The Speedtest Global Index report of US-based Ookla that gathers information on connectivity worldwide showed that telecommunication companies’ investments in infrastructure are paying off as the speed of internet connections via fixed broadband and mobile accelerated in December by 7 percent, rising to 87.13 Megabits per second (Mbps) in December, from 81.42 Mbps the previous month. Mobile median speed was also quicker at 25.12 Mbps, which is a 4.49 percent improvement from the 24.04 posted in November.
In a statement, National Telecommunications Commission officer in charge Commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez naturally gave themselves a pat on the back for the achievement. “The continued improvement in internet speed is a welcome development as President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. encourages the country to embrace digitalization if it wants to survive and thrive in a postpandemic economy,” she said.
The NTC attributed the better internet speed to the improvement in the process of granting permits that telcos need to improve their networks. “Improvement on internet speed is largely attributed to this development as telcos are able to fast track building infrastructure (cellular towers and fiber optic networks) necessary in boosting services and connectivity,” the regulator explained.
Globe Telecom Inc. installed 1,887 new 5G sites across the country as of end-September, while PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc., has 77,200 base stations, including 7,300 5G base stations and nearly 40,000 4G/LTE base stations.
Any improvement in internet speeds and reliability is certainly appreciated by Filipinos who have becoming more and more dependent on digital services, especially throughout the pandemic. As we are thankful for continued improvements in terms of speed, we are also hopeful that these essential services also become more affordable as time goes by and the telco system develops further and becomes more efficient.
Filipinos are counting on government and their telcos to continue working together in harmony so services can improve further as our country tries to catch up with the rest of the developed world when it comes to the critical aspect of internet connectivity.*
