PLDT and Smart’s networks played a crucial role in the 2025 National and Local Elections, powering the transmission of votes and essential election data. The state poll body primarily relied on Smart’s 4G network, utilizing over 60,000 Smart SIMs in voting precincts nationwide to transmit election results.
“In the 2025 elections, 99% of transmissions were carried out over 4G — compared to 22% in the previous election,” said Debbie M. Hu, AVP and Smart Wireless Network Head. “Our network has come a long way in just three years.”
Polling precincts sent the bulk of the election data as early as 7:00 pm on May 12, when most voting centers closed. Within five hours, 98% of election returns had successfully crossed Smart’s network, nearly a full day faster than the 2022 polls.
Throughout the voting and transmission period, PLDT and Smart’s fixed and wireless networks remained stable and fully operational, experiencing no disruptions. PLDT and Smart engineers were also deployed nationwide, providing continuous monitoring and support for network operations, ready to address service issues.
Ultimately, PLDT and Smart delivered the resilient infrastructure essential for the secure transmission of election data from precincts to central servers. While COMELEC sourced SIMs from all three major Philippine telcos, the majority were provided by Smart. Additionally, the iOne-Ardent joint venture was engaged to facilitate secure electronic transmission services for the 2025 elections.
