Instead of just reading text updates, or news alerts, imagine being able to actually watch live traffic broadcasts or breaking news on those gigantic multimedia billboards along EDSA, or being able to see more varied content and ads instead of the 2 to 3 video loop.
That could very well be the reality next year as Globe showcased the latest Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technologies that will enable it to stay ahead of its customers’ data requirement amid the increasing use of bandwidth-intensive applications.
LTE is a standard for wireless communication of high-speed data for mobile phones and data terminals.
During the Globe Innovation Forum (GIF), Globe demonstrated its on-going Proof-of-Concept Trials on LTE- CA (Carrier Aggregation) and LTE eMBMS (enhanced Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Service) or LTE Broadcast.
According to Emmanuel Estrada, Globe Head of Network Technologies Strategy, the LTE CA technology would translate to improved data rates and broadband capacity for Globe wireless broadband network and result to high-speed mobile data access.
LTE eMBMS (evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service) technology meanwhile allows the efficient delivery of video and multimedia services over a telco’s LTE network.
Estrada shared that instead of having to go to each billboard site and climb up to update the content, companies could simply install a set up and upload content from their control center. This means that they can even show live updates such as traffic accidents, or breaking news alerts using those billboards in video format.
Another application for this technology is for schools who want to hold simultaneous lectures or conferences in their different branches or switching those CCTV cameras from wired to wireless connections and get better video quality.
The difference, however, as Estrada explained, is that with the eMBMS technology devices will consume lesser resource capacity unlike what is currently happening now.
““The LTE Broadcast solution addresses such challenge as it enables transmission of live video contents to a large number of users without using huge amount of network resources and the technology enables a more efficient use of a mobile operator’s bandwidth resources, allowing customers to enjoy seamless video services in a wireless communication network,” he added.
This also would enable Globe to livestream events to mobile devices such as smartphones or tables. For mobile live TV watching on smartphones and tablets, LTE eMBMS works by simply downloading its Live TV Apps and also by using an eMBMS capable device or smartphone.
LTE eMBMS will be commercially available within 2015 in select areas.
The LTE CA technology dramatically increases utilization of frequencies, enabling mobile operators to use non-contiguous blocks of spectrum in multiple frequency bands to achieve higher bandwidths to meet growing demand for wireless broadband services.
“This helps address the demand for data-heavy multimedia applications which are becoming more and more popular,” Estrada said. This also means that our customers will experience faster data connectivity in areas where this will be implemented as LTE CA becomes commercially available in the near future,” he added.
LTE CA has an average throughput of around 220 Mbps with a total 20 MHz of spectrum and initial tests conducted by Globe in April this year showed a maximum speed of up to 230 Mbps.
In addition to demonstrating LTE CA and eMBMS and as part of its activities for celebration of Innovation Month, Globe held Mind Brew talks, a café forum, where experts of different fields were invited to inspire employees to share their thoughts and ideas.
Globe developer community Globe Labs also helped employees unleash innovation with iSpark, which encouraged employees to form groups, prepare their hack concept, make it happen, and pitch their app.
The telco provider also launched Globe City, a virtual platform where everyone has the opportunity not just to share their ideas but to turn them into reality and earn from it, all in a fun gaming environment.
Globe technology partners which also showcased their latest products and services in the forum include Nokia, WSA/Telco Systems, Gemalto, SMSGT, DTQ, Stratpoint, Acision, Teradata, Amdocs, SmartQ, Evolving Systems, Huawei, WSA/TeleDNA, Nominum, and SAS
