The National Telecommunications Commission is preparing a new round of show cause orders against mobile network operators over poor mobile broadband service, this time extending its enforcement drive to areas outside Metro Manila.
The regulator said it will impose daily penalties on mobile network operators in cities and municipalities where September 2026 revalidation found a high number of locations with no signal or weak mobile coverage. The move follows its earlier action against the country’s major operators over inadequate broadband performance in the National Capital Region.
The NTC’s enforcement action involves Globe Telecom, Smart Communications and DITO Telecommunity. The regulator previously announced a P100,000 daily penalty for each operator after September speed tests in Metro Manila showed no measurable improvement compared with earlier validations conducted during the first and second quarters of 2026.
Nationwide Monitoring
The latest announcement clarifies that the crackdown is not limited to the capital. The NTC said its regional offices regularly conduct mobile broadband speed validation across the country.
Operators are also informed every quarter about barangays found to have no signal or weak signal and are required to undertake network improvements in affected areas.
The commission is now completing the results of its September 2026 revalidation. Once finalized, the findings will be used to identify additional cities and municipalities that could face show cause orders and daily penalties.
Pressure on Telcos to Improve
The enforcement drive comes under NTC Memorandum Circular No. 001-01-2026, which requires covered telecommunications companies, including mobile network operators, to meet prescribed quality-of-service standards.
The regulator said the measures are intended to push operators to provide telecommunications services that are more reliable, faster and responsive to the needs of consumers.
The nationwide expansion means mobile operators could face greater regulatory pressure in areas where persistent coverage and broadband-speed problems are documented, while the NTC continues its regional testing and revalidation.
For mobile users, the key issue will be whether the enforcement actions translate into measurable improvements in connectivity, particularly in communities that continue to experience weak or unavailable mobile service.
