Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has earned the Best Mobile Latency distinction from Ookla, a global company that studies network performance. The recognition underscores Smart’s ability to deliver real-time responsiveness for millions of mobile users across the Philippines.

Latency—the time it takes for data to travel from a device to the internet and back—has become a critical metric of network performance. As more digital activities demand instantaneous feedback, from mobile gaming and livestreaming to online banking and remote collaboration, lower latency plays a crucial role in ensuring seamless, uninterrupted experiences.

In its analysis of Speedtest Intelligence data collected from Q1 to Q2 2025, Ookla reported that Smart achieved a median latency of 45.89 milliseconds (ms) across all network technologies. The results are drawn from millions of tests conducted by actual users nationwide, reflecting the day-to-day connectivity experienced by subscribers of Smart and TNT.

The importance of low latency continues to grow as digital habits evolve. Competitive gamers and esports athletes rely on split-second responsiveness. Livestreamers and video callers benefit from smooth, natural interactions without buffering or delays.

For remote workers and students, lower latency helps enable efficient online meetings and quicker access to shared files. Even in e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile wallets, faster response times translate into swifter and more secure transactions.

Smart’s performance in Ookla’s latency results aligns with the PLDT Group’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure. These initiatives contribute to national digitalization goals and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 9, which promotes innovation and resilient infrastructure.