Smart claims lead in 5G network rollout

SMART Communications, Inc. is expecting to deliver a triple-digit increase in fifth-generation (5G) users “in the next few years,” citing its lead in the 5G space by providing the fastest speeds and the widest network coverage in the Philippines.

In a statement, the wireless arm of PLDT, Inc., said the outlook is based on the rapid growth of Smart 5G users, which have now reached around 800,000 — a 200% increase from the number in December 2020.

“Smart has also delivered a three-fold increase in 5G data traffic in the first quarter and second quarter of 2021,” it added.

Smart said the growth contributed to its 39.5 million mobile data users as of end-June, the highest in the country, resulting in a double-digit increase in mobile data revenues in the first half of 2021.

“When it comes to 5G, speed and coverage are the most important considerations. This is why since we pioneered the Philippines’ first 5G commercial service last year, our focus has been to lead in both 5G speeds and 5G coverage so as to empower Filipinos with world-class customer experience,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, PLDT and Smart president and chief executive officer.

Smart said Ookla, the global leader in internet testing and analysis, had recognized the company as the fastest and most reliable 5G mobile network in the Philippines for the first two quarters of 2021, with median download and upload speeds that are twice faster than its closest rival.

“Recently, Smart is also the only Philippine telco services provider included in Opensignal’s 5G Global Leaders for Video Experience, ranked alongside other 5G leaders such as South Korea’s SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+, Thailand’s AIS, and other operators from Croatia, Finland, Hong Kong, Germany, Netherlands, Taiwan, and United Kingdom,” the PLDT unit said.

Smart said it had deployed more than 4,400 5G sites in more than 4,000 locations to date, which it said is the widest 5G network coverage in the country.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group.