TELECOM | Smart sees surge in mobile data use as 5G adoption expands
By the end of March, Smart had 40.9 million active mobile data users, leading the market in user count.
Smart Communications Inc., the wireless subsidiary of PLDT Inc., reported a significant increase in mobile data usage and subscribers in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a sharp rise in 5G data traffic and wider 5G device adoption.
By the end of March, Smart had 40.9 million active mobile data users, leading the market in user count. During the same period, 5G data traffic grew by more than 80% year over year, while the number of 5G devices on its network climbed about 60% compared to the previous quarter. The growth was supported by lower-cost 5G phones, attractive data plans, and continued improvements to Smart’s nationwide infrastructure.
“The shift to 5G is improving how our network runs—making it more efficient, supporting LTE and especially 5G users, and strengthening everyday mobile experiences,” said Smart Chief Operating Officer Anastacio R. Martirez. “This momentum puts us in a better position to steady our revenues and to keep growing the individual segment.”
PLDT’s Individual Wireless segment posted P21.3 billion in revenue for the quarter, with mobile data contributing P18.8 billion, or 88% of the total. The mobile data figure remained stable from the same period last year.
“We’re focused on growing data traffic year after year and staying ahead of the competition,” Martirez said. “The company does not see the same softening trend as the rest of the industry, with data traffic continuing to grow, supported by strong 5G networks.”
Smart also showcased its 5G Standalone (5G SA) technology at K-pop artist j-hope’s “Hope on the Stage” concert at the Mall of Asia Arena. Designed for high-density environments, 5G SA allowed fans to stay connected and share content in real time, even in a packed venue. The technology enabled Smart to dedicate portions of the network to specific needs like streaming and uploads, ensuring more stable connections.
Smart’s mobile network now reaches 97% of the Philippine population and operates within PLDT’s integrated network, which includes the country’s most extensive fiber infrastructure.
WATCH TECHSABADO ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:
WATCH OUR OTHER YOUTUBE CHANNELS:
PLEASE LIKE our FACEBOOK PAGE and SUBSCRIBE to OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL.
PLEASE LIKE our FACEBOOK PAGE and SUBSCRIBE to OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL.
