MANILA -The Philippines lags behind its neighbors in Southeast Asia in terms of internet connection stability, according to the Pulse Internet Resilience Index (IRI).
The IRI report produced by Internet Society, a global internet advocacy group, noted the Philippines ranked 7th in the list after scoring 46 percent.
The index, which covered 170 countries, assessed the availability of internet infrastructure, ability of networks to provide services, service providers’ ability to offer stable connection and the price of internet deals.
“A resilient internet connection is one that maintains an acceptable level of service in the face of faults and challenges to normal operation and is an increasing focus for policymakers and activists worldwide as Internet infrastructure becomes essential for a nation’s economy and society,” Internet Society said.
In the region, Singapore scored the highest with 72 percent, followed by Vietnam with 52 percent; Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia and Thailand, 51 percent each; Indonesia, 48 percent. Behind the Philippines are Myanmar (45 percent), Cambodia (43 percent), Lao PDR (42 percent) and Timor-Leste (38 percent).
The report showed the mobile segment in the Philippines scored 29 percent in terms of performance, which is way below the 76 percent registered by fixed networks.
The advocacy group said this showed an opportunity to improve mobile connectivity given its high penetration.
It also noted there’s “good competition” in the local internet service market in the country. Primary players include PLDT Inc., Globe Telecom and Converge ICT Solutions Inc.