Smart wins Best Mobile Video Experience in PH for second straight year

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has been recognized by Ookla for delivering the Best Mobile Video Experience in the Philippines for the second consecutive year, highlighting the mobile operator’s performance in real-world video streaming.

Why it matters: The recognition comes as video continues to account for a growing share of mobile data usage, from short-form content and livestreams to video calls, sports, and on-demand entertainment. For Smart and TNT subscribers, the award points to a network experience designed to deliver faster video starts, smoother playback, and higher-quality streaming.

The details: Based on Ookla’s Speedtest Intelligence data for the first half of 2026, Smart recorded a Video Score of 72.82, the highest among mobile operators in the Philippines.

Ookla’s Video Experience measurement focuses on the actual Quality of Experience (QoE) of users when streaming video over mobile networks. The score is based on three equally weighted factors: video start time, uninterrupted playback, and the ability to stream at Full HD resolution.

According to Ookla’s methodology, the Video Score reflects the percentage of users who experience video start times of less than two seconds, uninterrupted playback without rebuffering, and 1080p or higher resolution in most of their video sessions.

For users, this can translate to videos loading more quickly, fewer interruptions while watching, and clearer playback when network conditions allow. These improvements are particularly relevant for Filipinos who rely on mobile networks for entertainment and information while commuting, traveling, or when fixed broadband is not available.

The bigger picture: Smart’s latest recognition comes as the company continues to expand and optimize its nationwide network. The operator says its investments are focused on improving coverage in underserved areas while adding capacity in locations where mobile data demand is high.

“From expanding coverage in underserved communities to increasing capacity in high-demand areas, every enhancement is driven by our commitment to delivering the best possible mobile experience for our customers,” said Debbie M. Hu, First Vice President and Head of Wireless Networks at Smart.

The company says the award also reflects its focus on improving digital experiences as video becomes an increasingly important part of how Filipinos communicate, learn, work, and consume entertainment.

Between the lines: The shift toward higher-quality video is also increasing the demand for faster and more capable mobile networks. Streaming Full HD content, watching livestreams, and consuming short-form videos all place greater demands on network capacity and consistency.

Smart said its network investments include continued optimization, targeted rollouts, and wider adoption of 5G-enabled devices to support these changing usage patterns.

“Video has become an essential part of everyday digital life for Filipinos, and our customers expect their mobile network to perform consistently wherever they go,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, First Vice President and Officer-in-Charge for Smart.

For Filipinos: Smart’s 5G user base continues to grow alongside these network improvements. As of the end of June 2026, the number of 5G-capable individual devices connected to the Smart network reached 12.5 million, a 30% increase from the previous period.

These devices account for 21% of individual devices on the network, showing the continued migration toward 5G-capable hardware and higher mobile data usage.

For Smart and TNT users with compatible devices and access to 5G coverage, the continued expansion could mean more opportunities to take advantage of faster mobile connections for video streaming and other data-heavy activities.

What’s next: Smart is expected to continue investing in network optimization, capacity, and 5G deployment as mobile data consumption grows. The company says these efforts are part of the PLDT Group’s broader commitment to improving digital connectivity in the Philippines.

The network investments also support the country’s wider digitalization efforts and contribute to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 9, which focuses on industry, innovation, and infrastructure.

The Bottom Line: Smart’s back-to-back Best Mobile Video Experience recognition from Ookla puts its network performance in video streaming under the spotlight for the second consecutive year. With a Video Score of 72.82 in the first half of 2026 and 12.5 million 5G-capable individual devices on its network, Smart is continuing to build around the growing demand for faster and more consistent mobile video experiences.