lte

To use LTE, you need two things: an LTE-capable SIM card and an LTE-capable device. Most new prepaid SIMs are LTE-ready, and both Smart and Globe offer LTE postpaid plans. You will likely need to replace an old, non-LTE SIM. Your device must also support the LTE frequencies used by Philippine telcos, such as 700MHz, 1800MHz, 2100MHz, 2300MHz, 2500MHz, and 2600MHz. Note that even with the right SIM and device, LTE service depends on network coverage in your area.

The 700MHz band is a low-frequency spectrum prized for its ability to provide better signal penetration and wider coverage, especially indoors. Both Globe and Smart acquired control of this band in 2016 and have since invested heavily in deploying LTE sites using it. By Q1 2018, Globe had deployed nearly 800 LTE sites using the 700MHz band, with a focus on Metro Manila and other populated areas. Devices must specifically support the 700MHz band (Band 28 for Globe, with variants for Smart) to take advantage of this improved coverage.

LTE coverage and speeds have seen notable improvements due to network expansions by Globe and Smart. In Q1 2018, Globe added 934 new LTE sites nationwide. Reports from Q4 2016 showed average LTE download speeds in the Philippines reaching 8.24 Mbps, overtaking Indonesia. By 2017, Globe's average 4G/LTE speed was reported at 7.42 Mbps, a significant jump from its 3G average of 2.24 Mbps. Smart also reported major network expansions in Metro Manila, aiming to quadruple indoor LTE coverage through deployments on low-frequency bands like 700MHz.