PH has slowest 5G service in region

MANILA -Filipinos are using the slowest 5G (fifth generation) connectivity service—the latest technology enabling better-performing internet connections—across the Asia-Pacific region, according to a monitoring conducted by network intelligence firm Ookla in the first half.

In its “5G in Asia Pacific: Deployment Momentum Continues” report, Ookla noted that several countries in the region are clocking in better median download performance compared to some of the top European markets as they continue to roll out 5G technology.

“Early adopters in the Asia-Pacific region have outperformed major European markets in terms of 5G performance. This is mainly due to factors like early spectrum availability and supportive government policies,” it explained.

The Philippines, however, is lagging with 131.51 megabits per second (Mbps) in terms of median download speed.

In comparison, South Korea—the market leader—registered 533.95 Mbps, which is markedly higher than Manila’s. This was followed by Malaysia with 523.44 Mbps and Singapore with 387.15 Mbps.

Manila also was the bottom for median upload speed with 11.50 Mbps. Kuala Lumpur dominated this category with 63.88 Mbps, followed by Seoul and Beijing with 46.54 Mbps and 43.01 Mbps, respectively.

“Although developed markets in the Asia-Pacific are leading in ultra-fast, fixed fiber broadband, there is still a portion of the region where internet connectivity is expensive, unavailable or insufficient,” Ookla said.

In terms of 5G availability, however, the Philippines ranked fifth among 14 markets monitored by Ookla in the first half with 35.7 percent. Hong Kong led the region with 42.3 percent, followed by Melbourne with 40.9 percent; Sydney, 39.2 percent; and South Korea, 35.9 percent.

According to S&P Global Ratings, regional telecommunication players have been ramping up 5G spending but warned of the potential impact of the investments on the balance sheets. INQ