Internet speed (STOCK IMAGE)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines saw an increase in internet download speeds anew in both fixed broadband and mobile, according to network speed analyst Ookla.
In its Speedtest Global Index July 2022 report, Ookla said the Philippines’ fixed broadband median speed increased to 75.62 megabits per second (mbps) from the 68.94 mbps recorded in June.
Average download speed for fixed broadband, meanwhile, clocked in at 102.93 mbps.
Mobile median speed also increased as the Philippines yielded a download speed of 22.56 mbps in July from 21.41 mbps in June as the average download speed for mobile speed clocked in at 52.33 mbps, Ookla said.
These increases improved the Philippines’ global rank in fixed broadband by seven notches and four notches in mobile. The country now ranks 46th out of 182 countries for fixed broadband and 84th out of 140 countries for mobile, according to Ookla’s report.
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) attributed improving internet speed to streamlined and quicker issuance of local government permits, allowing telecommunications firms to fast-track building infrastructure projects (cellular towers and fiber optic network) necessary to boosting services and connectivity.
The entry of Elon Musk’s Starlink into the Philippine market is also expected to improve internet speeds; further, NTC has said.
Starlink Internet Services Philippines Inc., SpaceX’s wholly-owned Filipino subsidiary, received the National Telecommunications Commission’s (NTC) approval in May this year as a value-added service (VAS) provider.
The said service offers high-speed, low-latency satellite internet service with a download speed of between 100 mbps and 200 mbps.
Using advanced satellites in a low orbit, Starlink will enable video calls, online gaming, streaming, and other high-data activities that historically have not been possible with satellite internet.