Smart Communications, Inc. closed 2025 on firmer ground, posting a 5% quarter-on-quarter revenue growth in the fourth quarter. The result signals a rebound in its wireless segment after a softer start to the year.
The recovery comes after a 2% revenue dip at the end of the first quarter, as Smart shifted its strategy toward value-driven growth backed by targeted customer initiatives and sustained investments in network infrastructure.
Fourth-quarter gains were largely driven by higher Average Revenue Per User (ARPU), reflecting the company’s push for personalized digital offers designed to boost customer engagement.
Smart Prepaid recorded a 5% sequential ARPU increase during the period, while its mass-market brand TNT posted a 3% uplift.
Subscriber growth also improved, with 606,079 net additions in the fourth quarter and churn kept at a low 2.5% by the end of 2025.
Network investments and the rise of 5G adoption further supported Smart’s performance. By the end of 2025, the company’s network supported 11.2 million 5G-latched devices—a 35% jump from the previous year. More affordable 5G smartphones helped accelerate adoption, contributing to an 88% surge in 5G data traffic.
Fixed Wireless Access revenues also rose 22% to P1.8 billion for the year, reflecting growing use of budget-friendly 5G wireless routers.
Smart’s network improvements were recognized globally, earning the ‘Best Mobile Latency’ award from Ookla, based on data from the first half of 2025. This underscores better responsiveness for everyday activities such as livestreaming, mobile gaming, video calls, and mobile payments.
“Our 2025 results reflect solid progress in strengthening customer value while sustaining investments in network quality. We exited the year with improving momentum, positioning Smart for more sustainable growth moving forward,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, FVP and co-officer-in-charge of Smart.
Smart added that accelerating 5G usage and rising device penetration are beginning to unlock new sources of data demand.
“As 5G adoption continues to scale, our focus remains on delivering reliable, high-quality connectivity for Filipinos while supporting the country’s growing digital economy,” said Marjorie C. Garrovillo, FVP and co-officer-in-charge of Smart..
Building on its fourth-quarter momentum, Smart said it remains optimistic about its growth outlook for 2026, supported by continued network investments and expanding digital services.
