Less than a month after reporting weak results last quarter, Smart, the largest mobile operator in the Philippines, issued a release stating its mobile data revenue surged to PHP12.5 billion ($252 million) for the first nine months of the year.

The operator said mobile data usage increased 43 per cent during the period, with revenue growing 45 per cent – a year ago data traffic expanded 139 per cent and revenue rose 42 per cent. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, it said mobile data revenue rose 14 per cent.

The higher mobile data revenues helped prop up declining wireless revenues for the period as voice and SMS revenues remain under pressure. Data accounted for 32 per cent of wireless revenues in Q3, up from 23 per cent last year.

Smart, which is owned by PLDT, saw its market share tumble to 51 per cent from about 57 per cent a year ago. PLDT’s Q3 revenue fell 6 per cent to PHP40.1 billion, with overall wireless turnover decreasing 12.4 per cent to PHP23.9 billion.

“To boost data usage, we are making available a wide range of handsets and devices bundled with generous data packages, as well as more relevant digital content and services. At the same time, we are working on improving the network for better quality, coverage, and internet speed for the best customer experience,” said Eric Alberto, chief revenue officer of PLDT and Smart.

About half of its 65 million mobile subscribers are already using smartphones.

Smart, along with PLDT Home, recently teamed up with media and entertainment company ABS-CBN for iWantTV for its streaming service for TV shows, movies, and other exclusive digital content, he said.