Quick Answer
Smart Communications (PLDT Group) has 70 million mobile subscribers in the Philippines with the wider 5G NR network. Globe Telecom has 61 million subscribers with FTTH fiber broadband and growing 5G coverage. Smart leads on mobile network reach. Globe leads on home fiber broadband. The Philippines is a near-duopoly market.
Side-by-Side Comparison
This table compares the Philippines’ two dominant mobile operators.
| Feature | Smart (PLDT) | Globe Telecom |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Subs | 70 million | 61 million |
| Parent | PLDT Inc. | Ayala Corporation |
| 5G | 5G NR, wider rollout | 5G, growing |
| Fiber Brand | PLDT Home Fibr | Globe At Home |
| Technology | 4G LTE, 5G NR | 4G LTE, 5G, FTTH |
| Fiber Max | 1 Gbps (PLDT) | 1.5 Gbps |
| Strength | Mobile coverage, 5G scale | Fiber broadband, ecosystem |
Test Smart speed | Test Globe speed
Speed Comparison
Smart’s 5G NR rollout is wider than Globe’s, covering more areas of Metro Manila and key cities like Cebu and Davao. The PLDT backbone gives Smart strong backhaul capacity for its mobile network.
Globe offers higher maximum fiber broadband speeds at 1.5 Gbps through Globe At Home. Smart’s parent PLDT offers Home Fibr at up to 1 Gbps. For home internet, Globe’s fiber ceiling is 50% higher.
On mobile, both operators perform similarly in Metro Manila. Outside the capital region, Smart’s wider tower network gives it an edge in provinces and smaller cities.
Run a speed test to compare both networks at your location.
Coverage
Smart has the wider mobile network in the Philippines. PLDT’s infrastructure investment across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao gives Smart more towers in provincial areas. Island connectivity is better on Smart for most locations.
Globe covers all major cities well. Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao have dense Globe coverage. In smaller cities and rural areas, Globe’s coverage can be thinner than Smart.
For home broadband, PLDT Home Fibr has a larger fiber footprint than Globe At Home. PLDT’s legacy as the Philippine telephone company gives it infrastructure advantages in fiber deployment.
Which Should You Choose?
Smart suits users who need the widest mobile coverage across the Philippines. Island hopping, provincial travel, and rural connectivity all favor Smart’s network. The PLDT Home Fibr combination gives households a complete mobile + fiber package.
Globe suits users in Metro Manila and major cities who want the Globe ecosystem. Globe At Home fiber up to 1.5 Gbps is the fastest available. Globe’s partnerships with content providers and its GCash integration add value for digital-first users.
Both operators are close in quality. The Philippines is effectively a duopoly, so check coverage at your specific address. See the Globe vs PLDT comparison for the fixed broadband side.
Summary
Smart leads on mobile coverage (70M subs) and 5G NR scale. Globe leads on fiber broadband speed (1.5 Gbps max) and digital ecosystem. Both are strong operators in a near-duopoly market. Your choice depends on whether mobile reach or home fiber matters more.
Test your connection at Kencang speed test and check the Philippines internet overview for market context.
Last Updated: March 28, 2026 Data Sources: NTC Philippines, Opensignal, operator quarterly reports