9:05 AM -- Globe Telecom Inc. , the main domestic rival to Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) , is planning to build an extra 2,000 wireless sites for its 3G and WiMax gear during 2010, according to a report in the Business Mirror. (See Philippines on Brink of Broadband Boom.)

The operator, which already has 3,000 sites up and running, is also looking for more 3G spectrum from the Philippines government, according to the report.

And while it looks to boost its 3G and WiMax capabilities, Globe, which has been building up its Service Provider Information Technology (SPIT) assets during the past year, is set to take part in the LTE trials of parent Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. (SingTel) (OTC: SGTJY). (See APAC Operators Commit to LTE, Globe Upgrades Prepay With NSN, Acision Powers FMC Billing for Globe, and NSN Upgrades Globe.)

— Ray Le Maistre, International Managing Editor, Light Reading