For a while, it was interesting to observe that, while the Philippines ranked high in polls for the number of internet users and total usage, it trailed behind rivals in terms of connectivity speed. However, with digital enablement and transformation being significant goals since the inception of remote work, that situation is-evidently- set to change. Philippines Telecommunications firms have prioritized providing better network services, beginning with the implementation of 5G technology.
Globe was the first provider in Southeast Asia to offer 5G AirFiber for Home usage in 2019 commercially. With the continued development of 5G coverage in the country and the launching of more cheap devices, Globe anticipates increased 5G device adoption among its consumers this year. Globe identified approximately 1.62 million 5G devices in its network as of December 2021, a large portion of which was from prepaid brands. This is an astounding 300 percent increase in ownership in the fourth quarter compared to the previous year's first quarter.
Globe is unyielding in its attempts to maintain its dominance in providing a #1stWorldNetwork to Filipinos all around the country. It already has over 2,000 5G sites, covering 96 percent of the National Capital Region and 84 percent of important cities in Visayas and Mindanao. The company's attempts to encourage 5G adoption through product offerings and education so that consumers may experience the full potential of the new technology supported the expansion activities. Globe has made numerous entry-level and mid-range 5G phones accessible for free if you subscribe to a postpaid plan or at a low cost if purchased separately. 5G technology provides the fastest mobile connectivity and download speeds, with rates up to 7x faster than 4G.
Similarly, Globe expanded its 5G roaming services to other European nations, giving it the sole Philippine carrier with the most extensive 5G coverage on the Asian continent. It continues to collaborate with other 5G-ready telecoms across the world to provide consumers with a simple high-speed data roaming experience. On the other hand, Smart Communications has been given a grant by the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) for training to enhance Smart's aim to spread 5G services to 96 percent of the Philippines' population.
USTDA presented the award to assist Smart's investment in Cisco Systems equipment and services. "This funding reflects USTDA's commitment to supporting cutting-edge information and communications technology infrastructure in the Philippines while promoting innovative solutions from US industry," stated USTDA Acting Director Ambassador Vinai Thummalapally. "We are honored to collaborate with Smart and Cisco on this project, which will boost digital connectivity and provide the people of the Philippines with quicker, higher-quality, and more affordable digital services."
Smart, a subsidiary of the Philippines' biggest, fully integrated telecommunications business PLDT, will benefit from USTDA's training grant in order to provide superior cloud-based goods and services to its clients across the nation. This award expands on prior USTDA support to PLDT and Smart in modernizing the company's national fiber-optic network and preparing the Philippines for the transition to 5G. Smart has fiercely pushed the 5G revolution in the Philippines since it debuted its 5G commercial service nationally in 2020, deploying over 7,200 5G base stations across the country.
Smart also helps Filipinos incorporate 5G and reap its benefits through innovative products and services like the Rocket WiFi, Smart's first and fastest 5G Pocket WiFi, and the Smart Bro Prepaid Home WiFi 5G, Smart's first 5G-powered prepaid WiFi service which allows households to experience fiber-like network speeds at home. Smart also launched the innovative Unli 5G data offer via the GigaLife App, which provides members with additional data to enjoy their favorite online activities powered by Smart 5G. Smart eventually extended this unlimited 5G experience to postpaid subscribers by introducing the Signature Plans plus.
In its most recent assessment, Ookla also revealed significant speed disparities between Smart and its closest competitor in several cities. Smart, for example, had a median download speed of 263.67 Mbps in Manila, while its closest rival had 98.44 Mbps. Smart also had a median upload speed of 28.27 Mbps, while its nearest competitor had a speed of 9.77 Mbps. Smart also led Cebu City in the Visayas, with a median download speed of 214.27 Mbps, while its closest rival recorded 125.93 Mbps. Smart also had the fastest upload speed of 19.85 Mbps, while the nearest rival had 10.34 Mbps. Smart dominated Mindanao with a median download speed of 217.83 Mbps in Cagayan de Oro City, while its closest rival achieved 143.71 Mbps. Smart also had a median upload speed of 21.82 Mbps, while its nearest competitor had a speed of 12.20 Mbps.