The PLDT Inc. wireless unit now has 12.5 million 5G-capable individual devices on its network, up 30 percent and equivalent to 21 percent of its individual device base.
“Our latest recognition from Ookla affirms that our network investments are translating into meaningful improvements in customer experience, and I encourage everyone to see the difference by streaming with Smart,” Smart officer-in-charge Lloyd R. Manaloto said.
More devices, heavier demand
The rapid migration to 5G gives Smart a bigger base of customers able to stream video and use other data-heavy services, putting more pressure on the network to keep pace.
Ookla named Smart the Philippines’ Best Mobile Video Experience for the second straight year after it posted a Video Score of 72.82 in the first half of 2026, the highest among local mobile operators.
The score measures real-world viewing conditions, including whether videos start within two seconds, play without buffering and maintain full-HD resolution across most viewing sessions.
For Smart and TNT subscribers, that performance is increasingly being tested across livestreams, short-form video, series and live sports as mobile viewing drives heavier data consumption.
Keeping ahead of traffic
Smart is responding with network optimization, targeted 5G rollouts and additional capacity in high-demand areas while extending coverage to underserved communities.
“From expanding coverage in underserved communities to increasing capacity in high-demand areas, every enhancement is driven by our commitment to delivering the best possible mobile experience for our customers,” Smart wireless networks head Debbie M. Hu said.
—Edited by Miguel R. Camus
