Smart gets best network award for SEA Games 2019

PLDT's Smart Communications bagged a new award for providing the best mobile network services in 2019.

Screengrab from umlaut

Smart Communications provided the best mobile data services during SEA Games 2019

Germany-based internet benchmarking company umlaut gave Smart the "Best in Test Award for 2019" for delivering better long term evolution (LTE) coverage last year compared to its main competitor Globe Telecom.

Umlaut also said Smart showed its prowess during the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) 2019 in December, where it provided the best data customer experience at the main venues of the said regional sporting event, namely Mall of Asia Arena, Philippine Arena, and NCC Arena.

During the 30th SEA Games, Smart provided the highest data throughput rates in the arenas, as well as the best data throughput performance on the three main connecting roads, umlaut said in a report posted on its website.

Outside the arenas, PLDT's wireless arm also gave better data services across three major expressways Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, and North Luzon Expressway.

Smart claimed the good performance was the result of its aggressive investment in network buildup across the country.

As of the third quarter of 2019, the number of its LTE base stations grew by 34 percent versus end-2018.

PLDT's fiber network, in addition, also increased by 26 percent to over 307,000 kilometers nationwide.

What do you guys think?