(KPL) The Star Telecom (Unitel) has officially been awarded the “Best Mobile Network Award” in the Lao PDR for the first half of 2025. The prestigious recognition was presented by Ms. Susila Johnston, Regional Head for the Pacific Region at Ookla, during a formal ceremony held in Vientiane on Sept 26.
The event was attended by Mr. Phan Xuan Luong, Deputy Director of Technical of Star Telecom company, Mr. Minasay Philavong, Head of the National Internet Centre, Mr. Somphone Sihalat, Head of the Department of Frequency and Radio Communication and Mr. Soudchay Lollonsy, Head of the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority and stakeholders.
In his remarks, Mr. Phan Xuan Luong emphasized that the award represents more than just a technological achievement—it is a symbol of over 16 years of continuous development and dedication by Unitel’s team.
“This award is an official recognition from a globally renowned organization, based on fair and impartial data analysis and real-world user experience. It reflects our relentless efforts—from the early days of 2G, through the roll-out of 3G and 4G, and now to the official deployment of 5G,” he said. Mr. Phan also noted that Unitel remains the largest mobile network provider in Laos, nearly 10,000 BTS stations, network coverage reaching 95% of the population and over 43,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable across the country. 

Presenting the award, Ms. Susila Johnston explained that Unitel ranked number one in the Lao PDR based on Ookla’s Speedtest Connectivity Score, a metric derived from more than 11 million tests conducted daily, data from over 600 million users worldwide. She also noted that the 2025 evaluation utilized a new, comprehensive scoring system, including: Download/upload speeds and latency (50%), Web browsing and page loading experience (25%) and Video streaming quality, continuity, and clarity (25%).
“The results clearly show that Unitel is not only the fastest network in the country, but also delivers a superior user experience—offering speed, stability, and high-quality connectivity that supports the daily digital lives of its customers,” said Ms. Johnston.