This is both a "Mega vent" and what I hope to be a informational rant. It has been over a year since I have had PLDT 5-Mbps service (or being billed for it w/o receiving it).
The first thing I want to try to do is put this rant in more simple terms and not fill it with tech-speak. My background includes very specialized training from the US Army where, at that time, it was all classified above the SECRET level during the 70's. Yes, the US Army had "Digital Subscriber equipment" at that time (my MOS was 34F20). After earning a 2nd masters in IT a few years ago, the ability to understand both equipment, APN, Subscriber equipment, (i.e., back office - DSLAM) and speed protocols remains very efficient.
To the rant details: For those of us that have PLDT DSL, we are seldom able to see the speeds we are paying for and here is why:
1. PLDT selects a "port group" for normal customers where they route all of our connections to the internet from Manila to Hong Kong, back to Manila and then out to the internet. This special routing is done by PLDT connecting to the Hong Kong Internet eXchange (HKIX) through its private VIX (Vitro Internet Exchange). This is not normal or the standard under the International ISP rules where each country is required to have their own IX (Internet Exchange) account and use an "Unified IX".
Why is PLDT doing this? PLDT wants to appear as it's own IX and therefore does not want to share it's traffic through peer networks (which is PACNET here in Asia). All others here except PLDT/Smart use the unified IX for the Philippines called PHOpenIX. If connected in accordance with international standards, PLDT/Smart would connect through PHOpenIX which would in turn pay the fees and be connected to PACNET (just like Japan, S. Korea and all others customers that enjoy 20-50 Mbps connections to their homes as the norm). Instead, PLDT has created a "fake backbone" as if it was the official IX for the PI.
Note: The fiber-optic submarine network has speeds ranging from 17 Terabits up to 31 Terabits. South East Asia is reported to "average speed of at least 10mpbs+ (S.K at 13.3mbps, Singapore at 17mbps, Hong Kong at 65 mbps)".
Here is the deception on us the end-users:
1. PLDT tells us to dial 171 for tech support on home DSL (177 Business DSL) and as you walk through the prompts you reach a point where you are told to do a speed test. That steps is to select "www.speedtest.net" and under server make sure to select "PLDT Makati". Once we do this, we are routed to PLDT only and not the world (where the www resides). The end result is a false performance test by PLDT doing a "INTRANET" vs. "INTERNET" test.
2. Any report of slow speeds is negated by this false speed when you talk to the rep. The point is that we should receive 80% of what we pay for. In my case I pay for 5 Mbps and if the test shows 4 Mbps, PLDT will just say that is within spec.
Understanding what has happened with this test - By testing our connection from one point in the PI to another point in the PI, we are remaining within the PLDT structure. These test results will alway she higher and faster than a real internet test and produce a false fast ping and high speed result 100% of the time. When we remain within a corporate structure, that is called "INTRANET".
Understanding how to get a true world internet test - While in the window of speediest.net, click on "new server", drag and drop the green square box to the USA and watch the map as each section of the region moves as a map. In my case, I always test to Los angeles California where 4 green button show up (I select the Times Warner Server due to is being 100% fiber backed).
As you mouse over each button, it will display the local servers available in that city or region. Once the desired server is selected, the test will run and you will se a true speed between your Philippine location and an actual server in the USA. This represents a true "INTERNET" test. There is no World Wide Web between Philippine locations. However, there is a www between Philippines and the USA.
As of writing this rant today, my speeds to Makati server are:
Ping: 31 ms, Download: 4.87 Mbps, Up .67 Mbps.
When the test is repeated 30 seconds later with a connection to Los Angeles, my speeds are:
Ping: 299 ms, Download: .73 Mbps Up: .44 Mbps.
Clearly, I am paying for 5 Mbps service, being directed to go by a false high speed result while receiving very substandard service. Although my situation has been escalated, I encourage all PLDT customers to check their speeds as described here.
Do this test and call PLDT tech support (171) and start demanding your actual purchased speed. Either PLDT has advertised for internet service or they have not? You must do this test first or risk being sold a load a male cow manure, as you demand proper service.
Sorry for the long rant here but I am sure I am not alone with this topic… Please share your thoughts and or experiences.
PS. In another rant, I will inform people about the problems and solutions for best cell service here in the Philippines. Hint: Be ready for 3G & 4G (LTE) and new 5G spec review along with key equipment selections.