Smart Named Philippines’ Best for Mobile Video Streaming by Ookla at Mobile World Congress 2026

Smart executives receive Ookla recognitions for Best Mobile Video Experience and Best Mobile Latency during Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, highlighting the telco’s strong network performance for Filipino mobile users.In the photo are (from left): Alvin Ilano, VP for Network Facilities Management at Smart; Ariel Medina, VP for Network Service Operations at Smart; Jim Nugent, Director Global Brand Licensing at Ookla; Susila Johnston, Head of Sales APAC at Ookla; Haritheran Nair, Sales Director at Ookla; and Alfred Toh, Customer Solutions & Success Director at Ookla.

• Streaming Advantage: Millions of Smart and TNT subscribers enjoy smoother video playback with faster start times, minimal buffering, and consistent Full HD quality across popular platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Netflix.
• Data Backed: Ookla’s latest Video Experience award is based on real world Speedtest Intelligence data from Q3 to Q4 2025, where Smart posted the country’s highest Video Score of 78.60 among mobile operators.
• Network Momentum: The recognition comes alongside Smart’s Best Mobile Latency award from Ookla, highlighting the telco’s continued investment in network upgrades that power streaming, gaming, and other real time mobile experiences.

Subscribers of Smart Communications and its value brand TNT have something to celebrate if they love watching videos on their smartphones. The mobile services provider has just earned the Best Mobile Video Experience award in the Philippines from Ookla, the global authority behind the popular Speedtest platform and a leader in network intelligence and connectivity insights.

The recognition highlights Smart’s ability to deliver a consistently smooth video streaming experience across mobile networks nationwide. For everyday users, that translates to faster video loading, fewer interruptions during playback, and clearer high definition content while watching on the go.

For Filipinos who increasingly rely on their phones for entertainment, social media, and even learning, these improvements make a noticeable difference in daily digital life.

How Ookla Measures Video Experience

Ookla’s Video Experience award is not based on marketing claims or isolated lab tests. Instead, it evaluates the real world Quality of Experience or QoE of users streaming videos over mobile networks.

The measurement combines three equally weighted factors that directly affect how viewers perceive streaming quality. These include acceptable video start time, uninterrupted playback, and the ability to deliver Full HD resolution.

According to Ookla’s analysis of Speedtest Intelligence data from the third and fourth quarters of 2025, Smart achieved the highest Video Score among mobile operators in the country with a rating of 78.60.

The score represents the percentage of users who experienced videos starting in under two seconds, playing without buffering interruptions, and delivering 1080p resolution or higher for most playback sessions.

In simple terms, this means many Smart and TNT users can stream their favorite content with minimal delays and a higher chance of smooth viewing.

Streaming Without the Frustration

Video consumption is one of the most common activities on smartphones today. Whether it is watching trending clips on TikTok, catching up on a series on Netflix, scrolling through Facebook videos, or viewing creator content on YouTube, streaming has become part of everyday life.

For Smart subscribers, the award suggests a clear advantage in these experiences. Faster video start times reduce the wait before content begins playing. Reliable playback helps avoid those annoying buffering pauses in the middle of a show. Meanwhile, high resolution streaming ensures sharper visuals and better viewing quality.

These benefits are especially noticeable during daily routines such as watching videos during a commute, tuning in to livestreams, or following live sports and concerts on mobile devices.

Filipinos Among the World’s Top Video Consumers

The growing importance of video streaming in the Philippines makes the recognition even more significant.

Stephen Bye, President and CEO of Ookla, acknowledged Smart’s strong performance in delivering video services to Filipino mobile users.

Stephen Bye said, "We are proud to recognize Smart for winning Best Video Experience in the Philippines. This accolade is a testament to their industry-leading performance, as proven by Ookla’s methodology. Congratulations, Smart!"

For Smart, the award reflects the company’s continued efforts to strengthen its network infrastructure to meet evolving digital habits.

Debbie M. Hu, First Vice President and Head of Wireless Networks at Smart, highlighted how video has become central to modern internet usage.

Debbie M. Hu said, "This latest recognition affirms our continued efforts in strengthening our network to support the growing digital needs of Filipinos, who are among the top video consumers in the world today."

Recent data from the Digital 2026 Report released by Meltwater and We Are Social underscores that point. The report shows that Filipinos spend an average of 20.48 hours per week watching online videos. That figure ranks second highest globally, behind Kenya.

With video content playing such a large role in daily life, reliable streaming performance has become a key factor in choosing a mobile network.

Debbie M. Hu added, "As video increasingly becomes the primary way people learn, work, and entertain themselves online, we remain focused on delivering a consistently superior streaming experience for our customers."

Back to Back Network Recognition

The Best Mobile Video Experience award is not the only recognition Smart has received recently.

The company also earned the Best Mobile Latency award from Ookla earlier, further strengthening its reputation for network performance in the Philippines.

Latency refers to the delay between sending and receiving data over a network. Lower latency means faster response times, which are crucial for real time digital activities.

This includes not just video streaming, but also online gaming, video conferencing, and live content viewing.

Lloyd R. Manaloto, First Vice President and co OIC at Smart, said the combined awards reflect the company’s commitment to improving overall user experience.

He noted, "Winning both the Best Mobile Video Experience and Best Mobile Latency awards reflects our goal of continuously elevating the digital experience of our customers. These recognitions highlight the strength of our network and reinforce our drive to deliver more responsive and reliable connectivity for Filipinos."

The back to back accolades signal Smart’s ongoing push to enhance mobile connectivity as demand for high quality digital services continues to grow.

Supporting the Philippines’ Digital Future

Looking ahead, Smart says it will continue investing in network upgrades and innovation to ensure users nationwide can enjoy reliable mobile experiences.

Marjorie C. Garrovillo, First Vice President and co OIC at Smart, emphasized the company’s long term commitment to keeping up with the growing demand for video and data services.

She said, "As demand for high-quality video continues to grow, Smart will keep investing in network innovation to ensure Filipinos across the country continue to enjoy world-class mobile experiences wherever they are."

These achievements also reflect the broader efforts of the PLDT Group to strengthen digital infrastructure in the Philippines. By improving connectivity and network reliability, the group contributes to the country’s national digital agenda and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 9, which focuses on industry, innovation, and infrastructure.

For millions of Filipino smartphone users, the result is simple but meaningful. Faster streaming, smoother playback, and more enjoyable mobile video experiences wherever they go.