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Saturday, November 19, 2016

PH User Per Cellsite Density Highest in Asia


Wazzup PIlipinas!

Amid continuing permitting challenges relating to the establishment of new facilities, telecommunication providers in the Philippines serve more customers per site compared to other operators Asia, Globe Telecom said.

According to Globe Chief Information & Technology Officer Gil Genio, user-per-site density in the Philippines is about 2,244, based on estimates of 21,000 total cell sites against internet users of around 47.1 million.

In Vietnam, which is similar in size to the Philippines, has a much lower user-per-site density of only 860, based on total number of cell sites of 55,000 against internet users of 47.3 million, which is also almost equal to the Philippines’ total internet users of 47.1 million. Malaysia, with total cell sites of 22,000 against internet users of 20.6 million has a user-per-site density of 937. Japan with 220,000 cell sites against internet users of 115 million has a user-per-site density of 522 while China with 1.18 million cell sites against internet users totaling 688 million, has a user-per-site density of 566.

Currently, Globe Telecom has a cell site backlog of around 3,000 sites owing to difficulties in securing permits from various local government units, homeowners associations and other government agencies, that cause considerable delay in the construction of such facilities, said Genio. According to him, at least 25 permits are needed to put up one cell sites and the permitting process takes at least 8 months to complete barring major concerns from various agencies. He stressed that construction of additional sites is critical in improving internet services in the country, pointing out that this will provide more bandwidth for local internet users.

While some special interest groups have proposed for the adoption of open access model in the Philippines, Genio emphasized that such policy is good only for mature economies with good infrastructure investments. The open access model allows the sharing the physical infrastructure across multiple operators which can contribute significantly to improving cost effectiveness.

In the country, however, such model should be applied only in industries where players contribute infrastructure investment on a reciprocal basis. “The problem is congestion because of disproportionate number of cell sites versus traffic. Tower sharing will not alleviate congestion as current sites are in same locations. Tower co-location will not solve anything if we maintain same number of cell sites; rather, we need to build more sites,” Genio emphasized.

To improve cell site per user density in the Philippines, the government needs to prioritize infrastructure builds for the telco industry. The government, particularly at the local level, should simplify the acquisition process for cell sites and rationalize permitting process including tower fees, he said. He also said spectrum management and monitoring by the National Telecommunications Commission is also important. “Spectrum allocation is a function of site density in order to serve customers effectively. Spectrum must not be left in the hands of private companies that do not use it to benefit consumers,” he said.

Genio said Globe also supports an update on the country’s ICT strategy and plan including the development of a national broadband plan to improve delivery of government services; promote process efficiencies for public service and provide WiFi services in public areas and internet connectivity in public schools. The company also supports calls for an amendment on existing laws as the Telecom Policy Act of 1935 and Republic Act 7925 or the Public Telecommunications Act of 1995 to reflect 21st century requirements and enable rationalization of the management, allocation or assignment of radio frequency spectrum in a manner that is transparent, fair, and economically efficient and effective, he added.

Philippines: Eric & Rona Singing to Stay in the Race!


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Leg six of The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 kicks off with a piece of good news for Eric & Rona and Parul & Maggie – the teams are going to their home city: Manila, Philippines! In Manila, the teams need to head to Quiapo Market with a shopping list of essential items that will help the Red Cross Pasay Chapter.

“We are still here, second last is better than last. We can be first today….from the back!” JK muses.

The teams navigate through the busy streets of Quiapo Market, buying items including rice, sugar, first aid kit and an umbrella. The Philippines teams are right at home at Quiapo Market, they speak Tagalog and easily get help and directions from the locals. Not surprising, Eric & Rona and Parul & Maggie are the first two teams to complete this task.

“She’s the shopping queen, she does all our shopping…basically I’m just her butler,” says Eric describing his retail experience with Rona.

“I just see this list of things. I don’t cook and I never do grocery shopping,” Chloe tells Yvonne. “Dried fish? I don’t even know what a whole dried fish is supposed to look like!”

After getting the essential items, they must head to the Red Cross Pasay Chapter where disaster-affected families cheer at their arrival. The racers reflect on helping the less fortunate and how good it feels to give back.

“The family that we donated to, one of them had no higher limbs. We wished we could have spent more time with them,” Maggie reflects. “We did however have extra money, so it was nice to give back to people who are less fortunate.” 

The Stage is Set for BGC Passionfest, Arts Center Festival


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Once again we celebrate Filipino music, art and culture with special homage to the life of the hero Andres Bonifacio from where the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig got its name.

The BGC Passionfest is an annual event happening at BGC where people, especially its residents, are treated with grand, colorful parades, street dances, variety shows, games and workshops, and sumptuous food. It is spearheaded by the Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation.

Though it's only my third time to be part of this event, the BGC Passionfest has been ongoing for five years already. Be sure to remember the dates of November 25 to 27, 2016 as this would be another weekend of festivities along Bonifacio High Street and the city center.

BGC has never been so brighter and livelier everytime the BGC Passionfest is held. The experience from one point to the end leaves you reminiscent of the past when we used to be more extrovert by participating in outdoor activities. - Did I hear about a giant Slidefest? Wow! Now, that would be something to look forward to.

Nowadays, due to the advancement in technology, most of the activities could now be simulated by a mobile app, or a virtual walkthrough in 360 degrees presentation. But it is undeniable that the real-life personal hands-on experience will never beat any simulated experience. Technology still has its limitations especially when we need to socialize or witness the most sincerest feelings visually and emotionally. Nothing beats seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter of people which becomes magical when in unison with a lot more people. Together we become a memorable showcase of delighted individuals with fascinating experiences.
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