Reliable high-speed internet access is becoming increasingly important in today’s digital landscape. Proof of the matter is that telcos like DITO Telecommunity have been working to utilize next-generation, or 5G, cellular technology in the Philippines. Such a move is a way to catch up to our Southeast Asian neighbors. 5G brings ultra-fast and low-latency internet to mobile data users, enabling speeds of 280 Mbps and up — impressive in a country that previously relied on slow internet.
If you are here, you are probably considering switching to 5G but are unsure as to how to start, or, perhaps, you still think about sticking to your current device and SIM card. This guide can help you, then. Read on to learn more about the benefits of 5G technology and what SIM card in the Philippines you should use to access it so you can arrive at a firm decision today!
To answer the question quickly: No, you do not need a special SIM card to upgrade to a 5G connection. That said, being able to make the most out of your 5G connectivity depends on the network provider in the Philippines you subscribe to, the SIM card you get, and the device you use.
For SIM cards, it will be better to get them from a telco that offers 5G data promos, like DITO’s prepaid SIM starter packs. This SIM will also only work on 5G coverage areas, so you need to ensure that you are within the signal range.
As for the device you need to use, note that not all phones can connect to 5G, so be sure to check if yours is still compatible with the current technology. Generally, newer smartphones are 5G-ready. If you are using DITO, the network carrier has a specific list of devices that work well with the next-generation frequency.
Switching to a 5G-ready SIM card in the Philippines will need some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, the right network carrier can help elevate your internet experience. This advantage will be more apparent when you usually go online using your mobile phone via data — the perks of using a 5G-ready SIM card will help improve your connectivity and, by extension, your productivity. Provided you are using a 5G-ready device for your SIM, you will gain the following benefits:
When accessing 5G data using the right SIM and within the right coverage, downloading files online will not take minutes or hours. A speed of over 138 Mbps enables you to acquire documents, images, or videos in seconds, reducing waiting time and giving you more time to carry out your online tasks.
Ultra-fast download speeds are a lifesaver when you are a student who needs to download numerous research papers to cite in your thesis, or if you are a video editor gathering stock clips for a project due within the day.
5G’s incredible internet speed and low latency, especially on mobile devices, make it a godsend if you are a gamer. You wouldn’t want delays or glitches, especially when you are in the middle of a critical battle or doing a livestream of your gameplay. This is possible because 5G has ultra-low latency rates of less than 10 milliseconds, making the time lag between the player command and the system’s response almost imperceptible.
Imagine the issues that plague users relying on lower internet technology, like lags, buffering, and choppy communication — all of these are reduced or eliminated with 5G. Of course, the key to enjoying the most out of the technology is to use your mobile gaming device in locations where the 5G signal is the strongest.
The next-generation network is not only preferable for its fast download speeds and low latency, but also for its higher bandwidth. 5G’s enhanced mobile broadband capacity allows more users to enjoy reliable internet as it enables network traffic optimization, effectively handling usage spikes and maintaining easy accessibility for all.
If you are using 5G mobile data at home, that means you and your family can enjoy seamless connectivity, and no family member will have to disconnect to make way for other users. Meanwhile, if you are using a 5G plan in public spaces and there’s coverage, you can enjoy the same speed while sharing the bandwidth with a crowd.
The ideal setup for remote workers is to use a broadband connection for more stability when working from home, a cafe, or practically anywhere. However, working remotely means that sometimes you have to settle in a location where you can only connect to the internet through your mobile data. This is where your 5G prepaid SIM card comes in handy. Provided you are within a 5G area, you do not have to worry about your internet giving out; you only need to ensure that you have enough data bought to stay online.
5G’s stability, low latency, and speed are crucial when you need to take a work call or do an online presentation. With a reliable connection, your concern will be more focused on your actual task and less on the possibility of you going offline suddenly. The stability also helps retain your focus and increase your productivity, because you do not have to be constantly interrupted by a patchy connection.
The increasing popularity of 5G technology in the Philippines and its impact on the stability of mobile internet are good reasons to rethink and switch to a SIM card that keeps up with the network. The next-generation frequency’s impressive download speeds, ultra-low latency, and high bandwidth are best experienced if you are subscribed to a network carrier that maximizes the technology.
DITO Telecommunity has the SIM starter pack to help you experience 5G mobile data at its finest. With our expanding 5G network coverage areas, surfing the internet with this technology becomes easier and more accessible. Check out our 5G-ready SIM and its inclusions via our eShop, or purchase yours from our DITO Experience Stores today.