Joint quality-of-service (QoS) testing conducted with representatives from Smart Communications, Globe Telecom and DITO Telecommunity found that 113 of 142 test campaigns recorded download speeds exceeding 50 megabits per second (Mbps).
The tests were conducted following show cause orders issued by the NTC, allowing the operators to observe the regulator's testing procedures.
Using commercial 5G-capable Android smartphones equipped with Rohde & Schwarz QualiPoc measurement tools, the NTC assessed network performance under actual field conditions.
Speed disparities
DITO recorded the highest download speed at 422 Mbps along Bonny Serrano Avenue in Barangay Socorro, Quezon City, the NTC said in a statement.
Globe and Smart registered peak speeds of 381 Mbps and 377 Mbps, respectively, along San Francisco Street in Barangay Plainview, Mandaluyong City.
However, the tests also revealed significant performance gaps.
DITO recorded no measurable download speed outside Farmers Market in Cubao, while Globe posted its lowest speed of 11.10 Mbps along Mercedez Avenue in Pasig City.
Smart's lowest recorded speed was 6.32 Mbps along the Coronado Street-to-J.P. Rizal test route.
Globe leads in SMS reliability
Beyond internet speeds, the NTC assessed text messaging reliability and call quality.
Globe registered the highest average SMS success ratio at 99.41 percent, followed by DITO at 98.82 percent and Smart at 92.94 percent.
Only Globe met the prescribed SMS success standard of more than 99 percent.
For call quality, Smart recorded a zero-percent average dropped-call ratio, followed by Globe at 0.74 percent and DITO at 2.82 percent.
Smart and Globe met the regulatory threshold of less than 2 percent, while DITO exceeded it.
Regulatory action
“The NTC notes the very satisfactory speeds recorded in most areas tested. However, the NTC expresses serious concern about 29 test points that yielded unsatisfactory results. There is a need to immediately address the identified deficiencies,” said Deputy Commissioner Andres Castelar.
“The NTC will continue to conduct these tests in other areas within the NCR.”
The regulator warned that additional show-cause orders could be issued against operators that fail subsequent quality-of-service tests as monitoring expands across Metro Manila. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
