856:LTE FAQs | Help & Support | Globe

4G/LTE FAQs

What are 3G, 4G and LTE? How are they different from each other?

3G, short for 3rd Generation, is the third generation of wireless mobile telecommunications technology. It is an upgrade from 2G and 2.5G GPRS networks, to have a faster internet speed. 3G enabled the use of mobile internet and video calling when it was launched in 1998.

4G, short for 4th Generation, is the fourth generation of wireless mobile telecommunications technology. It was launched in the late 2000’s and is much faster than 3G. 4G is able to support video streaming and video conferencing of better quality.

LTE, or Long Term Evolution, is a type of 4G. When we talk about Globe’s network upgrade, we refer to 4G and LTE as one and the same.

Why are you upgrading your network to 4G/LTE?

We are upgrading our network to 4G/LTE and making it more pervasive to provide a better mobile internet experience. 4G/LTE will allow faster speed and higher data capacity to serve our customers' demands for higher internet bandwidth.

The demand for internet has significantly increased during the pandemic. Families now rely on connectivity for livelihood, information, education and entertainment. Upgrading our network to 4G/LTE will give customers a better mobile internet experience.

What are the benefits of 4G/LTE?

4G/LTE provides a high-speed mobile internet connection of up to 42Mbps, which can give you a faster and richer browsing experience than before.

How will customers know if they can already enjoy 4G/LTE?

Customers who are already using an LTE SIM and device will see an LTE or 4G signal indicator when they are in an area with 4G coverage. To check if a SIM is LTE/4G-capable, they may text SIM CHECK to 8080 for free.

Customers who are using a 3G SIM will be asked to replace their SIM to LTE to enjoy an improved connection in their area.

How can customers enjoy 4G/LTE?

LTE SIM and 4G/LTE-capable devices are needed to enjoy the benefits of 4G/LTE. To make it easier for our customers to shift to LTE, we’re offering a free upgrade to LTE SIM. Customers just need to bring their old SIM to a Globe store or authorized mobile booth to have it replaced with an LTE SIM for free. Postpaid customers may also send a request through the GlobeOne app. Just follow these steps:

Go to Help and Support.
Type a contact number.
Select "Service-Related Concern" then "I want to replace my SIM".

We offer a wide array of 4G/LTE handsets for customers who need to upgrade their phones. To check out our available handsets, you may go to http://shop.globe.com.ph.

Customers who plan to go to a Globe store may check our list of stores below with Express Booths and walk-in accommodation which prioritize change SIM requests without the need to book an appointment. To comply with safety protocols, other Globe stores not in the list will require booking an appointment first at http://glbe.co/abs-queue.

Globe Stores with Express Booths
Tuguegarao	UP Town Katipunan Ave.	SM Southmall	SM Sucat	Lemery	Davao Abreeza	Lopue’s East
Dagupan	Fairview Terraces Ayala	Glorietta	Robinsons Place Manila	SM Batangas	SM General Santos	SM Bacolod
Harbor Point	Gateway	Greenbelt 4	SM San Lazaro	SM Lipa	J. Center Mandaue	Dumaguete
SM Pampanga	SM East Ortigas	Ayala Manila Bay	SM Sta. Mesa	Ayala Legazpi	SM Consolacion	Island City Mall
SM Marilao	Ayala 30th	Puerto Princesa	Market! Market!	SM Seaside Cebu	Catbalogan	Robinsons Roxas
SM North EDSA	Robinsons Gallerios	SM Bicutan	SM Aura	Ayala Center Cebu	Tacloban	SM Iloilo
TriNoMa	SM Megamall	SM Mall of Asia	San Pablo	SM Cebu	Maasin	SM Delgado

Other Globe Stores That Accommodate Walk-ins for Free SIM Upgrade
Robinsons Town Mall Malabon	Iba, Zambales	Serin, Tagaytay	Waltermart, Carmona	Cadiz, Negros Occidental	Gingoog, Misamis Oriental	Mati
SM Center Sangandaan	Tower One	Robinsons Cybergate Cebu	Ayala Imus	La Carlota, Negros Occidental	San Francisco	Panabo
Valenzuela Town Center	Cash & Carry	Robinsons Galleria Cebu	Nasugbu, Batangas	Bayawan	Tandag	Toril, Davao
Congressional Ave. QC	Coron, Palawan	Naval	Pinamalayan	Boracay (DMall)	Surigao	Tacurong
SM Angono	SM Angono	Kidapawan	Boac, Marinduque	Gaisano, Roxas	Pagadian
Robinsons Place Antipolo	Roxas, Isabel	Bogo	Tugbo, Masbate	Kalibo	Dipolog
Tanay Rizal	Baler, Aurora	Park Mall Cebu	Ligao, Albay	Passi, Iloilo	Oroquieta
Lucky Gold	Central Mall, Cavite	Gaisano Tabunok	Gaisano San Carlos, Negros, Occidental	Agoo	Sindangan

Aside from the ones mentioned above, are there other ways to upgrade to an LTE SIM?

Our customers can upgrade to an LTE SIM through our Globe stores, authorized mobile booths, and GlobeOne app ONLY. Do not accept any offer for SIM change from any individual. See this link to protect yourself against scams and fraudulent activities: https://www.globe.com.ph/help/sim-swap-scam.html.

As an added security for our Globe Prepaid and TM customers to upgrade their SIM, we require them to enter a code to activate the new SIM. Please refer to https://www.globe.com.ph/help/prepaid/self-service-sim-upgrade.html for more details.

Is there a cost to upgrade to 4G/LTE?

Upgrading to an LTE SIM is FREE. As long as you have an LTE SIM and a 4G/LTE device, you can enjoy the benefits of 4G/LTE at no additional cost.

Will you increase your data promo rates because of this upgrade?

This upgrade will not increase our data promo rates. Instead, we will come up with better offers to enable you to make the most of your 4G/LTE connection.

What happens if I don’t upgrade to 4G/LTE?

You will miss out on the full potential of having 4G/LTE connectivity. You will still be able to use your SIM for calls and text but your mobile internet experience will be very limited or degraded.

We encourage you to upgrade to an LTE SIM and device to enjoy a better internet experience.

When will you finish your 4G/LTE upgrade?

Our network optimization efforts have begun and will be completed by the end of 2021. We will keep our customers informed of network improvements in their area through corporate releases, the Globe website, and customer touch point channels.

More about LTE Coverage and SIM

What happens to my signal if I'm in an area not covered by LTE?

Once you move outside the LTE signal coverage, your LTE device will connect to the next highest technology it can find like HSPA+ or 3G.

Will my number change if I upgrade to an LTE SIM?

No, you will still be using the same number.

Can I use my LTE SIM in a non-LTE device?

Yes, you can use your LTE SIM in a non-LTE device, but please note that a non-LTE device cannot provide you with LTE speed. Instead, it will connect to the next highest technology it can find.