October 2, 2012 - Globe Telecom announces its initial and exclusive line-up of smartphones running on its Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, providing subscribers with blazing mobile browsing speeds, as well as better quality SMS and voice experience.

Starting this quarter, Globe will be the first Philippine telco to offer the latest LTE-enabled smartphones in its Globe Stores, in time for the launch of the country's first-ever mobile 4G LTE network from Globe. These Globe-exclusive smartphones are Samsung Galaxy S III LTE, HTC One XL, ZTE T81, and Huawei Ascend P1 LTE, all available under the Globe suite of postpaid plans starting at Plan 999 bundled with unlimited surfing, consumable amount for calls and texts, freebies, and the Globe Guarantee of superior customer service.

The Samsung Galaxy S III LTE has all the bells and whistles of its predecessor Samsung Galaxy S III with a 4.8" super AMOLED capacitive touch screen but amped with a 2GB RAM and Android Jellybean OS. The Samsung Galaxy S III LTE Sapphire Black is a Globe-exclusive color variant. The HTC One XL boasts of 1.5GH Dual Core, 1GB RAM, 32 GB, 4.7" Screen, Android Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) with 8 megapixel camera, Beats Audio, 4.7-inch Gorilla glass touch screen, WiFi, and BlueTooth. The ZTE T81 has 1.5GH Dual Core, 4.0" Touch Screen, Android ICS with 5 megapixel camera, WiFi, and BlueTooth. Finally, the Huawei Ascend P1 LTE also has a 1.5GH Dual Core, 1GB RAM, 4.3" Super AMOLED Capacitive Multi-Touch Screen, Android ICS with 8 megapixel camera, WiFi, and BlueTooth. All Globe-exclusive LTE smartphones are capable of running on data speeds of up to 100Mbps.

"We are excited to offer our first-ever array of LTE-powered smartphone devices to our subscribers, thanks to our strong partnership with some of the world's leading device manufacturers that allow us to bring this portfolio of smartphones exclusively to our subscribers, making the Philippines one of the few markets globally to introduce a wide range of LTE-capable handsets," added Martha Sazon, Head of Globe Postpaid. "With our fired-up LTE network, subscribers can benefit and enjoy a new mobile experience with the latest LTE smartphones. Aside from this line-up, our subscribers can expect more LTE-enabled smartphones running on the Globe 4G LTE network coming very soon."

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.

"The speed for our LTE network is at least 10x faster than existing 2G and 3G networks, giving quicker responses to every user application such as video and mobile gaming. Finally, the Globe 4G LTE network boasts of better outdoor coverage by using advanced antenna solutions," shared Robert Tan, Chief Technology Adviser of Globe.

Instead of "pocket activations" or "hotspots", the 4G LTE network rollout of Globe will focus on large contiguous areas of coverage to ensure greater and more stable coverage for customers. Key commercial and residential areas in Makati City will be the first to enjoy the Globe 4G LTE service, followed by select areas in Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao by yearend, expanding quickly to cover more areas nationwide by 2013.

This key network launch of Globe leverages its comprehensive nationwide modernization efforts with an additional 12,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable being rolled-out to enable 4G LTE activation for majority of its cell sites.

Just last month, Globe also launched its 4G LTE broadband stick, Tattoo Black, through its flagship broadband brand Tattoo. A premium mobile broadband stick powered by LTE for an internet connection at breakneck speed with the best overall broadband performance, Tattoo Black comes at Plan 1799 for speeds of up to 28 Mbps and Elite Plan 2499 with speeds of up to 42 Mbps.