By Catherine Cueto

PLDT mobile services arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) said on Friday that they remain the fastest mobile network for major cellular phones, according to the latest figures by Ookla, the global leader in internet testing and analytics.

In a statement, Smart said that based on Ookla’s analysis of Speedtest Intelligence data for the third quarter of 2022, Android, Apple, and Samsung users in the Philippines experienced between 35 to 75 percent faster speeds while connected to Smart – whether 5G, LTE, and across all network technologies – compared to the next top mobile provider.

“Speed has always been the key metric of customer experience especially now that all urban areas in the country have mobile coverage. Having the fastest speeds gives Smart subscribers the best customer experience and game-changing advantage as they go about their work or school, grow their business, or enjoy their daily dose of entertainment,” Francis Flores, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business-Individual at Smart said.

“The latest Ookla figures reaffirm Smart as the Philippines’ superior mobile network, which puts us in the best position to empower Filipinos to live more in an increasingly digital age,” he added.

The statement said that the Ookla figures show that Android devices performed 59 percent faster on the Smart network (all technologies), and up to 35 percent faster on Smart LTE – compared to the next top competitor network.

On the other hand, Apple devices were 75 percent faster on the Smart network (all technologies), 57 percent faster on Smart 5G, and 56 percent faster on Smart 4G/LTE. Meanwhile, iPhones recorded speeds that were 75 percent faster on the Smart network (all technologies), 57 percent faster on Smart 5G and 4G/LTE.

Lastly, Samsung devices were 69 percent faster on the Smart network (all technologies), 58 percent faster on Smart 4G/LTE, and 45 percent faster on Smart 5G.

Meanwhile, the statement said that Smart gained another milestone recognition as the Philippines’ Best Mobile Network – the first and only local mobile operator to clinch the award from Ookla since its Speedtest Awards started in 2017. 

“Being declared the Philippines’ Best Mobile Network means that Filipinos can truly rely on Smart for the best user experience – from making video calls to loved ones and friends, uploading heavy files at work, attending online classes, sharing your passion projects on social media, streaming videos and music on the go, and so much more,” Flores said.

As of end-June 2022, Smart had around 77,100 total base stations nationwide, including around 7,300 5G base stations, to support the growing mobile data needs of 3G, 4G/LTE and 5G customers from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi.