Displaying consistently superior network performance, PLDT Inc's (PLDT) wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has once again received the top award from the independent benchmarking organization umlaut.

Smart received the 'Best in Test' award from umlaut, which also cited Smart for having the best rated upload speeds, download speeds, and latency experience.

"Our investments over the years in strengthening our integrated fixed and wireless networks have enabled us to deliver enhanced mobile services to our subscribers across the country," said PLDT and Smart Network Head Eric Santiago.

As of end-June 2023, the PLDT Group has further expanded its total fiber footprint to over 1.1 million kilometers, consisting of international and domestic fiber. This fiber infrastructure supports Smart's mobile network, which covers around 97% of the population with 3G, 4G/LTE, and 5G.

"We will continue to fortify and optimize our network, utilizing the latest technologies to make it more resilient and responsive to the needs of our customers. These will also support our vision to become the undisputed network leader in the Philippines, delivering innovative solutions in the most cost-effective ways," Santiago added.

Germany-based umlaut said Smart posted an overall score of 745 out of a maximum of 1,000 points. The report, which included 1.9 billion samples collected from February to July 2023, also showed Smart ahead in terms of mobile HD/UHD video, gaming and OTT voice classes.

Smart and umlaut also worked hand-in-hand to ensure seamless customer experience on the Smart network during the Philippines' successful hosting of the recently concluded FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 (FIBAWC), particularly in key event locations such as the Mall of Asia Arena, Smart-Araneta Coliseum and Philippine Arena, as well as the hotels of delegates and international media guests.

Since 2019, Smart has been given the "Best in Test award". That year, PLDT's wireless arm was cited for having the best and widest 4G/LTE coverage, and fastest upload and download speeds.

In 2021, in conferring the "Best in Test" award alongside other citations, umlaut noted Smart's superior and progressively improving network even with the impact of COVID-19. Smart repeated this back-to-back feat in 2022, notching another "Best in Test" accolade. umlaut also cited Smart for providing the best network performance during the 30th Southeast Asian Games in December 2019.

PLDT and Smart's initiatives to improve their networks are aligned with the Group's commitment to the Government's overall digitalization thrust to narrow the digital divide as one of the founding members of the government-mandated Presidential Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) under the Digital Infrastructure Pillar, represented by its President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio.

These also boost PLDT's aspirational multi-year transformation, with elevating customer experience as one of the key priorities, as well as contribute to the Group's endeavors to provide connectivity to all, bringing the benefits of the internet to more communities while integrating sustainable solutions in the Group's daily operations.