Ayala-led operator Globe Telecom has announced that it will provide free Wi-Fi services and install cell sites in all 20 LRT stations.
LRMC president Jesus Francisco; and LRMC business development head Janet Bautista
Under an agreement signed by Globe and the Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), the concessionaire of the Light Rail Transit System-Line 1 (LRT1), the telco firm agreed to provide Wi-Fi services that is expected to benefit around 400,000 passengers daily.
Joel Agustin, Globe senior vice president for program governance, said the company will also provide fiber-optic cable system that will extend the length of the entire LRT 1 and cover all LRT stations and LRMC?s depot in Pasay City.
In addition, the telco provider will also enhance its wireless infrastructure by deploying cell sites in each of the LRT stations.
?Globe will also deploy the new LTE700/1800/2600 MHz spectrum to provide adequate capacity to handle the massive mobile traffic volume at these stations,? he said.
Globe recently gained access to the 700 MHz band and acquired additional allocation in the 1800 MHz and 2600 MHz frequencies following its recent joint buyout of San Miguel?s telco assets.
?We are confident that the deployment of free Wi-Fi services in all LRT stations will bring better communication or even improve work productivity for our customers,? Agustin stressed.
He explained that deployment of fiber optic cables and enhancement of the company?s wireless infrastructure along LRT 1 would improve mobile coverage and enhance network capacities.
Once completed, this is expected to improve customer experience not only of customers riding LRT 1 but also those plying the Taft Ave. and Rizal Ave route.
In early June, Globe also signed a similar agreement to provide free Wi-Fi connectivity in all 13 MRT stations along EDSA.
Globe has set aside for 2016 a capital expenditure of $750 million, bulk of which will be used to boost data capacity and expand network reach.
