Smart Communications Inc., PLDT Inc.’s wireless arm, reported on Thursday a surge in fifth-generation (5G) data traffic in the first quarter of the year, along with a large increase in 5G device adoption in the period.
Smart said in a press statement on Thursday 5G data traffic in January to March 2025 grew by more than 80 percent from a year earlier.
In the same three-month period, market adoption of its 5G devices increased by about 60 percent, although from a different comparative period, which is from the fourth quarter of 2024.
The 5G device adoption was buoyed by more affordable 5G phones, as well as compel-ling data offers and Smart’s nationwide network upgrades, the company said.
As of end-March 2025, Smart’s active mobile data users rose by 4 percent to 40.9 mil-lion from 39.4 million in the corresponding period last year.
“The shift to 5G is improving how our network runs–making it more efficient,” Anastacio Martirez, Smart‘s chief operating officer, said.
This development supports both LTE and 5G users, strengthening their daily mobile experiences, he said.
“This momentum puts us in a better position to steady our revenues and to keep growing the individual segment,” Martirez added.
Smart said revenues reached P21.3 billion in the first quarter of the year. Mobile data revenues were steady from a year earlier at P18.8 billion, which now account for 88 percent of Smart’s total revenues.
“We’re focused on growing data traffic year after year and staying ahead of the com-petition,” 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,” he added.
Smart recently tested its 5G standalone technology in high-traffic events, saying it provided faster and more reliable internet in crowded venues.
This allowed users to stay connected and share their experience in real time.
The company also introduced 5G Max to enhance connectivity for subscribers during live events.
The PLDT Group continues to invest in enhancing its integrated network, which in-cludes its robust 5G infrastructure. the company said.
This is in line with its commitment to deliver a leveled-up customer experience across the country, Smart’s statement read.
Smart said its mobile network covers 97 percent of the population, and is part of the Philippines’ largest integrated network that includes PLDT’s most extensive fiber in-frastructure.
