Got this SMS broadcast from Globe last June 13:

“Globe Network: We are changing our network equipment and technology to give you a better experience. We are currently rolling out our modern network for better quality and reliability of calls and text, faster downloads and surfing. This program is part of our commitment to give you superior customer experience. Modernization will soon arrive in your area. You will receive another text on the actual schedule. Thank you!”

…

Globe promises to deliver service improvements to its customers in Metro Manila by July through September; the improvements will cover quick and reliable call connections, real time text messaging, faster Internet speed and a “proactive intelligent spot-on customer support”.

Troll: What on earth is a “proactive intelligent spot-on customer support” – The Troll doesn’t know what this means, but it sounds good!

For the past few months, Globe has been espousing its massive USD700M network modernization program, which is touted to bring a better user experience to its customers.

Alberto de Larrazabal, Globe Chief Financial Officer:

“We still have to get the momentum going so by the third quarter we will start feeling improvements already. It has started in the Visayas and other places.”

Benefits of a New and Improved Globe Network!

• Prepaid subscribers will be able to retain their mobile phone numbers even if they shift to a postpaid subscription.

• Internet will be faster (more so with subscribers using newer phones)

• As mentioned above, more stable calls and faster SMS handling.

(This list is a bit sparse; the Troll can’t seem to find a more comprehensive benefit list on the upgrade. Will post it once it finds it)

But What Does the Globe Modernization Involve Really?

• Cell site upgrade! In the thousands! The new sites will be rigged to cater to the outrageously high data traffic from smart phones.

• The roll out of 10K kilometers worth of fiber for the implementation of Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology (this simply means Globe will be able to deliver high-speed data to mobile phones and other data terminals)

Ernest Cu, Globe President:

“The ultimate purpose of this offer is for Globe to create the happiest customers and the happiest employees. Globe is yet one step closer to making our superior customer experience proposition a palpable and pervasive reality.”

Note that Globe’s modernization program is supported by its recent bond float. Click here to know more!

Troll: Modernization is a beautiful thing! All telcos have to go through it in order to remain relevant. The thing is, based on the SMS broadcast that the Troll received above, and reading in between the lines, there will be another SMS that will inform subscribers that his or her area will be upgraded which will inevitably involve some service funkiness to some degree. The Troll hopes that this period will be kept short and that Globe’s help lines will be prepared with relevant answers for when subscribers in a specific area experience degraded voice call quality of delayed SMS sending, or god forbid, mysteriously vanishing load.