PLDT wireless unit Smart Communication Inc (Smart)’s wireless network said they are again recognized for delivering the country’s fastest download speeds by Ookla, during the first quarter of 2023.
In a statement, Smart said that the recognition came in the wake of Smart’s citation as the Philippines’ Best Mobile Network for Q1-Q2 and Q3-Q4 2022.
“To earn these citations, a mobile operator must lead in two crucial Ookla Speedtest AwardsTM categories, namely Fastest Mobile Network and Best Mobile Coverage, for the same periods,” Francis E. Flores, SVP and Head of Consumer Business Group – Individual at Smart said.
“Alongside powering Filipinos and gamers like Dokmen with Smart’s fastest speeds and widest coverage, we will also keep providing our Smart and TNT subscribers with value-packed offers that will enable them to keep in touch with their loved ones, stay entertained by streaming their favorite videos or playing their favorite games, and ultimately, live more today,” he added.
Flores said that the Philippines is a large hub for gaming enthusiasts and faster connections means better game play.
“The Philippines is a huge gaming and esports market. In fact, our early adopters for 5G are gamers who are not only looking for speed, but also for latency,” Lloyd Manaloto, Group Head/FVP, Corporate Marketing and Strategy at Smart.
“Smart’s network delivers on all these metrics,” he added.
Fast and reliable connectivity is essential not just in ensuring a leveled-up gaming experience, but also in supporting their professional growth as esports athletes.
The statement quoted Mark Ferry “Dokmen” Nazr of esports team Gamelab.
“Fast connectivity is important so we can execute our strategies and moves in-game, without delays,” said Nazr, whose team Gamelab was among the top teams that competed in the recently concluded first season of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Development League – Philippines (MDL-PH), the official amateur tournament league for esports players.
With Smart as MDL-PH’s official local telco partner, the league serves as a breeding ground for promising amateur players to further bolster the dominance of the region in the esports scene.
“Tournaments like this enable us to hone our skills as gamers, and make our team known to more people,” Nazr said, adding that reliable connectivity also plays a role in other aspects of his life outside of gaming, as he also likes streaming videos on YouTube and browsing Facebook, for example.
Smart according to the statement, is also a longtime advocate of esports development in the Philippines.
Last year, Smart marked its 5th year of partnership with Moonton with the 2022 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Pro League tournaments, recognizing the amazing talents of the Filipino youth in esports in the global arena.
Smart also launched the first all-in-one esports platform for Filipino mobile gamers, GIGA Arena to hone the passion, skill, and talent of Filipino gamers.
The platform is open to all Smart and TNT customers and lets users match up with fellow players to compete in daily, weekly, and monthly tournaments for prestige and cash prizes.
