FIRST ON RADAR: DITO, Globe and Smart face ₱100,000 daily fines over poor NCR mobile internet

Previously recorded poor mobile broadband signals remained substantially unchanged from earlier validation activities this year, says NTC.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has flagged DITO Telecommunity, Globe Telecom and Smart Communications for unsatisfactory mobile broadband performance in parts of Metro Manila, saying its latest tests found no measurable improvement despite earlier findings of poor service.

In a statement dated September 25, the NTC said its September 2026 mobile speed test revalidation showed that previously recorded poor mobile broadband signals remained “substantially unchanged” from validation activities conducted during the first and second quarters of the year.

The findings came despite the mobile network operators having been given an opportunity to undertake urgent corrective measures, according to the commission.

For Globe, the NTC identified Manila, Makati and Quezon City as areas of concern during the September revalidation.

DITO was flagged for performance in San Juan, Pasay and Las Piñas, while Smart was cited for deficiencies in Parañaque, Manila and Pasig.

The NTC stressed that its monitoring would not be limited to these locations and that it would continue testing mobile broadband performance across other parts of the National Capital Region.

Following the results, the regulator said it had prepared Show Cause Orders against all three telecommunications companies, with a daily penalty of ₱100,000 commencing September 25 and continuing until the identified service deficiencies are fully rectified.

The NTC cited Section 17(a) of Commonwealth Act No. 146, as amended by Republic Act No. 11659 or the Public Service Act, which authorizes the commission to investigate and enforce compliance with its standards, rules, regulations and orders.

The regulator said it would conduct re-tests every two weeks in the affected areas to determine whether the telcos have implemented the necessary network improvements.

The NTC also vowed to continue monitoring other areas to assess the quality and availability of mobile broadband services.

The commission regularly conducts performance monitoring as part of its oversight of telecommunications services, saying it remains committed to ensuring reliable, adequate and quality mobile broadband service for Filipino consumers.

READ: