The Philippines is making strides in its digitalization efforts, thanks to the network enhancements of PLDT and its wireless subsidiary, Smart Communications.
The latest Digital Quality of Life (DQL) Index 2023, which measures the impact of digital technologies on people’s well-being across 121 countries, showed that the Philippines improved its rankings in two of the Index’s pillars: Internet Quality and Electronic Infrastructure.
The country ranked 21st in Internet Quality, up from 45th in 2022, and 54th in Electronic Infrastructure, up from 65th the previous year. These pillars measure the availability, affordability, speed, and stability of internet connection, as well as the development of electronic government and electronic security. The Philippines ranked 60th overall in terms of DQL.
PLDT and Smart have been consistently recognized by third-party analytics firms for delivering top-notch broadband and wireless services in the Philippines. PLDT recently achieved a five-peat win as the fastest internet service provider in the country from global benchmarking company Ookla, while Smart has been cited by Ookla as the Philippines’ Fastest and Best Mobile Network for three consecutive reporting periods. Smart has also received the Best in Test citation from independent benchmarking organization umlaut since 2019.
PLDT and Smart’s network improvement initiatives are aligned with the Group’s support for the Government’s overall digitalization thrust as one of the founding members of the Presidential Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) under the Digital Infrastructure Pillar, represented by its President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio.
