Smart’s domination in OpenSignal’s mobile network experience awards has ended as Globe and DITO are steadily increasing their award hauls.
In its recent report, OpenSignal said that Globe has already ended Smart‘s winning streak in the overall Video, Games, and Voice App Experiences. DITO, on the other hand, is closing in on Smart in terms of Download Speed Experience.
As per OpenSignal, the entry of the third telco, the introduction of 5G, the pandemic, and the pressure from the national government to improve connectivity have forced providers to “redouble their efforts and up their investment in their networks.”
DITO is really trying to make its presence felt. Hence, for April 2023, it recorded an average Download Speed Experience of 22.8Mbps, which is really close to Smart’s 25.3Mbps, leaving Globe behind at 16.2Mbps.
After taking all the awards in October 2022, Globe stole all the wins from Smart in the Video Experience, Games Experience, and Voice App Experience — both overall and in 5G.
OpenSignal says that one of the key reasons for Globe’s success is the largest-ever annual investment it made in its mobile and fixed networks last year. In 2022, Globe activated 1,702 new cell sites, and 2,267 5G sites, and upgraded around 13,600 towers to 4G. Albeit, for 2023, Globe is said to be reducing its capex by 30%.
Smart is also thinking of reducing its capex this year after it discovered a Php48 billion overspending in this area. Smart is expected to spend about Php80-85 billion this year. On the other hand, DITO is expected to spend Php27 million this year. We’ll see how these factors will affect the next standing.