#ICYMI: Skyway logs highest connectivity strength, quality among Metro Manila expressways

5G coverage was also high on most highways.

Courtesy: Ookla

Connectivity in the capital's expressways

Ookla has released a new analysis that looked into the quality of connection among expressways in Metro Manila.

According to its study, Metro Manila Skyway led the capital region's expressways, with a signal strength of -84.67 dBm and quality of -11.12 dB RSRQ. Meanwhile, CAVITEX-Parañaque stood out for weaker coverage, with an average RSRP of -98.92 dBm and the lowest 10th percentile at -113 dBm.

Across the region, mobile coverage was generally strong, with most routes recording average RSRP better than -90 dBm.

In terms of 5G, most expressways provided widespread coverage, with users spending more than 70 percent of their travel time on 5G across most routes. NLEX-McArthur Highway Link led with 87 percent 5G time, while service gaps were rare except in CAVITEX-Parañaque.

Reliable mobile access supports navigation, communication, ride-hailing, and emergency services. Coverage gaps or network interruptions can disrupt travel experiences and impact road efficiency, Ookla said.

Using its coverage scans data across all mobile network operators, Ookla analyzed mobile performance and quality of experience along 12 key expressways across Metro Manila during the Easter holiday (April 18th to 20th) weekend.

Photo from Ookla

In its Speedtest analysis, Ookla saw that C-5 Expressway, Metro Manila Skyway, and South Metro Manila Skyway recorded the highest sample volumes during peak times. In contrast, routes such as NLEX-Harbor Link and NLEX-McArthur Highway Link recorded lower sample volumes, indicating either lighter traffic flow or lower available samples.

Ookla also analyzed average Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) and Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) across these major expressways in Metro Manila. These metrics reflect the strength and quality of mobile signals experienced by users while traveling.

Most expressways recorded strong overall signal strength, with average RSRP values better than -90 dBm. Metro Manila Skyway delivered the best average signal at -84.67 dBm, followed by South Metro Manila Skyway, and NLEX-McArthur Highway Link.

In contrast, CAVITEX-Parañaque and CAVITEX-C5 South Link reported weaker average RSRP near -99 dBm, suggesting reduced signal consistency in these areas. CAVITEX-Parañaque also reported a much weaker signal strength with an RSRP value of -113 dBM.

In terms of 5G, Smart recorded the strongest average RSRP values on 7 out of 12 expressways, including key corridors such as Manila-Taguig Expressway, NLEX-Mindanao Ave Link, and NAIA Expressway.

Globe delivered competitive performance on four expressways, including the C-5 Expressway with an RSRP value of -83.95 dBm and NLEX-McArthur Highway Link at -81.69 dBm. DITO recorded weaker signal strength across all corridors, with no expressway exceeding an RSRP value stronger than -84.60 dBm.

Source: Ookla