PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has started upgrading its network in Bacolod with some areas along Lacson Street now covered by its 5G network, with mobile internet download speed peaking at over 370Mbps, based on our team’s independent speed test using www.speedtest.net.
Speedtest® by Ookla® is the definitive way to test the speed and performance of your internet connection via web or using a smartphone.
To compare, our team made a similar test at the same location using a Globe simcard, but Globe only registered a 99.16Mbps download speed.
In a press statement PLDT said that it has successfully deployed a core network solution to deliver the best mobile data experience for customers availing themselves of Smart’s Unli 5G offer–the first Philippine telco to be able to do so.
Smart’s Unli 5G offer provides customers with non-stop data access and is now available in all Smart 5G-covered areas nationwide, with no data-capping or speed-throttling for a superior and reliable 5G experience. Unli 5G also comes with additional data for non-5G use so subscribers can stay connected even when they move from a 5G-covered area to a non-5G-covered site.
To enjoy Unli 5G, subscribers should have a Smart 5G-certified device and be in a Smart 5G-covered location. Currently, all Smart LTE SIMs are already 5G-ready. Smart subscribers can avail of Unli 5G exclusively via GigaLife App.
“Our aim is always to provide the best customer experience by making the latest available technology accessible to our customers. As we roll out more 5G sites across the country, we ensure that our network is capable of supporting offers such as Unli 5G,” said Mario G. Tamayo, Head of Technology at PLDT and Smart.
Deploying this solution enables Smart’s network to differentiate between 5G and 4G/LTE data traffic, ensuring customers of worry-free unlimited data usage on Smart’s 5G network when subscribed to the appropriate offers, as well as a seamless experience when switching between Smart’s 5G and 4G/LTE networks.
John Emill Buencamino, VP for Core Planning and Engineering for Smart, emphasized how this milestone reinforces Smart’s position as a pioneer in technology. “This innovation was made possible with Smart’s investments in deploying next-gen virtualized core network technology, solidifying Smart’s technology leadership,” Buencamino said.
