In today’s world, many people depend heavily on the internet for their day-to-day activities. Having a high-speed internet connection is crucial whether you check your email, research products online, attend classes, apply for jobs, or browse the web for entertainment. According to a Statista report in 2021, the median download speed of a fixed internet connection in the Philippines was 46.44Mbps, while a mobile internet connection has 18.68Mbps. However, this is considerable since the global average of 54.14 megabits per second.
To begin with, what is Internet Speed?
Internet speed refers to how fast data can travel on the internet. The higher the rate, the faster the data can travel. The Philippines offers a wide variety of internet speeds depending on where you are located and what Service you use. The fastest internet speeds in the Philippines are typically found in major cities like Manila and Cebu. In these areas, providers like Globe and Smart have cable connections that can deliver speeds up to 100 megabits per second (Mbps).
Outside of major cities, however, internet speeds tend to be slower. This is because providers in rural areas rely on satellite connections which can only deliver speeds up to 30 Mbps. Even within cities, internet speed can vary greatly depending on which part of your city. For example, EDSA in Manila has some of the fastest internet speeds, while areas near schools and hospitals may have slower rates.
How do you measure your Internet speed?
There are several ways you can measure your Internet speed by using your browser’s built-in tools.
Using a speed test Website
Checking your Internet Service Provider’s Website
Using an online Service such as Speedtest.net
How can I improve my Internet speed?
You can do a few things to speed up your Internet connection. First, ensure that your computer is connected to the most reliable network. If you’re using a Wi-Fi network, make sure the router is configured correctly and that you’re not downloading files simultaneously as other people in the house. If your computer is connected to a wired network, ensure that your cable is installed correctly and not overloaded with devices like routers or game consoles. Speaking of routers, it is advisable to place your routers in your home’s central and prominent area. Avoid placing it in areas where there could be barriers, such as bookshelves, drawers, or anything that will dampen your internet connection.
Second, be careful with what you download. Ensure that you’re only downloading files you need and not loading multiple programs at once. This is called Bandwidth Throttling, where your downloads pull all the available bandwidth.
Clear your cache and cookies periodically to optimize Website performance. This will help speed up your browsing experience by preventing the unnecessary loading of pages. Lastly, you can also try using a different ISP if your current one does not seem to be providing the best possible Service.
As Filipinos, we are all very sensitive to the speed of our internet connection. We obsess over it and frequently take for granted just how fast or slow our internet is. But do not fret because the Philippines’ internet speeds are improving overall, with a 7% constant improvement over 2015! If you live in the Philippines and are looking for a reliable internet connection, you can check out the list of fastest internet providers in the Country below.
What are the fastest internet providers in the Philippines?
PLDT is the Country’s pioneer broadband and digital services provider that has provided seamless, simultaneous streaming through all your devices for decades now. A family-centric Service provider, PLDT HOME offers Fibr, DSL, Ultera, and Telpad to enhance the moments that bring your family closer together, mainly because of its wide coverage areas nationwide. Unli Fibr Plans also comes with a free landline, while Fibr Plans includes a Cignal HDTV.
Learn how to get a free PLDT Speed boost here!
Converge ICT Solutions is the fastest-growing fiber internet provider globally and delivers a wide range of digital consumer-centric services. Do you enjoy Netflix? This might be for you because highest ranking among ISPs in the Philippines in terms of Netflix Performance. With the Country’s first pure end-to-end fiber network, Converge offers premium products and services. However, Converge is also known for its difficulty in reaching a Customer Service representative through the Converge hotline.
Are you using Converge? You can upgrade your internet speed by checking your e-mails.
Globe Broadband is a well-known internet provider that has been SMART Communication’s long-time rival. Globe At Home offers consistently fast and reliable broadband Service for a convenient browsing experience from the comfort of your home. One thing to like about Broadband Plans from Globe is their numerous freebies for all Unli Plans (expect Plan 1699). An Android TV box or two TP-Link Wi-Fi mesh, free unlimited landline and Globe-to-Globe calls for 24 months, and free three-month access to iWant and Amazon Prime Video. How amazing is that?
Smart Broadband Home WiFi is known for being the pioneer of 5G in the Philippines and also offers wireless fiber-like speed in the Philippines. What to like about Smart Bro is their great approach to providing internet for families and households, which regularly use gadgets simultaneously. Anyone who uses the ISP will get to manage their real-time accounts through the GigaLife Application. Downside is, Smart Bro is heavily independent to Smart signal and it automatically deactivated after 180 days of zero promo subscription or load.
One SKY, the Country’s top and longest operating cable TV provider also expanded their services. Sky Broadband offers unlimited broadband plans bundled with either SKY on Demand Box (for HD cable TV) or TP-Link Wi-Fi Mesh (for Home Wi-Fi). They also have active customer support through their Twitter Account @SkyServes.
Last but not the least is the all-new Satellite Internet by SpaceX called Starlink. With this, there is no need to install wires because Starlink sends data through radio signals in high-speed and low latency. This first come first serve ISP is ideal for remote communities due to its wide coverage and closer satellite. As for the official launching, SpaceX announced that the public may expect Starlink by the 4th quarter of 2022 with no specific dates yet. Nonetheless, SpaceX is reportedly planning to create partnerships with Converge ICT to complement their fiber technology.
The Current Internet Speed in the Philippines
In the Philippines, the current internet speed is still relatively low compared to other countries in Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam which have speeds of approximately 50 Mbps to 100 Mbps. When it comes to Asia, it is hard not to mention Japan’s record-breaking internet speed of 1.02 petabits per second, as claimed by the Network Research Institute at the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT).
Despite this, the Philippines is making strides to improve its internet speeds. Early 2020, the government announced that it was investing PHP500 million (USD11.5 million) in fiber optic cable projects to help boost broadband speeds to 100 Mbps, and it is indeed upgrading continuously up to this date. This investment will Build fiber-optic networks in major cities and municipalities across the Country.
While there are still some areas in the Philippines where broadband speeds are below 5Mbps, telcos and the government are starting to address these problems. As internet speeds continue to increase in the Philippines, so will online communication and commerce opportunities for Filipinos.
ManilaShaker is a tech media producing insightful and helpful content for our local and growing international audience. Our goal is to create a premier Philippine digital consumer electronics resource that provides the most objective reviews and comparisons globally.
