Globe, Smart data speeds improving

THE Philippines has been seeing substantial growth in mobile data speeds in the past year amid telecommunications companies’ (telcos) efforts to deploy long-term evolution (LTE) technology, a British mapping firm said.

In a report released late Tuesday, London-based OpenSignal said it saw improvements in the average overall download speed of Globe Telecom and PLDT Inc. wireless and digital services subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. during its February-to-April test period when compared with that recorded in March-to-May 2017.

Although exact figures during the latest test period were not disclosed in the report, the firm said “Globe’s overall speed increased 63 percent, while Smart’s overall speed almost doubled in our measurements.”

PLDT’s overall download speed grew from 3.41 megabits per second (Mbps) in March 2017 to 5.78 Mbps in February, while Globe’s increased from 3.33 Mbps to 4.41 Mbps this year.

Smart boosted its 4G availability from 40 percent last year to 60 percent, while Globe improved theirs from 55 percent to 67 percent.

OpenSignal noted that PLDT’s 4G network upgrades and expansion led to the improved download speed after September, and Globe had made investments to improve its infrastructure.

“Both Smart and Globe also have lots of incentive to improve their networks this year as the shadow of a potential third [telco player] looms,” it said.

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