NTC fines Globe, Smart, DITO ₱100,000 daily over poor broadband service—will it be enough to fix PH’s slow internet?
After repeated 2026 speed tests found unresolved weak mobile broadband, the National Telecommunications Commission imposed ₱100,000 daily penalties on Globe, Smart, and DITO. The fines began Sept. 25 and continue until operators correct deficiencies identified through the regulator’s latest network validation.
Globe was flagged in Makati and Quezon City, Smart in Manila, Parañaque and Pasig, and DITO in San Juan, Pasay and Las Piñas. NTC said September results remained unsatisfactory despite earlier corrective measures and will retest affected areas every two weeks.
The financial scale of the operators raises questions about how much pressure ₱100,000 daily creates. Globe reported ₱85.4 billion in first-half service revenue and ₱11 billion net income in 2026.
PLDT, Smart’s parent, posted ₱108.7 billion in gross service revenue and ₱16.4 billion reported net income during the same six months. A 30-day penalty totals ₱3 million, about 0.027% of Globe’s and 0.018% of PLDT’s half-year profits.
DITO’s position differs because its listed parent remains loss-making. DITO CME reported ₱11.67 billion in first-half revenue but a ₱29.66 billion consolidated net loss.
The telcos have challenged the enforcement while citing continuing network investments. Globe alone spent ₱26.3 billion in first-half capital expenditures, with 91% directed toward data and digital infrastructure.
NTC maintains its validation program regularly identifies weak or absent mobile signals nationwide, although it has not published the specific failed speeds. As of Sept. 28, DITO had received its order, while Globe and PLDT said theirs had not arrived.
The figures suggest the fine alone may provide limited financial pressure on the largest operators. Its impact ultimately depends on repeated testing, sustained enforcement, and measurable improvements where users still experience weak mobile broadband.
