With users required to register their SIMs, determining the subscriber count per telco should be more accurate. Recently, Smart revealed that it has 55.2 million subscribers, which is more than the 54.7 million subscribers that Globe has.

This marks the first time since 2016 that Smart leads over Globe in terms of subscriber count.

While it is an achievement for Smart, PLDT Chair Manuel Pangilinan reiterated that the competition between telcos should not lie on subscriber count alone – but also on how telcos can grow their market.

One of the ways Smart aims to increase its subscriber count is by offering prepaid eSIMs for only Php 99. One of the perks of eSIMs is that users can link multiple gadgets supporting the tech under a single number, saving the need for a physical SIM card.

Aside from that, PLDT has been ramping up its expenditures with a focus on digital infrastructure. Recently, PLDT has completed its 11th data center in Sta. Rosa Laguna, and is currently working on major fiber cable projects Asian Direct Cable System and Apricot Cable System.

Globe recently announced that they have prepaid eSIMs as well, but are limited to travelers for the meantime. DITO, on the other hand, is expanding its subscriber base through new services like its Home Unli 5G and FlexPlan postpaid plans.