Globe Telecom taps Aicent for LTE roaming connectivity with SK Telecom

 Globe Telecom strengthens its leadership in Long Term Evolution (LTE) roaming services by tapping global network services provider Aicent to provide seamless connectivity with SK Telecom.

                Using Aicent’s LTE Roaming Exchange solution, Globe Telecom and SK Telecom can create a continuous and seamless roaming experience for subscribers as they travel between South Korea and the Philippines by offering them transparent and automatic access to LTE services. With the solution, Globe Telecom acquires instant connectivity to more than 45 LTE operators worldwide via Aicent’s extensive network of operators all through a single IP connection.

              By implementing Aicent’s LTE Roaming Exchange service, operators like Globe Telecom and SK Telecom will realize better quality of service using a comprehensive, next generation IPX network, cost reductions with the integration of all IP services onto a single network, and improved network management through a robust set of web-based tools with comprehensive traffic reporting and troubleshooting capabilities.

                The LTE Roaming Exchange service of Aicent is a managed IP network ecosystem designed to deliver voice, data, and video services with assured quality of service and guaranteed security. Mobile operators implementing Aicent’s LTE Roaming service will have access to a growing list of LTE operators through Aicent’s extensive list of customers that cover most of the world’s countries allowing their international traveling subscribers to seamlessly roam between the two regions and enjoy a consistent 4G LTE experience.

                “As the leading LTE roaming operator in the Philippines, Globe realizes that it has become increasingly more important that we provide our subscribers with LTE coverage not only in the country, but also abroad as they activate their roaming services. By creating a roaming bridge with SK Telecom through Aicent’s LTE roaming solution, we are able to broaden our LTE coverage to South Korea, allowing subscribers to enjoy seamless and high-speed broadband and mobile data services,” said Rizza Maniego-Eala, Head of International Business Group at Globe Telecom.

            Globe forged its partnership with SK Telecom in April this year that provided LTE roaming services to the South Korea telco's subscribers coming to the Philippines. Globe late last year partnered with China Mobile Hong Kong Co. Ltd. for the same LTE international data roaming service. Moving forward, Globe looks to expand its LTE roaming service with operators from Australia, Singapore, US, Japan, Canada and the Middle East.

                Aicent VP for Product Marketing MK Chang added, “The commitment by SK Telecom and Globe Telecom to continue their adoption and integration of LTE roaming technologies reinforces their positions as global leaders in the advancement of 4G LTE solutions. We are pleased that Aicent’s LTE Roaming Exchange was selected by both operators to create a trusted LTE gateway between their two networks."

With the Globe 4G LTE network, peak throughput speed will enable users to download and upload files, HD videos and other multimedia content at a much higher bit-rate, faster than HSPA and HSPA+ technology, with LTE peak speeds of up to 60 Mbps for outdoor coverage and 30 Mbps for deployments inside buildings. Instead of “pocket activations” or “hotspots”, the 4G LTE network rollout of Globe focuses on large contiguous areas of coverage to ensure greater and more stable coverage for customers. Targeting to cover close to 800 sites by yearend to serve broadband and mobile data services, the Globe 4G LTE network boasts of better outdoor coverage by using advanced antenna solutions.

                According to the Bureau of Immigration, figures showed that close to 1.1 million South Korean tourists visited the country in 2012, making South Korea the top source of tourists in the Philippines.