivery, network technical group, Joel Agustin, as saying that the launch of ‘affordable’ 5G mobile handsets has opened up the service to more people, noting that it anticipates continued strong take-up in key locations in Metro Manila and in other cities in Visayas and Mindanao. ‘We will make our 5G presence more felt in Visayas and Mindanao in the coming months,’ he confirmed.
Globe claims that its 5G outdoor coverage has reached ‘at least’ 88% of the National Capital Region (NCR, aka Metro Manila) with Bonifacio Global City Central Business District (CBD) and Ortigas CBD having the ‘highest coverage’ with 97% each. In addition, it noted that coverage stood at 96% and 92% in Makati CBD and Pateros, respectively, while reporting at least 82% coverage in a further 13 cities in Metro Manila. Meanwhile, outside the NCR 5G coverage is also available in Cebu City (81%), Boracay Island (68%), Bacolod City (67%) and Iloilo City (53%). Furthermore, in Mindanao 5G is accessible in 73% of Davao City and 72% of Cagayan De Oro City.