NTC lauds mobile networks' readiness for Undas 2026

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The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on Saturday lauded readiness of the country's three major mobile network operators (MNOs) —DITO Telecommunity Corporation, Globe Telecoms Inc, and Smart Communications Inc.— to provide reliable services during Undas 2026.

In a news release, the NTC said it conducted, on October 29, mobile network monitoring in 12 bus terminals —Victory Liner Cubao, Superlines Cubao, BaliwagTransit Cubao, Five Star Bus Cubao, HM Transport Inc., Raymond Transportation, Bicol Isarog, Florida Bus Terminal Cubao, Araneta Bus Terminal, Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), Victory Liner Sampaloc and Florida Bus terminal in Sampaloc, both in Manila— to assess the MNOs readiness in transport hubs frequented by commuters and travelers during the Undas exodus.

The telecommunications regulator said out of 128 test campaigns it conducted, 114 or nearly 90% “recorded mobile broadband download speeds of at least 50 Mbps.”

The NTC said DITO registered the highest recorded speed at 851.00 Mbps at the PITX terminal, followed by Smart at 456.00 Mbps, also at PITX.

Globe recorded its highest speed at 330.00 Mbps at the Raymond Transportation Terminal in Quezon City.

For SMS performance, the NTC said all three MNOs achieved an average SMS success ratio of 100%, meeting the prescribed standard of greater than 99%.

Moreover, DITO and Globe both recorded an average call drop ratio of 0%, meeting the prescribed standard of less than 2%. Smart, meanwhile, posted a call drop ratio of 5.26%.

“Reliable mobile connectivity is essential in transport terminals, particularly during periods when large numbers of Filipinos travel to reunite with their families. The Commission commends our MNOs readiness to heed the public’s reliance on mobile telecommunications services to communicate with their families, coordinate their trips and access essential information throughout their journey this Undas 2026,” said NTC Deputy Commissioner Andy Castelar.

The NTC, moreover, called on all mobile network operators to note the monitoring results by giving its utmost attention on improving this vital communications service.

The agency added it will continue its monitoring and validation activities nationwide and pursue appropriate regulatory action, as may be warranted, to ensure that telecommunications services remain reliable and responsive to the needs of the public at all times. —VAL, GMA News