DITO Telecommunity is making bold claims with its new WowFi home internet plans, touting its standalone 5G-powered fixed wireless broadband not just as a competitor to traditional fiber but, in some cases, a better alternative. DITO says its service delivers better reliability, faster speeds, and lower latency than the offerings from rivals like Smart and Globe.

At the heart of DITO’s pitch is its use of standalone (SA) 5G technology, which sets it apart from the non-standalone (NSA) 5G tech used by competitors. While Smart and Globe leaned on NSA 5G during the early days of their network rollouts, leveraging existing 4G infrastructure for quicker deployment, DITO’s SA 5G operates independently of 4G. This means no reliance on older 4G networks, which can bottleneck speeds and latency. The result? DITO claims WowFi offers significantly lower latency and higher capacity compared to the competition, translating to smoother streaming, gaming, and browsing experiences.

Unlike NSA 5G, which piggybacks on 4G’s backbone, SA 5G is a pure, next-gen network built from the ground up. This gives DITO’s WowFi a theoretical edge in handling heavy data loads and maintaining consistent performance, even in congested areas. It’s a compelling pitch, especially for households tired of buffering YouTube videos or dropped connections during peak hours.

DITO also argues that its cellular-based infrastructure is inherently more reliable than fiber optic cables strung across streets and transmission towers. Cellular towers, the company says, are built with redundancies like solar and battery backups, making them less susceptible to outages caused by physical damage or power failures, common pain points for fiber users in storm-prone regions or even places where power is unreliable. If true, this could make WowFi a game-changer for areas where wired connections are prone to disruptions.

DITO’s WowFi lineup includes three plans tailored to different needs, and they’re priced aggressively. Here’s the rundown:

• WowFi Lite: At just Php 480 for 30 days, this plan offers 50GB of 5G data, perfect for light users who stick to browsing, social media, or occasional streaming. It’s one of the most affordable FWA plans we’ve seen, making it a no-brainer for budget-conscious households.
• WowFi Pro: For Php 790 a month, this plan delivers unlimited 5G data at speeds up to 100Mbps, plus 50GB of 4G data as a fallback. It’s a solid middle ground for families or small households with moderate streaming and gaming needs.

• WowFi Optima: Aimed at power users, this postpaid plan offers unlimited 5G data with speeds up to 500Mbps for Php 1,490 a month. If you’re running a smart home, streaming 4K content, or battling it out in online games, this is the plan to beat.

DITO’s WowFi is a bold bet on 5G’s potential to disrupt the home internet market. By leveraging standalone 5G and pricing its plans competitively, DITO is positioning itself as a serious challenger to entrenched players like Smart and Globe. The promise of lower latency, higher capacity, and greater resilience is enticing, especially in a country where reliable internet can feel like a luxury.

That said, real-world performance will be the true test. While standalone 5G has clear advantages on paper, factors like network coverage, tower density, and user load could impact the experience. DITO’s still a relatively new player, and scaling a 5G SA network to handle widespread demand is no small feat. For now, WowFi’s affordable pricing and bold claims make it worth a look, especially if you’re fed up with fiber’s occasional hiccups or live in an area with spotty wired infrastructure.