Best Mobile Operators in the Philippines
Exploring the mobile operator’s connectivity in the Phillippines is crucial when traveling to this country. Various mobile operators cater to the needs of locals and tourists. This blog will explore the top mobile operators in the Philippines, detailing their services, plans, and coverage. Whether you’re a resident or visitor looking to stay connected, this guide will help you choose the right mobile operator.
I. List of Mobile Operators in the Philippines
There are three major mobile operators in the Phillippines: Smart Communication, Globe Telecom, and Dito Telecommunity. Below is a detailed comparison of these companies:
| Company | Ownership | Year Established | Subscribers in the Philippines (as of 2023) | Mobile Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Communications | Subsidiary of PLDT Inc | January 24, 1991 | 55.2 million | 3G, 3.5G HSPA+, 4G LTE, LTE-A, and 5G |
| Globe Telecom | Ayala Corporation (30.69%), SingTel (46.72%), Asiacom (52.36%) | January 15, 1935 | 54.7 million | 3G, 3.5G HSPA+, 4G LTE, LTE-A, and 5G |
| Dito Telecommunity | Dito CME Holdings Corporation (60%), China Telecommunications Corporation (40%) | April 19, 1998 | 7.74 million | Not specified |
Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in the Philippines
The Philippines has a few active MVNOs/mobile brands operating in the country:
- Cherry Prepaid is a branded reseller that uses the Globe Telecom network. It targets no-frills consumers and sells prepaid plans and mobile devices under the Cherry Mobile brand.
- Sun Cellular and TNT are both mobile brands owned by major network operators in the Philippines – Sun Cellular uses the Smart network while TNT uses Globe Telecom. They offer prepaid and postpaid plans targeting no-frills consumers.
- TM is the second brand of Globe Telecom offering prepaid plans.
- Redone Mobile is a Malaysia-based MVNO that announced plans to expand to several Southeast Asian countries including the Philippines.
II. Choosing the Best Mobile Operators in the Philippines
Mobile Internet Coverage in the Phillippines
Here are some key information about the Mobile Internet Coverage in the Philippines:
- Globe has the most extensive coverage, scoring 7.1/10, while Smart takes home the 5G Coverage Experience award, scoring 1.4 points.
- Smart has established the most extensive 5G network coverage so far across the country.
- However, all three operators still have room for growth in rolling out 5G coverage more widely.
Mobile Internet Speeds in the Philippines
Based on the Speedtest Global Index, the average mobile internet speed in the Philippines is probably average compared to other countries, with download speeds in February 2024 of around 29.65 Mbps. Philippine mobile Internet speeds have improved in rankings and speeds over time as carriers expand 4G/LTE coverage and connectivity improves nationwide.
The Philippines is only ranked 4th in Southeast Asia after Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, however with an average speed of 29.65 Mbps it can be considered quite fast enough to stream HD videos, make video calls, and download large files.
Top 3 cities in the Philippines in terms of average mobile speed
- Manila – With an average speed of about 34.36 Mbps, ranking 159th globally.
- Quezon City – With an average speed of about 28.15 Mbps ranking 223rd globally.
- Cebu City – With an average speed of about 25.56 Mbps, ranking 273rd globally.
III. Best Mobile Operators in the Philippines – Detailed Comparison
To experience fast and stable Internet, visitors should use Globe, with the widest coverage in the Philippines. According to independent speed measurement reports, Globe’s average download speed is rated slightly higher than Smart’s. This will help travelers communicate and access information conveniently, and optimize their travel experience in this unique country.
