Exploring the mobile operator’s connectivity in the Phillippines is crucial when traveling to this country. Various mobile operators cater to the needs of locals and tourists. This blog will explore the top mobile operators in the Philippines, detailing their services, plans, and coverage. Whether you’re a resident or visitor looking to stay connected, this guide will help you choose the right mobile operator.
Table of Contents
I. List of Mobile Operators in the Philippines
There are three major mobile operators in the Phillippines: Smart Communication, Globe Telecom, and Dito Telecommunity:
1. Main Mobile Operators in the Philippines
| Company | Ownership | Year Established | Subscribers in the Philippines (as of 2023) | Mobile Services |
| Smart Communications | Subsidiary of PLDT Inc | January 24, 1991 | 55.2 million | 3G, 3.5G HSPA+, 4G LTE, LTE-A, and 5G |
| Globe Telecom | Ayala Corporation (30.69%), SingTel (46.72%), Asiacom (52.36%) | January 15, 1935 | 54.7 million | 3G, 3.5G HSPA+, 4G LTE, LTE-A, and 5G |
| Dito Telecommunity | Dito CME Holdings Corporation (60%), China Telecommunications Corporation (40%) | April 19, 1998 | 7.74 million | Not specified |
2. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in the Philippines
The Philippines has a few active MVNOs/mobile brands operating in the country.
- Cherry Prepaid is a branded reseller that uses the Globe Telecom network. It targets no-frills consumers and sells prepaid plans and mobile devices under the Cherry Mobile brand.
- Sun Cellular and TNT are both mobile brands owned by major network operators in the Philippines – Sun Cellular uses the Smart network while TNT uses Globe Telecom. They offer prepaid and postpaid plans targeting no-frills consumers.
- TM is the second brand of Globe Telecom offering prepaid plans.
- Redone Mobile is a Malaysia-based MVNO that announced plans to expand to several Southeast Asian countries including the Philippines, but has only launched in Thailand so far.
II. Choosing the Best Mobile Operators in the Philippines
1. Mobile Internet Coverage in the Phillippines
Here are some key information about the Mobile Internet Coverage in the Philippines:
- Globe has the most extensive coverage, scoring 7.1/10, while Smart takes home the 5G Coverage Experience award, scoring 1.4 points.
- Smart has established the most extensive 5G network coverage so far across the country. However, all three operators still have room for growth in rolling out 5G coverage more widely.
2. Mobile Internet Speeds in the Philippines
Based on the Speedtest Global Index, the average mobile internet speed in the Philippines is probably average compared to other countries, with download speeds in February 2024 of around 29.65 Mbps.
National Ranking
- Philippine mobile Internet speeds have improved in rankings and speeds over time as carriers expand 4G/LTE coverage and connectivity improves nationwide
- The Philippines is only ranked 4th in Southeast Asia after Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, however with an average speed of 29.65 Mbps it can be considered quite fast enough to stream HD videos, make video calls, download large files, etc.
City Ranking
Top 3 cities in the Philippines in terms of average mobile speed
- Manila – With an average speed of about 34.36 Mbps, ranking 159th globally
- Quezon City – With an average speed of about 28.15 Mbps ranking 223rd globally
- Cebu City – With an average speed of about 25.56 Mbps, ranking 273rd globally
To experience fast and stable Internet, visitors should use Globe, with the widest coverage in the Philippines. According to independent speed measurement reports, Globe’s average download speed is rated slightly higher than Smart’s. This will help travelers communicate and access information conveniently, and optimize their travel experience in this unique country.
III. Best Mobile Operators in the Philippines – Detailed Comparison
Here, we will look into the coverage, pricing plans, data allocations, network technologies, and additional services of three main mobile operators in the Philippines: Globe Telecom, Smart Communications, and Dito
| Operator | Bandwidth | Coverage & Speeds | English Support | Prices & Plans | Popular Uses | Average Monthly Cost |
| Globe Telecom | Up to 1Gbps 4G speeds | Widest nationwide 4G coverage with speeds over 50Mbps | Phone, online and app support in English | Various affordable plans for calls, texts and data. Monthly plans from $15-25. | Social media, videos, music, online shopping, emails and messaging. | $15-25 |
| Smart Communications | Up to 800Mbps LTE speeds | Broad regional 4G coverage in major cities with speeds over 30Mbps | Limited English phone support. Online help available in English. | Flexible data plans and promos starting from $1/day. Monthly plans from $12-20. | Gaming, calls, texts, videos and mobile internet access. | $12-20 |
| Dito Telecommunity | Up to 1Gbps promised speeds | Expanding coverage focused on metro areas. Speeds over 20Mbps | Phone support still developing. Online self-help available in English. | Wide range of affordable plans for data and calls starting at $3. Monthly plans $8-15. | Social media surfing, online classes, shopping and streaming on affordable data plans. | $8-15 |
IV. Where to Buy SIM Cards from Mobile Operators in the Philippines?
Purchasing a SIM card from Philippine mobile operators is relatively straightforward. You can find SIM cards from Globe Telecom, Smart Communications, and Dito in various locations such as:
Buying Philippines SIM Cards from Mobile Operator Stores
Visit the official stores or branches of the respective mobile operators to purchase a SIM card directly from them. These stores usually have knowledgeable staff who can assist you with choosing the most suitable plan for your needs.
Buying Philippines SIM Cards at Philippine airports and Tourists Areas
International airports and popular tourist destinations may have dedicated kiosks or booths where you can buy SIM cards upon arrival.
Authorized Retailers
Many authorized retailers across the country sell SIM cards from major mobile operators. These retailers may include convenience stores, supermarkets, electronics stores, and even street vendors.
Online Platforms
Some mobile operators offer the option to order SIM cards online through their official websites or mobile apps. This allows for convenient delivery to your doorstep.
When purchasing a SIM card, it's important to bring a valid identification card, as this is required by law in the Philippines. The registration process typically involves providing basic personal information along with proof of identity.
V. Do Mobile Operators in the Philippines Offer eSIM?
Yes, mobile operators in the Philippines like Smart and Globe offer eSIM services. Smart launched the country’s first prepaid eSIM plan available at major airports and stores nationwide. Globe was the first operator to introduce eSIM in the Philippines.
To save time and inconvenience, consider using eSIM from the #1 eSIM provider in the Philippines – philippinesesim.com which offers diverse eSIM plans for any traveling goals. Here is what makes phillippinesesim.com stand out:
- Variety & Flexibility: Choose among a wide array of data packages best suited to your goals.
- Multiple Network Coverage: They take care of the technical aspects by collaborating with major Philippines mobile operators so that visitors can get a fast and reliable connection during their travel.
- Top-notch Customer Service: They offer 24/7 customer help so that you can get assistance if needed.
- Competitive Prices: Their eSIMs are affordably priced, offering excellent value for money
Find the best options for your trip below:
Plan that may interest you
VI. FAQs about Mobile Operators in the Philippines
What are the major mobile operators in the Philippines?
The three major mobile operators are Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, and DITO Telecommunity.
Smart Communications and Globe Telecom have been the dominant duopoly for years. DITO Telecommunity launched in 2021 as the third major player.
Which network has the best coverage?
Globe is the most extensive coverage in the Phillippines. However, three major mobile operators also cover wide coverage across the country.
How do I purchase a SIM card?
Prepaid SIM cards for all major networks are widely available at retail shops across the Philippines for as low as PHP40.
Visitors can buy SIM cards at the Philippines airports or mobile stores, convenience stores, or shopping malls.
Which network is best for gaming/streaming?
All networks work for casual use but DITO and Smart are generally best for more bandwidth-intensive activities like gaming thanks to their investments in backend infrastructure.
How do networks compare on 5G rollout?
Smart has the widest 5G coverage so far but speeds/experience still lag 4G in most areas as rollout continues. Nationwide 5G is still a few years away.
VII. Conclusion
Choosing the best mobile operators in the Philippines can greatly impact your communication experience. Globe Telecom, Smart Communications, and Dito Telecommunity dominate the market, offering comprehensive coverage and diverse services. Consider these factors above to find the best plan for your Phillippines trip.
