The independent benchmarking group Umlaut has once again awarded PLDT Inc.’s (PLDT) wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) with the top award for regularly demonstrating exceptional network performance.
Umlaut recognized Smart as the “Best in Test” winner and noted that it had the highest rated upload, download, and latency experience.
By the end of June 2023, the PLDT Group’s overall fiber footprint—which consists of both local and foreign fiber—had grown to over 1.1 million kilometers. Smart’s mobile network, which provides 3G, 4G/LTE, and 5G service to about 97% of the population, is supported by this fiber infrastructure.
According to Umlaut, a German news outlet, Smart received 745 points total out of a possible 1,000. The study, which comprised 1.9 billion samples gathered between February and July 2023, also demonstrated Smart’s superiority in OTT voice classes, gaming, and mobile HD/UHD video.
During the Philippines’ successful hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 (FIBAWC), which ended recently, Smart and umlaut collaborated to ensure a flawless customer experience on the Smart network, especially in key event locations like the Mall of Asia Arena, Smart-Araneta Coliseum, and Philippine Arena, as well as the hotels of delegates and foreign media guests.
Smart has been the recipient of the “Best in Test award” since 2019. The fastest upload and download speeds, as well as the greatest and widest 4G/LTE coverage, were recognized for PLDT’s cellular division that year.
In 2021, despite the effects of COVID-19, umlaut recognized Smart’s superior and steadily developing network when bestowing the “Best in Test” award and other accolades. In 2022, Smart achieved this double-take, earning yet another “Best in Test” title. Umlaut also mentioned Smart for having the greatest network performance in December 2019 at the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
