The Philippines’ 5G download speed has slowed down, according to a the report by Opensignal, even as its 4G performance saw modest gains. The April 2025 Global Network Excellence Index showed the country’s average 5G download speed dropped by 9.3 Mbps, causing its global ranking to fall by two places to 75th globally.
The country’s 4G download speed, on the other hand, improved by 1.5 Mbps, moving it up six places among its global peers.
Opensignal’s Global Network Excellence Index measures mobile network quality based on what users actually experience on the ground. It considers three key pillars: 4G and 5G Download Speed, 4G/5G Availability, and Excellent Consistent Quality. Among these, 4G and 5G Download Speed reflects how ready networks are to handle growing digital demand, combining current performance with potential scalability.
Even with the slower 5G speeds, 5G technology remains a focus for telecom companies and consumers. More 5G-enabled devices have become available in the market, and major operators continue investing in expanding their 5G networks.
Back End News reached out to several industry players, including Cisco, Ericsson, Nokia, and MediaTek, to better understand the country’s performance. Only MediaTek was available for interview.
“The adoption of 5G technology varies widely across different markets, with some regions advancing rapidly while emerging markets experience slower progress due to several interrelated factors,” ChinLin Low, technical account manager (APAC) of MediaTek, told Back End News in an email interview.
According to Low, one of the most practical uses of 5G seen globally is in Fixed Wireless Access (FWA). FWA uses 5G networks to deliver home and business internet service in areas where fiber lines are too costly or difficult to install.
“FWA addresses the critical issue of inadequate fiber-to-home connectivity by providing a complementary solution that bridges the digital divide,” he said. “This use case is particularly beneficial in rural and remote areas where laying fiber infrastructure is not cost-effective. By leveraging 5G FWA, carriers can extend high-speed internet access to underserved regions in a more efficient and economical manner.”
Challenges for 5G in emerging markets
Low acknowledged that rolling out 5G networks comes with challenges, especially in emerging markets like the Philippines. Building a 5G network requires substantial investment and sufficient radio spectrum, both of which can be harder to achieve in developing economies.
“The reach and availability of 5G services are critical aspects, as they determine how accessible the technology is to consumers,” Low said. “Compelling use cases are equally necessary to drive the transition from older technology generations, as they provide the practical benefits that encourage users to make the switch.”
In the Philippines, major telecom companies have been making progress in expanding their 5G networks. Globe, for instance, deployed 587 new 5G sites nationwide in 2024 as part of its ongoing rollout. Smart, the wireless arm of PLDT, reported higher mobile data usage and growing 5G data traffic in early 2025, which it attributed to more 5G phones in use and ongoing network upgrades. DITO Telecommunity began offering a 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) service, which allocates only as much 5G bandwidth as a device needs, allowing more efficient use of spectrum.
Low said another key factor in encouraging more people to use 5G is making sure devices are affordable and widely available.
“By providing low-cost 5G devices, we aim to significantly enhance 5G utilization and ensure that more consumers can benefit from the advancements in connectivity,” he said.
As a chipset maker, MediaTek supplies components for both high-end and budget-friendly 5G devices. Low noted that the company designs its products with a consumer-focused approach to make sure even entry-level devices can deliver reliable 5G performance.
“One important aspect is to enhance the traffic utilization by making technology more affordable,” Low said. “Hence, our 5G product strategy and consumer-centric approach are designed to address these needs comprehensively. Recognizing the price sensitivity of consumers in emerging markets, we diversified our 5G solutions to cater to various segments, from entry-level devices to flagship models.”
MediaTek also works closely with phone makers to help keep costs down while maintaining good performance and battery life.
“We design and produce a variety of 5G chipsets that cater to different market segments, including budget-friendly options,” he said. “By offering high-performance chipsets at competitive prices, manufacturers can develop 5G smartphones that meet market demands without compromising on quality.”
The company works closely with OEMs to optimize the integration of its 5G chipsets into their products. This collaboration ensures that devices are cost-effective while delivering excellent performance, battery life, and connectivity.
Expanding 5G beyond smartphones
Beyond smartphones, MediaTek is also working on making 5G useful for more types of devices and applications, particularly in the Internet of Things (IoT) space.
“Our strategies focus on leveraging advanced technologies such as RedCap (Reduced Capability) and NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) solutions to address the unique requirements of IoT,” Low said.
RedCap is designed to help connect IoT devices that need lower speeds and less power, such as wearables and smart home devices.
“RedCap enables a wide range of applications such as wearables, surveillance, and more,” he said.
Non-Terrestrial Networks use satellites to provide 5G coverage in remote areas, which can help with tracking assets or supporting emergency services where no regular mobile coverage exists.
“NTN solutions ensure seamless connectivity for IoT devices, enabling applications such as basic communication, asset tracking, and emergency response in challenging environments,” Low said.
Low expects that in the next three to five years, 5G technology will become more widely used and accessible as networks expand, device prices drop, and more practical uses emerge.
“We expect significant trends in 5G utilization, including the transition from Non-Standalone to Standalone networks, wider coverage, lower device costs, enhanced network throughput, and faster migration from 4G to 5G,” he said.
Emerging markets like the Philippines, he added, are likely to see substantial data growth, improved affordability, and higher adoption rates as these trends unfold.
While the Philippines faces challenges keeping pace with other countries in 5G speeds, companies and technology partners remain optimistic about closing the gap. Better infrastructure, more affordable devices, and practical use cases will be key to making 5G work better for everyone.
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