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Posts Tagged ‘ Globe ’

Vonage Announces International Partnership with Globe™ in the Philippines

By Fei on May 8, 2012

May 8, 2012

Vonage Holdings Corp. has announced it has entered into an agreement with Globe™, a leading telecommunications provider in the Philippines, to deliver best-in-market pricing to and from the Philippines.

With more than three million Filipinos living in the U.S., the Filipino calling segment represents a substantial growth opportunity for Vonage and for Globe™. This attractive customer segment is highly educated, has an average income that is 50% higher than the U.S. population, has a high penetration of broadband service and a high affinity for staying connected to friends and family overseas.

“We are pleased to sign our first international partnership with Globe,” said Marc Lefar, Vonage Chief Executive Officer. “Together, we’ve structured a creative alliance that allows us to address the largely underserved needs of Filipino callers. We expect to be in market later this year.”

“This alliance marks a significant milestone in Vonage’s strategy to expand our services beyond North America,” said Lefar. “By leveraging our heritage of VoIP innovation and expertise in international long distance, we can offer partners such as Globe the ability to expand their communications businesses in their local markets and beyond.”

“We remain actively involved in discussions with several prospective partners and look forward to announcing additional alliances before the end of this year,” added Lefar.

About Vonage

Vonage (VG) is a leading provider of communications services connecting individuals through broadband devices worldwide. Our technology serves approximately 2.4 million subscribers. We provide feature-rich, affordable communication solutions that offer flexibility, portability and ease-of-use. Our Vonage World plan offers unlimited calling to more than 60 countries with popular features like call waiting, call forwarding and visual voicemail — for one low monthly rate. Vonage’s service is sold on the web and through regional and national retailers including Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Kmart and Sears, and is available to customers in the U.S. (www.vonage.com), Canada (www.vonage.ca) and the United Kingdom (www.vonage.co.uk).

Vonage Holdings Corp. is headquartered in Holmdel, New Jersey. Vonage® is a registered trademark of Vonage Marketing LLC., owned by Vonage America Inc.

To follow Vonage on Twitter, please visit www.twitter.com/vonage. To become a fan on Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/vonage. To subscribe on YouTube, visit www.youtube.com/vonage.

Globe Telecom is a leading full service telecommunications company in the Philippines, serving the needs of consumers and businesses across an entire suite of products and services including mobile, fixed, broadband, data connections, internet and managed services. Its principals are Ayala Corporation and Singapore Telecom who are acknowledged industry leaders in the country and in the region. For more information, visit www.globe.com.ph.

Globe offers Super Homephone

By Fei on February 22, 2012

February 22, 2012

ENJOY the unbeatable perks of your landline phone with Globe Super Home Phone wireless landline which features unlimited local calls, unlimited calls to Globe Landline and DUO, and unlimited calls to mobile numbers in the same network.

Whether you’re home or on-the-go, Globe Super Homephone provides the ultimate accessibility to keep you connected 24/7 to your family and friends.

Originally available in Metro Manila, Rizal, Cebu, Bohol, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Batangas, Quezon, Northern Samar and Davao del Sur., Globe Super Homephone is now available in 39 more areas.

“Globe Super Homephone offers the best rate and enhanced calling services with unlimited calls for local calling in the same area code, unlimited nationwide calls to any Globe DUO number, unlimited nationwide calls to any Globe Landline number and unlimited calls to TM and Globe numbers, all for only P599 a month,” explains Nikko Acosta, head of Globe Broadband Business.

“Imagine the endless possibilities you could do with the unlimited call features of the Globe Super Homephone. From their office, dads can now tutor their children with their homeworks without fear of expensive phone bills. Working moms could guide their kasambahay on menu preparations over the phone. Friends get to strengthen their bonds with unlimited phone conversations. The Globe Super Homephone is the ultimate telebabad phone,” Acosta adds.

For subscribers who only have basic landline requirements, Globe also offers the Globe Homephone which offers unlimited local calling (same area code), unlimited calls to Globe DUO phones (nationwide) and unlimited calls to any Globe Landline number nationwide for only P450 a month.

“For heavy landline users, Globe Super Homephone is the perfect partner and for those with only the basic requirements for a landline phone, there’s the Globe Homephone, both with the most affordable plans,” Acosta says.

Log on to www.globe.com.ph or visit any Globe stores.

Globe introduces unlimited data plans

By Fei on January 30, 2012

January 30, 2012

To keep up with the growing demand for smartphones and mobile internet use in the Philippines, Globe Telecom has beefed up its portfolio of smartphone plans with unlimited access to mobile browsing.

Globe My Super Plan Unli Surf Combo is the country’s first-ever range of fully-customizable unlimited data plans. It provides users with uninterrupted mobile surfing, their gadget of choice, consumable monthly load, and freebies all in one single subscription.

Perfect for users who frequently surf the internet on their mobile devices, My Super Plan Unli Surf Combo is available in the following monthly denominations: 999, 1799, 2499 and 3799. For as low as P999 a month, subscribers can browse, chat, stream videos, e-mail, and post to social networking sites without paying additional fees.

Creating your own My Super Plan Unli Surf Combo is easy. Users first select their gadget of choice from the world’s top smartphone brands for free or with minimal cash-out. Their choices include the amazing iPhone 4S, the latest BlackBerry smartphones, the hottest Android devices and the fastest mobile tablets.

Subscribers then select their choice of plan, all of which come with unlimited data. All plans are bundled with free additional services like calls and texts to Globe/TM or other networks, international calls and texts or unlimited calls and texts to one Globe/TM number, all of which can be changed as often as monthly.

Plan 1799, 2499 and 3799 subscribers are also entitled to consumable monthly load worth P800, P1500 and P2800 respectively which they can use for both local and international calls and texts. They may also opt to purchase plan boosters such as unlimited texts to all networks or unlimited calls and texts to Globe/TM.

“My Super Plan Unli Surf Combo is designed for tech-savvy subscribers who want to make the most out of their devices. This way, they can be online wherever they are, minus the fear of hidden charges or the hassle of searching for WiFi spots,” said Martha Sazon, Head of Globe Postpaid.

Offering the lowest unlimited surfing plan for the most coveted smartphone in the market, Globe offers Apple fanatics the iPhone 4S at Plan 999 with a cash-out of P999 for 24 months or one-time payment of P23,976, complete with 1 freebie that can be changed every month. Due to BlackBerry’s unique data compression, Globe also offers cheaper unlimited data plans for BlackBerry smartphones, called the BlackBerry Unli Surf Combo. Globe subscribers can get a BlackBerry Curve 8520 for free at Plan 599 or a Blackberry Curve 9300 at Plan 999, where consumers get unlimited surfing with 1 freebie and a consumable monthly load of P400.

Globe maintained its leadership in the postpaid segment with a 39% increase in subscriber base and 6% revenue growth on a year-on-year basis as of end-September 2011. Globe Postpaid achieved a new record high of over 116,000 gross acquisitions in the third quarter of last year, bringing its total mobile postpaid subscriber base to 1.37 million.

To support its data plans, Globe earlier announced that it will embark on a US$790 million network modernization program to prepare its network for more bandwidth-heavy services. The massive modern network rollout is expected to provide subscribers with a more stable and reliable network coverage nationwide, giving them an unparalleled service experience when they text, call, and surf on their mobile phones.

Visit www.globe.com.ph/postpaid or call 730-1010 to know more about My Super Plan Unli Surf Combo and other postpaid plans from Globe.

iPhone 4S launched by Globe

By Fei on January 5, 2012

January 5, 2012

Globe Telecom formally launched the new iPhone 4S featuring exclusive perks for its subscribers.

“Globe is focused on delivering what the iPhone users want. With our 4-year partnership with Apple, we are confident that we will provide the best iPhone experience – from the time our customers purchase the device from us, to after-sales assistance from our store personnel and technical experts, all the way to a strong and reliable Globe 4G mobile network to fully support the device, we are more than ready to offer the most amazing phone yet,” said Peter Bithos, Senior Adviser for Consumer Business,

Leading the pack of exclusive benefits for Globe subscribers availing of the iPhone 4S is the unlimited data plans bundled across the company’s portfolio of postpaid packages. “iPhone users love to use their iPhone so they deserve a plan that will allow them to enjoy their device with no restrictions,” added Bithos. For as low as Plan 999, Globe subscribers can take advantage of the unlimited mobile surfing package – something that only Globe can provide. On top of unlimited access to their favorite online sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Google and Yahoo via their iPhone 4S, Globe subscribers can also personalize their iPhone 4S use and experience as they can choose their own iPhone apps for free, and accessories at a cool 20% discount.

Another exciting perk extended to Globe users is the ‘no worry guarantee’ to prevent bill shock. Since the iPhone 4S is a data-intensive smartphone, bill shock will be a common problem with iPhone 4S users due to features such as Siri and iCloud. To prevent bill shock, Globe will guarantee ‘worry-free’ mobile surfing by capping data spend of subscribers using PowerSurf. So subscribers in PowerSurf 99, 299, or 499 who will exceed their respective data plans need not worry about bill shock because charging stops at P999. This way, subscribers will never be charged more than P999 monthly. Bill shock will definitely be a thing of the past with this innovative data charging scheme from Globe exclusive for iPhone 4S users.

Globe also pairs the great device with its equally amazing postpaid plans that are customizable, consumable and affordable, with plans starting at P999, or build your own from P299 with minimum cash-out, making Globe the only Philippine telco to offer the iPhone 4S at lower plans to give users the flexibility to choose their plans according to their budget.

To enable full functionality of the device, Globe subscribers will also greatly benefit from the company’s aggressive $790-million network modernization and IT transformation rollout that would have the company’s base stations deployed nationwide to be HSPA+ and 3G-enabled, as well as comprehensive re-engineering of IT systems resulting to convergent billing systems, faster response to customer queries and service requests by Globe stores and call centers.

The perks list goes on with Globe also offering an exclusive payment scheme for its prepaid subscribers where they can avail of a 12-month, 0% interest installment plan with the country’s top credit card companies. It also partnered with Ayala affiliate Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) for a 24-month, 0% interest payment scheme.

MEF recognizes Globe as the first PH telco to achieve MEF Certifications

By Fei on January 3, 2012

January 3, 2012

The Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) recently gave recognition to Globe Telecom as the first telecommunication company to achieve MEF certifications in the Philippines. The certification establishes that Globe is capable of delivering E-Line and E-LAN services that meet the most stringent global standards.

MEF is the defining body for Carrier Ethernet, which aims to accelerate its adoption globally. The program verifies compliance of vendor equipment and service provider services to MEF technical specifications through a rigorous series of tests based on MEF approved Test Suites. Globe was the first Philippine carrier to join MEF back in 2009, joining a roster of 150 members that includes the world’s top service providers and major equipment vendors.

To establish a solid foundation for its Carrier Ethernet services, Globe had to pass over 600 compliance tests to achieve MEF 9 and 14 certifications for its E-Line, E-LAN and E-VPL services. The MEF-9 and MEF-14 certifications assure that the Globe network can deliver standardized Carrier Ethernet services and provide its business customers with carrier-class EVCs (Ethernet virtual connections) that measure up to international standards. These also demonstrate the commitment of Globe to MEF’s mission to promote Carrier Ethernet interoperability and deployment worldwide.

“Globe has been known as a pioneer in the telco industry and true to form we are proud to have initiated MEF certification in Carrier Ethernet offerings in the Philippines. We have embraced MEF standards to deliver reliable, high quality and technically consistent Ethernet services to our customer base,” said Jesus Romero, Head of Globe Business.

Apart from the company’s MEF 9 and 14 certifications, Globe is also the first local telco to have MEF Carrier Ethernet Certified Professionals (MEF CECPs) in the Philippines. To date, there are only 104 MEF CECPs worldwide. The title is awarded to individuals that successfully pass the exam to become MEF Certified Professionals. It validates the professional’s knowledge of Carrier Ethernet technologies, standards, services and applications. Individuals who pass the exam have the knowledge and skills required to support and promote Carrier Ethernet solutions, and ultimately accelerate its worldwide adoption.

PHOTO CAPTION: MEF President Nan Chen (middle) presents the MEF 9 and 14 certifications of Globe Telecom to Jimmy Alcala, Globe Business Head for Core Data Services and William Radovan, Globe Business Head for Data Network Planning and Engineering, at the MEF Quarterly Members Meeting in Singapore.

Online pre-orders for iPhone 4S from Globe surpass last year’s levels

By Fei on December 15, 2011

December 15, 2011

Online pre-orders for iPhone 4S on Globe Telecom’s website hit fever pitch, with thousands signing-up for the latest iPhone model, outpacing the volume of orders when Globe launched the iPhone 4 last year.

To date, Globe has already exceeded pre-orders of the iPhone 4S via its online registration versus last year’s levels despite being carried by another operator. Globe started taking pre-orders for iPhone 4S last December 1, 2011. To place an order, log on to at http://iphone4s.globe.com.ph/.

And while iPhone 4S won’t be commercially available in the Philippines until December 16, 2011, Apple mania is once again hitting the country. Apple’s third wave of release for iPhone 4S is another big roll-out, with two of the world’s most populous nations: Brazil and Russia, joining the Philippines, Chile, Malaysia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Turkey and Taiwan. By end-2011, iPhone 4S will be carried by 100 carriers in 70 countries worldwide.

“Globe is proud to be one of the first telecommunication companies in Asia to carry iPhone from the very start,” said Peter Bithos, Senior Adviser for Consumer Business of Globe Telecom, “We know iPhone from inside-out, we’ve had years to study the habits and patterns of our customers who use iPhone and we have great offers that combine mobile browsing with SMS and calls that really showcase the power of iPhone 4S.”

iPhone 4S is packed with incredible new features including Apple’s dual-core A5 chip for blazing fast performance and stunning graphics; an all new camera with advanced optics; full 1080p HD resolution video recording; and Siri™, an intelligent assistant that helps you get things done just by asking. iPhone 4S has a reworked cellular architecture complete with dual-mode HSPA+ and CDMA2000 compatibility, making it a world-phone device.

“iPhone 4S works in perfect sync with the 4G mobile technology of Globe. We were the first to roll-out HSPA+ (Evolved High-Speed Packet Access) to our cell sites and base stations in the country, realizing early on that more and more mobile consumer devices would work on this technology. And as we continue to fast-track our network transformation program, future-proofed and capable of using 4G technologies like long-term evolution (LTE), our customers are in for a better mobile experience,” added Bithos.

Following its announcement of a massive roll-out of HSPA+ technology last April 2011, Globe recently announced an aggressive $790-M network modernization and IT-transformation program that would have the company’s base stations deployed nationwide to be HSPA+ and 3G-enabled in the next two years.

Globe future-proof network LTE and IPv6 ready

By Fei on November 22, 2011

November 22, 2011

Globe Telecom’s latest network build, touted to be the most significant investment the company has done in the past 2 decades, is designed to be future-proof, capable of using the most advanced 4G technologies such as HSPA+ and long term evolution (LTE). It is IPv6 ready and boasts of an all-IP infrastructure for business customers. In addition, all site locations will be 3G-enabled.

The network upgrade will also increase use of fiber optics by 50% significantly increasing capacity, improve network quality, and meet the growing demand for bandwidth-heavy services such as broadband and mobile data. This will also improve network resiliency and protect traffic to ensure uninterrupted services and keep customers always connected.

Aside from an optimized and resilient network, the modernization initiative will also enable the company’s technical team to respond to network-related issues more quickly regardless of location, and efficiently address them at a much faster pace, ensuring service availability at the soonest time possible.

Alongside its network modernization program, Globe likewise embarked on an IT transformation that would enhance business support systems to improve customer experience. A standards-based IT architecture will be in place that is robust, scalable, and flexible, allowing Globe to quickly respond to future business requirements. Once the new system is in place, Globe will have an integrated front-end application that will allow Globe Stores and call centers to respond quickly to customer queries and service requests.

“We envision an unparalleled customer experience that will truly set Globe apart from competition. The modernized Globe network and IT systems will address all current needs of our customers, at the same time, have the capacity and capability for more sophisticated use of mobile and broadband technologies. Our plans are ambitious, yet necessary step to help sustain our momentum towards being a customer-centric organization,” explained Robert Tan, chief technical adviser of Globe.

Globe will also establish a Joint Innovation Center (JIC) with its technology partner, Huawei that will provide opportunities for Globe to learn network best practices and tap into the latest developments of the 17 R&D centers of Huawei globally.

“This is a milestone not only for Globe but for the rest of our growing subscriber base. Our network is the backbone that enables quality delivery of our products and services. By modernizing our network infrastructure and its key elements, we are in a better position to efficiently and effectively provide the needs of our customers, as well as maintain our competitive position in the market,” said Tan.

Aside from benefitting subscribers, the new network will also use environment-friendly “green” solutions to reduce the company’s carbon footprint, boost energy savings, and reduce power consumption.

Globe pushes superior customer experience to higher level with modern network rollout

By Fei on November 10, 2011

November 10, 2011

Globe Telecom has announced the rollout of its biggest network modernization program utilizing modern network technologies, providing subscribers with a more stable and reliable service experience.

The program will entail massive re-planning of the entire network to make sure that Filipino consumers can experience the service quality they want from a communications company. With a modernized network, Globe customers can expect significant improvements through reduced incidence of dropped calls, on-time delivery of text messages, and easier call connections even at peak hours and traffic-heavy occasions.

Network quality will be boosted by 50% more fiber optics which will provide a significant increase in capacity plus enhanced 2G/3G indoor and outdoor coverage that will be deployed even in the farthest towns and municipalities. Subscribers will also experience improvements in mobile browsing, with minimal to no buffering of multimedia content streaming on their mobile phones.

In modernizing network equipment like switch circuits, Globe subscribers can also anticipate a consistent quality of experience in the midst of extreme weather disturbances. Service availability even during prolonged commercial power outage during disasters especially for critical sites will be enhanced so subscribers will experience full, reliable, uninterrupted service during disasters. Resiliency and protection of traffic will likewise increase to reduce incidence of pocket network outages, while better network management will hasten service restoration and recovery when necessary.

Globe will allot about US$700 million to support the project over the next five years, with a project rollout period of two to three years. This amount is the biggest and most significant investment that Globe has undertaken in the past two decades.

“The network transformation program is definitely another milestone for Globe. The key to delivering quality products and services is having a strong and solid network infrastructure,” said Robert Tan, Chief Technical Adviser of Globe. “With this modernization program in place, we are evolving to become a multi-service network with a solid, fully-redundant system that allows uninterrupted, seamless and consistent network connectivity for our subscribers, keeping them always connected with Globe,” added Tan.

The company will be tapping Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider. Through its dedication to customer-centric innovation and strong partnerships, Huawei has established end-to-end advantages in telecom networks, devices and cloud computing. It is committed to creating maximum value for telecom operators, enterprises and consumers by providing competitive solutions and services. Its products and solutions have been deployed in over 140 countries, serving more than one third of the world’s population.

The network modernization program will immediately start rollout by December 2011 and will initially benefit subscribers in Davao, a key market and focus area for Globe.

Globe deploys PH’s first terabit-level data center infrastructure

By Fei on October 19, 2011

October 19, 2011

Globe Telecom has deployed the Philippines’ first-ever terrabit-level Data Center, which gives customers more efficient and high-powered computing and communication solutions.

The company announced it has upgraded its Data Center network facilities with Cisco’s CRS-3 Carrier Routing System and the Nexus 7000 Series Switches. This upgrade connects the company’s suite of Cloud Solutions to the world with high capacity 10Gbps connections, enabled by terabit-class routing and switching through its CRS-3 routers and Nexus 7000 switches. This enhancement further ensures that applications run by Globe Business customers will not be degraded by passing through bottlenecks on the network side.

The high-powered data centers of Globe Telecom also addresses the critical requirement of network availability. The configuration of Cisco’s Nexus 7000 Series switches and the CRS-3 routers, coupled with the hardware and software features of the equipment, will result in a practically uninterrupted network in the Globe Data Center. Further, with the data center enhancements, separate and distinct virtual routers and switches can now be defined to secure different customers from each other, while still delivering high performance.

With the CRS-3 Carrier Routing System, Globe is able to efficiently scale the infrastructure and intelligently deploy converged voice, video, data and mobility services with practical savings. Moreover, it is designed to help customers increase business profitability, service flexibility and operational efficiency. Globe has also upgraded its data centers with the Nexus 7000 Series Switches because of its scalability, continuous system operation, serviceability and transport flexibility.

“These upgrades will bring the network infrastructure of our data centers to the highest levels of performance, availability and security. It will also enhance our recently-launched suite of Cloud Solutions by providing a high-performance system that allows us to scale cloud services very quickly, while maintaining flexibility and reliability,” said Jesus Romero, Head of Globe Business, the unit in Globe Telecom that serves the Philippines’ top corporate customers.

Globe Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), the company’s first venture into cloud computing, covers Backup, Storage and Compute services. These are all hosted at the Globe Data Center, where customers can get network access and solutions on-demand, and pay only for what they use. One important benefit of these cloud services, apart from the lower total cost of ownership (TCO) and higher elasticity, is high performance. This is only possible if the cloud infrastructure is designed end-to-end to deliver high performance, and the recent upgrade of the Globe Data Center facilities guarantees the customers just that.

For more information, visit http://www.globe.com.ph/business.

Globe launches most affordable Android phone

By Fei on October 3, 2011

October 3, 2011

With the steady rise of smartphone penetration in the Philippines, Globe Telecom brings the most affordable Android phone to the country, giving lower income mobile phone users access to the mobile web and other related technologies.

Introducing the CloudFone Ice, another revolutionary Android handset that’s easy on the pocket, enabling a wide range of users to experience the benefits of mobile web powered by a stronger Globe network. CloudFone Ice showcases a 3.2” full touchscreen display (320×480 pixels) running on Android 2.1 and has WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, 3G/HSDPA, Bluetooth, GPS, FM Radio and 3.15MP camera with up to 32GB storage via microSD card.

The first from a strong and affordable range of Android phones from CloudFone, the CloudFone Ice is available for only P4,990 for a prepaid kit or for FREE at My Super Plan 499 for postpaid subscribers.

“The CloudFone Ice is another revolutionary offer from Globe. At a price that’s so easy on the wallets of our Filipino mobile phone users, this is indeed one great deal to respond to the increasing demand for more affordable smartphones,” said Joanna Africa, Head of Globe Portfolio Management. “Gone are the days when mobile access to various sources of information and entertainment via the World Wide Web is only limited to the more expensive smartphones. With the CloudFone Ice, users can access Facebook, Twitter, Google, and their favorite e-mail and chat sites in a snap without having to spend too much.”

Added Africa, “There is more to CloudFone Ice than just being a cellphone. Aside from connecting you to the mobile web, your CloudFone Ice is a reflection of your personality. It is customizable to fit your lifestyle, needs and preferences. A wide range of applications and features are also available to fit the activities you do and sites you visit on the Internet.”

For those in the corporate world, CloudFone Ice enables users to create, edit and open document, spreadsheet and presentations via the mobile phone. It can also be used as a mobile laptop for presentation purposes, a business card reader, a voice recorder and as a means to download e-mails and the latest news.

Creative individuals who are one with multimedia can also use the CloudFone Ice to take photos in various camera effects as well as edit them. A built-in video player and music player also allow access to a wide range of video file types and songs, keeping users entertained and in touch with their creative side.

CloudFone Ice also opens doors for a multitude of applications such as mobile games, currency converter, language translator, and maps. The device also comes handy for students because of its features such as Encyclopedia, Dictionary, Scientific Calculator and Periodic Table. Social networking users can also rely on the CloudFone Ice for easy and convenient access to Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, and their respective instant messenger (Y!M, MSN) accounts.

To fully enjoy the mobile web and maximize the features of CloudFone Ice, Globe subscribers can register to PowerSurf 15, an hour of consumable mobile Internet valid for 1 day and available for P15 for prepaid users, or PowerSurf 99, a postpaid plan offering 50MB of consumable mobile Internet valid for 30 days for postpaid users. Text POWERSURF15 (for prepaid) or POWERSURF 99 (for postpaid) to 8888 to register. For other PowerSurf services, text POWERSURF INFO to 8888.

Visit a Globe store nearest you or call 730-1000 to get a CloudFone Ice today.

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