Telcos are starting to roll out 5G across the country but along with it are efforts to improve 4G connectivity which is what most subscribers are using nowadays. However, not all users are using 4G and are still using old Globe 3G SIM cards. If you’re one of those users, here’s what you need to know about upgrading your old SIM to a 4G SIM card.
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The difference between 3G, 4G, and LTE
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 2000s 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. Globe refers to 4G and LTE as one and the same based on their network upgrade.
The benefits of upgrading to 4G/LTE
One of the biggest benefits of upgrading to 4G/LTE is the speed. 4G/LTE is significantly faster than 3G and can provide speeds of up to 42Mbps. Now that we have plenty of online services available including video and music streaming, having 4G/LTE can provide a better online experience whether it’s for productivity or entertainment, especially if you’re on the go.
How do I know if 4G/LTE is available in my area?
Users who already have a 4G/LTE SIM and 4G/LTE-capable device will see an ‘LTE’, ‘4G’, or ‘4G+’ symbol in the signal indicator of their mobile device if they’re in an area with 4G coverage. Users who are using a 3G SIM will be informed to upgrade their SIM cards to a 4G-capable one to be able to connect to the 4G network. Users can also check if they’re still using a 3G SIM by texting SIM Check to 8080.
How much will it cost to upgrade to 4G/LTE?
Globe is offering a free upgrade to an LTE SIM. Globe is also offering discounted 4G/LTE handsets for those who want to upgrade their old 3G phone.
After upgrading my SIM to 4G/LTE, what’s next?
You can now take advantage of Globe’s data promos as well as the benefits of the telco’s ongoing network upgrade. You can also start using the connection for productivity or educational purposes such as Zoom meetings or online classes. You can also use it for entertainment by subscribing to online streaming services or by playing your favorite online games. Add the fact that Globe’s current 4G/LTE SIMs are 5G-ready, meaning it will be able to connect to the 5G network when it becomes available in your area, granted that you have a 5G-capable device.
If you have just received your new Globe 4G/LTE SIM, you can do a self-service SIM upgrade by following the steps here: https://www.globe.com.ph/help/prepaid/self-service-sim-upgrade.html
Or, as mentioned earlier, you can check if you’re still using a 3G SIM by texting SIM Check to 8080.
If you want to experience a faster internet connection, make sure to upgrade your old 3G SIM to a 4G/LTE SIM.
