Fastest networks
PLDT is investing heavily in transforming its fixed and mobile networks to bring world-class connectivity nationwide. As a result, PLDT and Smart were recently cited for being the country’s fastest networks for Q1-Q2 2018, respectively, by Ookla®, the global leader in internet testing and analysis.
Ookla said Smart achieved a Speed ScoreTM of 14.98, with average download speeds of 17.25 Mbps and average upload speeds of 7.65 Mbps, based on 2,118,464 user-initiated tests taken with Speedtest® on LTE-capable devices in the Philippines for Q1-Q2.
PLDT achieved a Speed ScoreTM of 17.31, with average download speeds of 22.84 Mbps and average upload speeds of 23.45 Mbps. The fixed network award is based on 29,076,090 user-initiated Speedtest nationwide for the same period.
PLDT has committed around US$ 5 billion for network upgrades from 2016 to 2020, with capital expenditures expected to reach P58 billion this year.
Underpinning this level of service is PLDT’s most extensive fiber network, which also supports Smart’s mobile network by providing high-capacity links for cellular base stations.
Level up to LTE in VisMin
Recently, Smart also fired up LTE in the Philippines’ northernmost province of Batanes, Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, and Sarangani.
Amid this ramped-up roll out, Smart is on track to meet its commitment to the National Telecommunications Commission to achieve 90% municipality coverage for 3G and 4G mobile broadband by this year.
To fully enjoy the improved Smart LTE network, customers are encouraged to upgrade to an LTE-capable smartphone and an LTE SIM.
Smart Prepaid and Smart Postpaid customers can check if their SIMs are LTE-ready by texting SIMCHECK to 5832 for free.
Smart, TNT and Sun customers can also easily upgrade to an LTE SIM without changing their existing number by going to a nearby Smart Store or through an LTE-Ready Self-Service Upgrade SIM, which is available for P10 at Smart loading partners nationwide, with free 1GB data valid for three days upon upgrading.
