Converge, Globe top Netflix’s internet speed index in PHL

WITH a speed of 3.2 megabits per second (Mbps), Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. and Globe Telecom, Inc. have topped the list of telcos in the Philippines that provide the best prime-time Netflix streaming experience.

Both Converge and Globe dominated the “Leaderboard” in the last six months, according to Netflix’s ISP Speed Index.

PLDT, Inc. ranked second with a speed of 3 Mbps, followed by SKYCable (2.8 Mbps) and Royal Cable (2.4 Mbps).

According to its website, the Netflix ISP Speed Index “is a measure of prime-time Netflix performance on particular internet service providers (ISPs) around the globe.”

“It is not a measure of overall performance for other services or data that may travel across the specific ISP network,” it added.

In an e-mailed statement on Feb. 8, Converge said: “Netflix’s stories are best delivered on a strong internet network, which is not only about speed but also about latency, jitter and packet loss.”

“Absent this, video viewers will have issues with buffering, pixelization, etc. Moreover, there is now a lot of 4K or UHD content on Netflix, which provides a much better immersive viewing experience but requires more bandwidth,” it added.

Converge noted that Netflix recommends a minimum of 25Mbps for 4K video. “It is very well supported by Converge’s recent permanent free speed upgrades, where its entry level P1,500 plan is now at 35Mbps from the previous 25 Mbps,” the company added.

For standard definition quality, Netflix recommends a minimum internet download speed of 3 Mbps.

A minimum of 5 Mbps is recommended for high-definition quality.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in ����ý through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Arjay L. Balinbin