PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have reasserted their dominance as the fastest broadband and 5G mobile network in the Philippines in the second half of 2021, according to the latest report by Ookla®, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence.

Using 325,396 user-initiated 5G tests, Ookla declared Smart as the winner of its Speedtest Awards for Q3-Q4 2021 with a Speed ScoreTM of 201.95, while its closest competition posted a Speed Score of 116.08.

Smart posted a Median Download Speed of 218.82 Mbps and a Median Upload Speed of 22.46 Mbps, while its closest competitor recorded a Median Download Speed of 116.92 Mbps and a Median Upload Speed of 10.81 Mbps.  

Meanwhile, comparing 59,440,567 user-initiated tests taken on various Speedtest applications connected to a fixed network, Ookla also found that PLDT is the country's Fastest Broadband during Q3-Q4 2021 with a Speed Score of 77.24, top download speeds of 203.97 Mbps and top upload speeds of 217.07 Mbps.

Having won ‘fastest 5G mobile network’ and 'fastest broadband’ awards for Q1-Q2, PLDT and Smart have swept the Ookla Speedtest Awards™ in all the quarters of 2021.

“These citations prove that our continued fixed and 5G rollout and network improvement efforts across the country are bearing fruit,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, PLDT Inc and Smart Communications President and CEO.

“Nearly two years into this pandemic, more activities continue to shift online. This requires us to be unrelenting with our network initiatives despite pandemic restrictions and natural disasters, such as the recent Super Typhoon Odette. Our network has, in turn, enabled more Filipinos to access the internet to stay connected to their families, keep their livelihoods and businesses, engage in online learning, and participate in e-commerce,” Panlilio added.   

Smart's mobile network supports the growing mobile needs of its 3G, 4G/LTE and 5G subscribers from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi. As of end-2021, Smart has deployed around 7,200 5G base stations.

Supporting Smart’s mobile network is PLDT’s extensive fiber infrastructure, which is at 743,700 kilometers as of end-December.  

The accelerated deployment of LTE, 5G and fiber across the country is part of PLDT and Smart’s broader initiative to deliver world-class experience to their customers nationwide.