Why DITO Telecom Is Faster: The Truth Behind SA vs NSA 5G in the Philippines

In today’s digital world where everything from school and work to streaming and gaming relies on a fast internet connection Filipinos are always on the lookout for the best mobile network.

One name that’s been making waves lately is DITO Telecommunity. Despite being a new player in the telco game, many users report surprisingly fast speeds, especially in areas with 5G coverage.

So what's the secret?

It all comes down to this: Standalone (SA) 5G.

SA vs NSA 5G: What’s the Difference?

NSA (Non-Standalone) 5G – Used by Smart and Globe

NSA 5G is basically a “boosted” version of existing 4G LTE networks. While it uses 5G antennas for better speeds, it still relies on the 4G core infrastructure to function.

Pros:

Easier and cheaper to deploy

Quickly expands 5G coverage using existing 4G towers

Cons:

Not a full 5G experience

Higher latency (slower response time)

Lower peak speeds compared to true 5G

SA (Standalone) 5G – Used by DITO

This is true 5G from the ground up. The entire network—from towers to core systems—is purpose-built for 5G.

Pros:

Lower latency (perfect for gaming, streaming, and video calls)

Higher and more consistent download/upload speeds

Doesn’t rely on 4G at all

Cons:

More expensive and complex to build

Coverage is still limited

Real-World Performance: DITO vs Smart vs Globe

In areas with strong DITO 5G signal, users often report 700 Mbps to over 1 Gbps download speeds. Meanwhile, Smart and Globe—despite also having 5G icons—often deliver speeds between 100 to 400 Mbps, due to their reliance on NSA 5G.

Sample Comparison Table:

Network 5G Type Average Speed Notes

DITO Standalone (SA) 700 Mbps – 1 Gbps+ True 5G with dedicated infrastructure

Smart Non-Standalone (NSA) 150 – 400 Mbps Boosted by 5G, but still uses 4G core

Globe Non-Standalone (NSA) 100 – 300 Mbps Faster than LTE, but not full 5G

Why Aren’t All Telcos Using SA 5G?

Simple: it’s more expensive and time-consuming.

Building an SA 5G network means replacing or upgrading the entire infrastructure not just the towers but the backend systems too. That’s why Smart and Globe, who have massive legacy systems, chose to roll out NSA 5G first as a quick solution.

On the other hand, DITO started from scratch. So instead of relying on outdated tech, they built a modern 5G network from the ground up, fully optimized for SA 5G performance.

Bottom Line

If you’re in an area where DITO has strong SA 5G coverage, you’re likely to enjoy faster, more reliable mobile internet than what’s currently possible with Smart or Globe.

But coverage is still a big factor. DITO’s network is still growing, and not every area is covered. Dead spots still exist. Meanwhile, Smart and Globe have wider reach, but you may not always get the best 5G speeds if you’re on NSA.

Final Thoughts

DITO = True 5G (SA)

Smart/Globe = Upgraded 4G with 5G (NSA)

If you're after the best speed and future-proof experience, DITO's SA 5G is a solid bet if you're within its coverage area. But as always, the best telco is the one that performs best in your location so test signal strength and speed before switching.