Metro Manila mobile tests reveal sharp speed gaps among Smart, Globe, DITO

A mobile network capable of delivering 422 megabits per second (Mbps) in one part of Metro Manila may struggle to provide a measurable connection elsewhere, according to the latest field tests by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

The regulator’s findings highlighted uneven mobile connectivity across the capital region, with 29 out of 142 test campaigns, or 20.4 percent, failing to satisfy the minimum 50 Mbps download speed requirement.

The remaining 113 tests met or exceeded the prescribed threshold, suggesting that while mobile networks can deliver high-speed connections, performance remains inconsistent across different locations.

Among the three major telecommunications operators, DITO Telecommunity registered the fastest reported download speed at 422 Mbps in Quezon City. However, its connection produced no measurable download speed during testing outside Farmers Market in Cubao.

Smart Communications and Globe Telecom also recorded weak results in certain locations.

Smart’s download speed dropped to 6.32 Mbps along a test route covering Mandaluyong and Taguig, while Globe registered 11.10 Mbps in Pasig City.

These results illustrate the difference between a network’s peak capability and the connection quality subscribers may encounter during everyday use.

The NTC also evaluated the reliability of text messaging and voice calls, where the operators delivered contrasting results.

Globe recorded the strongest SMS performance at 99.41 percent, making it the only operator among the three to satisfy the regulator’s 99 percent success-rate requirement.

DITO registered 98.82 percent, narrowly missing the benchmark, while Smart recorded 92.94 percent.

Voice call performance presented a different picture.

Smart registered no dropped calls during the assessment, compared with Globe’s 0.74 percent dropped-call rate.

DITO recorded 2.82 percent, exceeding the regulatory limit of below 2 percent.

NTC Deputy Commissioner Andres Castelar raised concerns over the 29 unsatisfactory test results, prompting the regulator to demand improvements from telecommunications providers.

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