Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) on Tuesday reported a significant increase in average monthly 5G data traffic throughout 2023, driven higher by a fast and reliable mobile network and strategic marketing initiatives.
The wireless unit of PLDT said its 5G data traffic rose by an average 95 percent each quarter in 2023 compared to the previous year.
In the fourth quarter of 2023 alone, Smart posted a 16-percent increase in average monthly data traffic on its 5G network versus the previous period. Driving this growth were the availability of new, more affordable 5G devices and the continued push of its postpaid Unli5G Signature plans.
“As we strive to continue delivering the best mobile experience to our customers, we also ensure that our offers are value-packed and relevant, and that we are also able to make the latest handsets more accessible for our subscribers to make it easier for them to upgrade,” Alex O. Caeg, head of Smart Consumer Wireless Business, said.
Supporting this sustained increase in data usage is Smart’s mobile network only recently recognized for delivering the country’s Best 5G Coverage Experience, according to the latest report by independent analytics firm Opensignal.
Smart’s mobile network covers 97 percent of the population and forms part of the country’s largest integrated network that includes PLDT’s 1.1-million-kilometer fiber infrastructure.
“Coverage is key to 5G adoption. Our latest citation from Opensignal is testament to Smart’s commitment to expand the reach of our network across the Philippines,” Caeg said.
“These efforts are also bearing fruit, as can be seen in the increase in our 5G data traffic, which has practically doubled,” he added.
