PLDT, Globe massive network buildup improves Philippines' internet state

The country's internet state has been enhanced significantly in the last three years amid the existing telcos' massive investment for its network buildup.

PLDT and Globe

Better PH internet than ever

Ookla, a global leader in internet performance testing has been releasing reports about the internet state in different countries, including the Philippines.

Philippines June 2019 average internet speed

Its data three years ago, recording download speeds of both mobile and fixed broadband in the country, were way slower than what Filipinos are experiencing now. 

In July 2016, the download speed of mobile broadband was only at 7.44 megabits per second (Mbps), but Ookla's latest report showed that the mobile segment was able to hit 15.46 Mbps in June 2019, or a 107.8 percent improvement. 

For the fixed broadband, the Philippines also witnessed a whopping 152 percent boost in download speed to 19.92 Mbps, from the 7.91 Mbps in July 2016.

All of these improvements could be attributed to dominant players PLDT and Globe Telecom's continuous focus in network upgrades, earmarking billions of pesos to deliver better and quality telecommunication services. 

The Pangilinan-led telco allotted a historic PHP 78.4 billion capital expenditures (CapEx), higher than its 2018 spending which reached PHP 58 billion. Globe, on the other hand, also increased its CapEx to USD 1.2 billion this year from the USD 950 million in 2018. 

Both telco carriers have been boosting the rollout and upgrade of their own cell sites, with an aim to make them fifth generation-ready. 

Globe 5G launch

Just last month, Globe successfully hit its target of leading the 5G race not just in the country but also in Southeast Asia with the launch of its Globe At Home Air Fiber 5G postpaid plans, tapping first the subscribers in Pasig, Cavite, and Bulacan. 

PLDT, meanwhile, may have to wait until early next year as the group's chair Manuel V. Pangilinan said the telco has yet to choose its 5G technology partner. PLDT targets to initially offer 5G network services to enterprises. 

PLDT Chair Manuel V. Pangilinan

Subsequently, the government awarded to the new player Dito Telecommunity, formerly Mislatel Consortium, the coveted permit to operate and frequencies needed to break the so-called duopoly. 

The third telco player vowed to deliver internet speed as fast as 55 Mbps to 84.01 percent of the national coverage within the five-year committed period. To finance its rollout plan, the consortium said it would spend PHP 257 billion. 

With these developments, Filipino subscribers may expect to experience faster, better and price competitive services in the market.

Bright things ahead for the local telco industry! Are you excited? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Sources: Ookla, Manila Bulletin