The long wait is over as Apple today releases iOS version 6.1 update that enables LTE capability of their latest gadget offering, the iPhone 5. After the official announcement, telco wars between Smart and Globe heats-up anew on Twitter with both telco on trending list - #SMARTiPhone5LTE and #GlobeiPhone5LTE. iPhone 5 users are extremely excited to update their OS to try the latest evolution. TheSummitExpress posts here the speedtest results for Smart vs. Globe LTE.
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| Photo: Smart LTE on iPhone 5 is now available |
Today seems to be another milestone for LTE in the country after the successful
commercial launch last August 2012.
Social buzz of Smart LTE prevails over Globe on the whole day trends and reactions of netizens. It is attributed to the wider coverage and commercial availability of Smart LTE across Metro Manila and selected areas nationwide. On the press statement of the wirelesss leader, it says that around 300 enodeBs are now active and more than 770 establishments in the 10 cities already subscribed to Smart LTE.
Globe LTE on the other hand is concentrated in Makati City only. As of January 2013, Globe said that LTE coverage expands at select areas of Manila, Pasig City, Quezon City, Taguig City, Muntinlupa, Mandaluyong, Cebu
City, and Boracay. The company did not disclosed exact counts of the total on-aired enodeBs.
iPhone 5 users of Smart scores big as observed on some reactions of netizens on Twitter. As a bonus and enticement to loyal subs, Smart gives free LTE service on postpaid data users until April 30, 2013 without separate data package.
To get LTE on iOS 6.1 update, you need a new nano sim if on Globe. No need for new sim for Smart users.
Here are some of the speedtest results from different users posted on social media:
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| Photo: Globe LTE speedtest |
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| Photo: Smart LTE SpeedTest |
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| Photo: Smart LTE in Katipunan Avenue, QC |
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| Photo: Smart iPhone 5 LTE Speedtest Cebu City |
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| Photo: Smart iPhone 5 LTE Speed Tests |
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| Photo: Smart vs. Globe LTE comparison from csanantonio |
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| Photo: Globe iPhone 5 LTE Speed Test Sample |
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| Photo: Globe iPhone 5 LTE Speed Test sample |
Note that LTE speeds vary depending on the availability of network support in the area (transmission, coverage, prioritization and market). One area may have good LTE speed and other don't have due to several factors. Again, the average of everything counts...
Which telco do you think delivers the promise of LTE speed in the country? Tell us what you've got on your speedtest. We're going to update this post for more details on LTE speeds and roll-out in Metro Manila.
