Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), along with its value brand TNT, continues to bring real-time connectivity to more Filipinos as it bags the Best Mobile Latency from Ookla, a global leader in network intelligence and connectivity insights.
Defined as the time it takes for data to travel from a user’s device to the internet and back, latency has emerged as the critical metric of true responsiveness in today’s digital world. Whether users are playing mobile games, joining video calls, streaming live content, or making mobile payments, lower latency ensures that every tap, click, and swipe happens in real-time.
Based on analysis by Ookla of Speedtest Intelligence data for Q1-Q2 2025, Ookla found that Smart led with a median latency of 45.89 milliseconds (ms) for all network technologies, affirming its ability to provide a highly responsive connectivity to millions of Filipinos across the country.
“Connectivity should be responsive. Our conversations, entertainment, work, and play should feel immediate, and this recognition from Ookla confirms that Smart is leading the way in giving Filipinos that world-class experience,” said Debbie M. Hu, First Vice President and Head of Wireless Networks at Smart.
“We are proud to recognize Smart for winning Best Mobile Latency in the Philippines,” said Stephen Bye, President and CEO of Ookla, a division of Ziff Davis. “This accolade is a testament to their industry leadership performance, as proven by Ookla’s methodology. Congratulations, Smart!”
More important than ever
Ookla’s analysis is based on millions of tests taken by real users across the country, making this recognition a reflection of the everyday experience of Filipinos who rely on Smart and TNT for their daily digital activities.
Latency has become more important than ever as digital activities evolve. In gaming and esports, milliseconds make the difference between victory and defeat. In livestreaming and video calls, ultra-low latency eliminates awkward pauses and buffering, allowing people to connect as if they were face-to-face.
For professionals and students working and learning remotely, low latency means smoother collaboration in online meetings or classes and less waiting for shared files to load. Even in online shopping, banking, and mobile payments, faster network response translates to faster, more secure transactions.
“These are everyday activities that have become essential in the digital world, and as we continuously improve our network, our goal is always to stay ahead of customers’ evolving needs,” added Hu.
Smart’s Best Mobile Latency from Ookla reflects the PLDT Group’s broader commitment to building a more connected digital nation, which advances the Group’s contribution to the national digital agenda and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
