Karim Yaici | September 9, 2024

O2 and T-Mobile Lead in Network Performance in Czechia as 5G Competition Heats Up

Mobile operators in the Czech Republic have made progress in expanding 5G coverage and improving network performance. In this article, we review the 5G performance of O2, T-Mobile, and Vodafone at the national level between Q2 2022 and Q2 2024 and highlight their achievements in three regions.

Key Takeaways:

- O2 and T-Mobile have steadily increased their download and upload speeds since Q2 2022. O2 saw its median download speed more than double in 2 years to reach 92.78 Mbps in Q2 2024 while T-Mobile achieved a median download speed of 95.48 Mbps. The median upload speed is more highly contested by the two operators, with O2 taking pole position with 23.85 Mbps in Q2 2024. O2 also steadily improved its multi-server latency, leading the market with 33.34 ms in Q2 2024.
- All operators have considerably improved their 5G coverage since Q1 2023. The percentage of operators’ known locations where a device has access to 5G service has increased from 40.7% in Q1 2023 to 66.2% in Q2 2024. Operators’ efforts to deploy new base stations and use sub-1Ghz frequency bands have driven these coverage improvements.
- O2 leads in the capital region in 5G download speeds. O2 significantly outperforms its competitors in Prague in download speed at 241.86 Mbps compared to 167.85 Mbps for T-Mobile and 90.2 Mbps for Vodafone.
- T-Mobile provides faster 5G download speeds in some other regions. T-Mobile notably outperformed O2 in the Central Bohemian and South Moravian regions. T-Mobile download speeds in the two territories were 129.36 Mbps and 165.54 Mbps, respectively, compared to O2’s 93.02 Mbps and 136.68 Mbps.

O2 and T-Mobile consolidated their lead in 5G performance over the last year while Vodafone outperformed in 5G coverage

The Czech mobile market is very competitive with three key operators: O2, T-Mobile, and Vodafone. The country made a relatively early foray into 5G. O2 introduced 5G services first in July 2020, initially covering parts of Prague and Koline, after acquiring 700 MHz and 3400–3600 spectrum bands. Vodafone followed suit with its 5G network launch in October 2020 and T-Mobile the following month. In November 2023, O2 completed the rollout of 5G across Prague’s metro network, making it the first underground system in Europe with full 5G coverage.

The market remains dominated by the three operators despite the regulator’s efforts to encourage the entry of new players by auctioning the 700 MHz and 3.4-3.6 GHz spectrum bands in 2020. The silver lining is that access to the new spectrum, combined with the refarming of the sunset 3G spectrum, helped incumbent operators expand 5G coverage.

After T-Mobile and O2 began sharing their mobile infrastructure in 2012, their combined networks covered 85% of the population. Following the settlement of an antitrust dispute with the European Commission, they amended the network-sharing agreement in 2022 and extended it through October 2033 to support nationwide 5G deployment. Both operators committed to making their base stations 5G-ready and continue investing in the infrastructure. The network sharing agreement excluded the capital, Prague, and Brno for up to 10 years.

The network performance of both operators improved significantly since Q2 2022 according to Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data. O2 more than doubled its download speed over 2 years to reach 92.78 Mbps in Q2 2024, while T-Mobile pulled slightly ahead of O2 with a peak of 95.48 Mbps. The upload speeds of both operators remained relatively stable before Q3 2023 in the range of 15 Mbps to 20 Mbps before increasing, with O2 taking pole position with a speed of 23.85 Mbps in Q2 2024 and T-Mobile following closely behind at 21.28 Mbps. Vodafone’s download and upload speeds remained relatively flat over the same period before increasing rapidly from Q3 2023, in tandem with the other two operators, to reach 15.77 Mbps in Q2 2024.

O2 has maintained a relatively stable latency with a slight improvement observed since Q4 2023 resulting in the lowest latency in the market at 33.34 ms. T-Mobile exhibited a reduction in latency from Q3 2022 through Q1 2023, followed by an increase, bringing it closer to Vodafone’s performance by Q2 2024 at 35.4 ms. Vodafone gradually decreased its latency over the same period, almost converging with T-Mobile and O2 by Q2 2024.

All Technologies’ Network Performance, Czechia
Source: Speedtest Intelligence® | Q2 2022 — Q2 2024
All Technologies’ Network Performance, Czechia

Due to the growing adoption of 5G service, median 5G download and upload speeds have been declining since launch until 2023. This suggests a growing network usage while capacity was not increased sufficiently to cater to the growing demand. However, 5G network performance started recovering after 3Q 2023. T-Mobile leads the market with a 5G download speed of 153.12 Mbps in Q2 2024, after lagging behind O2 across most quarters since Q2 2022.

Vodafone’s 5G download speed has been declining until Q3 2023, when it reversed the trend rapidly to catch up with the other two operators, reaching 93.12 Mbps in Q2 2024. T-Mobile’s lead is more evident for 5G upload as the median speed reached 39.11 Mbps in Q2 2024, while O2 achieved a speed of 31.61 Mbps. Since Q3 2023, Vodafone’s upload speed gained nearly 10Mbps, reaching 20.52 Mbps.

Vodafone had the lowest download and upload speeds among the three operators throughout the period. The use of Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS), which allows it to share spectrum between 4G and 5G, could explain Vodafone’s underperformance. While this approach enables Vodafone to offer 5G services without physically upgrading its radios, it also weighs on performance since both networks share the same radio spectrum. Furthermore, Vodafone demonstrated significant improvement since Q3 2023, suggesting a strategic focus on enhancing network capabilities to remain competitive.

O2 had the lowest 5G latency compared to T-Mobile and Vodafone during most quarters since Q2 2022, though it peaked around Q3 2023 at 32.9 ms before dropping to 31.3 ms in Q2 2024. T-Mobile exhibited the most significant fluctuation, with latency spiking in Q3 2022 but showing a general decline afterward, reaching comparable levels with Vodafone by Q2 2024. Vodafone also displayed a downward trend but remained above O2 throughout the period.

5G Network Performance, Czechia
Source: Speedtest Intelligence® | Q2 2022 — Q2 2024
5G Network Performance, Czechia

Operators have been using the 700MHz and 3500MHz spectrum bands acquired in 2020 to increase 5G coverage. According to Speedtest Intelligence, 5G Service, a geospatial measure of the percentage of an operator’s known locations where a device has access to 5G service (including roaming), has increased from 40.7% in Q1 2023 to 66.2% in Q2 2024. This significant improvement in coverage is driven mainly by Vodafone’s 5G coverage, with 5G Service value boosted from 59.3% to 78.5% during that period. Vodafone reported 70% coverage of the population within less than two years after launching 5G in 2020. O2 and T-Mobile also improved their 5G coverage during the same period to reach 65.8% and 60.0%, respectively, in Q2 2024, according to Speedtest Intelligence.

More users with 5G-enabled SIMs and handsets were connected to 5G networks in Czechia than before, indicating greater popularity and adoption. According to Speedtest Intelligence, 5G Availability, which represents the percentage of users with 5G-enabled devices and 5G-activated services that spend most of their time connected to 4G and 5G, has been increasing for all operators. Vodafone saw the fastest jump since Q1 2023 reaching 64.9% in Q2 2024. O2 and T-Mobile are also trending upwards and at a similar pace, reaching 35.2% and 40.2%, respectively.

O2 tops 5G performance in Prague but T-Mobile leads in other regions

O2 and T-Mobile have been competing for the top spot for 5G network performance. The tightening of the gap between the two operators in download speeds suggests that subscribers on either network can expect similar performance. However, this similarity in median download speed at the national level hides some disparities at the regional level. For example, O2 excels in Prague, the region with the most samples but lags behind T-Mobile in two parts of the country which are Central Bohemian and South Moravian regions.

O2 and T-Mobile 5G Network Performance, Select Regions, Czechia
Source: Speedtest Intelligence® | Q2 2022 — Q2 2024
O2 and T-Mobile 5G Network Performance, Select Regions, Czechia

Prague

The capital city and its surroundings have the largest population in Czechia with over 2 million people. It is no surprise then that the operators prioritized this region when launching 5G and when upgrading network equipment. We also note that this region has been excluded from the network-sharing agreement signed between O2 and T-Mobile, allowing the two operators to offer distinctively different performances.

In Prague, O2 significantly outperforms T-Mobile in 5G download speeds, with O2 reaching 241.86 Mbps compared to T-Mobile’s 167.85 Mbps. It is also the region where O2 has a large advantage compared to T-Mobile (compared to the other three regions). However, the median 5G upload speeds between the two providers are much closer, with O2 at 47.04 Mbps and T-Mobile at 46.18 Mbps.

Central Bohemian and South Moravian regions

These two regions show a clear trend where T-Mobile outperformed O2 in both 5G download and upload speeds, varying from the pattern observed in Prague, where O2 had a strong lead in download speed. In the Central Bohemian Region, T-Mobile’s download speed is 129.36 Mbps, notably higher than O2’s 93.02 Mbps. Similarly, T-Mobile’s upload speed of 29.47 Mbps is higher than O2’s.

In the South Moravian Region, T-Mobile is also leading with a speed of 165.54 Mbps compared to O2’s 136.68 Mbps. However, the gap between the two is narrower here than in the Central Bohemian Region. Its lead in 5G upload speeds is less pronounced at 38.39 Mbps compared to O2’s 26.29 Mbps. T-Mobile also outperformed O2 in both metrics in six other regions, while there is no clear winner in the remaining five regions.

The Czech Republic is on track to reach EU 5G coverage targets ahead of schedule and has opportunities to improve network speed

According to a European Union (EU) report published in September 2023, 5G deployment is accelerating in Czechia with population coverage increasing from 49% in 2021 to 83% in 2022, ahead of the European average of 81%. This puts the country in a very good position to reach the EU’s target of 100% 5G coverage of the population way before the deadline of 2030.

As 5G coverage issues have been largely addressed, operators turned their attention to improving throughput, especially since Q3 2023. They can optimize their usage of the allocated spectrum in the 700 MHz and 3400–3600 MHz bands, while waiting for the release of the 26 Ghz which promises to offer much higher download speed. The extensive use of dynamic spectrum sharing also poses a bottleneck to unlocking 5G’s full potential. According to the EU’s Observatory Report published in June 2024, nearly half of the 13,870 5G base stations deployed in Czechia use that technology. While operators relied on DSS to expand their 5G footprint, they should now consider moving 5G services to dedicated spectrum channels, just like AT&T and Verizon in the U.S., to accelerate speed improvements.

We will continue to monitor fixed and mobile networks’ performance across Europe. For more information about Speedtest Intelligence data and insights, please contact us.

Ookla retains ownership of this article including all of the intellectual property rights, data, content graphs and analysis. This article may not be quoted, reproduced, distributed or published for any commercial purpose without prior consent. Members of the press and others using the findings in this article for non-commercial purposes are welcome to publicly share and link to report information with attribution to Ookla.

About the Author

Karim Yaici

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Affandy Johan | September 3, 2024

Asia-Pacific Subscribers Will Benefit from More 5G Mid-band Spectrum

In the dynamic landscape of 5G deployment across the Asia-Pacific region, the strategic selection of spectrum frequency bands plays a pivotal role. The mid-band range, notably C-band (3.3-4.2 GHz), stands out as a key enabler, offering the ideal balance of broad coverage and high capacity. In this article, we use Ookla Speedtest Intelligence® data to highlight the relationship between spectrum bands and network performance.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Mid-band is important for unlocking the full potential of 5G. The mid-band spectrum offers a balance of speed and range and is the preferred choice for most 5G deployments globally. Speedtest Intelligence® showed that C-band was present in 62.1% of global Speedtest consumer-initiated 5G samples in the first half of 2024.
Markets with a higher proportion of included C-band samples experienced faster 5G speeds. Global Speedtest Intelligence samples that included C-band were 1.7 times faster than lower mid-band spectrum and 4.27 times faster than sub-1-GHz low-band based on 1H 2024 data. Data also indicates that for markets with a higher reported proportion of included C-band samples typically experienced faster 5G speeds and improved overall network performance.
Operators face the challenge of balancing the need for broad 5G coverage with the desire for better performance. Some APAC markets experienced a decline in speed as 5G services and availability have increased. Malaysia, with its unique single-wholesale 5G network, showed declining 5G median download speeds, falling from 506.96 Mbps in Q2 2023 to 387.39 Mbps in Q2 2024, as 5G Service increased from 9.4% in Q2 2023 to 26.5% in Q2 2024. Thailand, on the other hand, achieved a 5G Service of 65.4% in Q2 2024, but reported a lower 5G median download speed of 135.30 Mbps due to the lack of C-band allocations.

Mid-band spectrum dominates 5G deployments

In our previous report on spectrum and performance, we discussed how the effectiveness of 5G networks depends on the strategic use of spectrum bands. Regulators allocate spectrum for 5G networks across three ranges: low-band (sub-1GHz), mid-band spectrum (frequencies between 1 GHz and 6 GHz), and high-band or mmWave spectrum (24 GHz and above), each with unique characteristics and capabilities. An operator’s spectrum holdings play a crucial role in determining its 5G deployment strategy and the range of services and experiences it can offer.

Mid-band spectrum occupies a strategic position in the 5G landscape, offering a blend of range and speed that is critical for realizing the full potential of 5G networks. It occupies a middle ground between the extensive reach of low-band spectrum and the high-speed but limited-range capabilities of high-band or mmWave spectrum, making it a crucial enabler of high-speed connectivity and low latency. , offering a blend of range and speed that is critical for realizing the full potential of 5G networks. It occupies a middle ground between the extensive reach of low-band spectrum and the high-speed but limited-range capabilities of high-band or mmWave spectrum, making it a crucial enabler of high-speed connectivity and low latency.

Global Breakdown of Spectrum Bands Used in 5G Deployments (%)
GSMA | Q1 2024

Due to mid-band’s ability to balance coverage and performance, it is the preferred choice in 5G deployment. According to GSMA Intelligence’s Spectrum Navigator, out of the 295 operators that have launched commercial 5G networks globally, as of the end of Q1 2024, 72% utilized mid-band spectrum.

Within the mid-band spectrum, the C-band spectrum, which includes n77 (3,300–4,200MHz), n78 (3,300–3,800MHz), and n79 (4,500MHz), has emerged as the de facto standard for 5G deployment. GSMA Intelligence reported that 186 out of 295 operators worldwide (63%) use bands n77 or n78 for their 5G network, showing a clear preference for the C-band spectrum. Additionally, Speedtest Intelligence® data from the first half of 2024 revealed that C-band was present in 62.1% of global Speedtest consumer-initiated 5G samples where spectrum information is available.

Proportion of Included Spectrum Band (%)
Speedtest Intelligence® | 1H 2024

APAC region mirrors the global trend of prioritizing mid-band spectrum for 5G deployment

We analyzed 5G networks in selected Asia Pacific (APAC) and top-performing markets from the Gulf region using Speedtest data from the first half of 2024 to gain insights into the spectrum bands utilized by operators. It’s important to note that operators will employ differing strategies in order to optimize spectrum utilization and the user experience. Consumer-initiated Speedtest samples will attempt to saturate a network connection, and operators will tend to serve this capacity demand through the spectrum bands with the highest capacity, and where required supplement this capacity through carrier aggregation. This active testing gives a better indication of the maximum throughput and state of the network, in contrast with background idle-state testing, which will often camp on lower frequency bands and more specifically on 4G-LTE. For many of these selected markets, it is evident that the mid-band spectrum is the cornerstone of 5G deployments, reported in 81.5% of user samples with spectrum information. Within the mid-band, 73.1% of total test samples included C-band.

Speedtest Intelligence reveals a strong preference for C-band in certain APAC markets. For instance, in South Korea, New Zealand, and Malaysia, the recorded 5G test samples were exclusively reported on the C-band spectrum.

South Korean and New Zealand operators have successfully deployed nationwide 5G access in both markets using the allocated C-band spectrum. In South Korea, all three major operators acquired spectrum in the 3.5 MHz (mid-band) and 28 MHz (high-band) through the auction process in 2018. While all operators prioritized and successfully deployed 5G on the 3.5GHz spectrum, their 28 GHz mmWave band licenses were revoked after failing to meet the deployment conditions set by the country’s regulator, the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT). This underscores that deploying 5G on the C-band for the operators has been sufficient to meet the operators requirements so far.

In Malaysia, 5G deployment is facilitated through its single wholesale network provider, Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), utilizing the 3.5 GHz band for traffic, with 700 MHz serving as the Non-Standalone (NSA) 5G anchor band.

The allocation of C-band for 5G deployment varies across the APAC region. In some markets, 5G deployment relies more on low-band and lower mid-band spectrum range to enable broader outdoor 5G coverage and improved penetration inside buildings in urban and suburban areas. Thailand, one of the first markets to launch 5G in the Asia-Pacific region, has successfully launched 5G services using both 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands. The full allocation of C-band is still pending, which may challenge the country’s ability to fully leverage the capabilities of 5G technology.

Similarly, Indonesia has yet to allocate the C-band spectrum for 5G, which could be challenging due to broadcast and fixed satellite operators’ traditional use of this spectrum. Extensive refarming work may be needed to ensure that mobile operators have access to the spectrum without interference.

5G performance hinges on the spectrum bands used

Data from Speedtest Intelligence from 1H 2024 shows a large variation in 5G download speeds depending on the included frequency in the 5G test samples globally, from a high 1.3 Gbps for samples that included high-band (mmWave) to a more moderate 75.17 Mbps for low band.

Median 5G Download (Mbps) by Included Spectrum Bands
Speedtest Intelligence® | 1H 2024

Samples that included lower-range mid-band spectrum provided 2.48 times better performance compared to the sub-1GHz low-band, with a median download speed of 187.80 Mbps. While samples that included the upper mid-band, i.e., C-band, the preferred spectrum band used for 5G deployment globally, had significantly higher download speeds at 322.38 Mbps, or 1.7 times faster than lower mid-band spectrum, and more than 4 times faster than sub 1-GHz low-band.

C-Band driving improved performance

Drilling further into the selected markets, our data indicates that markets with a higher proportion of C-band samples in the tests, generally had faster median 5G download speeds.

Operators in the UAE, Qatar, and South Korea have ample spectrum allocation, with each operator being provided at least 100 MHz of contiguous C-band spectrum, partially explaining the strong 5G performance in those markets.

United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Kuwait have consistently secured top positions in Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index^TM for median download speed over all technologies. This is driven by strong 5G performance, with Speedtest Intelligence data reporting median 5G download speeds in 1H 2024 of 667.99 Mbps in the UAE and 610.67 Mbps in Qatar, while Kuwait maintained a reasonably fast 366.79 Mbps during the same period.

The strong 5G performance can be partly attributable to the combination of ample spectrum access and extensive 5G coverage underpinned by fierce competition among operators. The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) in the UAE has reported that as of Q1 2024, the 5G network covers more than 98% of the populated areas. Additionally, Qatar has made massive investments in building robust 5G networks for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

In APAC, South Korea continues to solidify its position as a regional leader in 5G deployment, showcasing median 5G download speeds of 524.99 Mbps in 1H 2024. South Korean regulator, MSIT, has set strict milestones and requirements after allocating 100 megahertz in the 3.5 GHz band to all three major operators. This move has prompted the operators to accelerate their 5G rollouts with extensive network densification, as evidenced by deploying more than 115,000 5G sites across 85 cities, covering most metropolitan areas and ensuring the country was among the first to reach nationwide population coverage.

Balancing 5G Service and network performance with increasing user demands

As the adoption of 5G technology continues to expand, operators face the challenge of balancing the need for extensive 5G coverage and high performance to meet the growing demands for advanced use cases. Ookla’s 5G Service metric measures the percentage of known geospatial locations where a 5G-enabled device has access to 5G Service. When comparing 5G service and performance in selected Asia-Pacific markets, apart from some outliers, we noticed that there is typically a trade-off between performance and coverage when operators deploy 5G using a range of spectrum bands.

Median 5G Download (Mbps) and 5G Service (%) Quarterly Trend in Selected APAC Markets
Source: Speedtest Intelligence® | Q2 2023 – Q2 2024
Median 5G Download (Mbps) and 5G Service (%) Quarterly Trend in Selected APAC Markets

In Hong Kong, 5G Service is widespread at 95.7% as of Q2 2024, thanks to a combination of low-band, mid-band, and C-band spectrum. However, with an average of 75 MHz in C-band allocated to operators, download speeds are constrained at 135.50 Mbps.

Singapore, where all three operators have commercialized 5G SA, reported well-balanced 5G Service and download performance. In Q2 2024, Singapore 5G Service was at 80.3%, and the median download speed was 341.49 Mbps. This is due to the operators’ optimal combined use of the 2.1GHz mid-band spectrum and 3.5 GHz C-band spectrum nationwide.

Despite initially achieving some of the fastest 5G speeds in the region, Malaysia, with its unique 5G deployment strategy through a nationwide single wholesale network, has experienced a decline in speed as 5G services and availability have increased. Overall, the country’s 5G download speed has fallen from 506.96 Mbps in Q2 2023 to 387.39 Mbps in Q2 2024, as 5G Service increased significantly from 9.4% in Q2 2023 to 26.5% in Q2 2024. The 100 MHz C-band spectrum allocated to the SWN provider, shared among five 5G providers, appears constrained as 5G Service and availability increase, leading to declining median speeds. GSMA Intelligence data estimates that the adoption of 5G technology in Malaysia was 10.1% in Q2 2023 and increased to 37.0% in Q2 2024. The rapid adoption of 5G technology is impacting performance and will continue to do so as adoption rates increase and traffic demand per connection rises. This underscores the importance of ongoing spectrum management to maintain high-performance 5G networks and effectively address the increasing demands and new 5G use cases.

It was observed that in markets leveraging lower-band spectrum for wider 5G coverage, there was a trade-off between extensive coverage and performance. Thailand, for example, underscores the critical role of C-band spectrum in unlocking 5G’s full potential. Despite achieving 65.4% 5G Service in Q2 2024, the lack of C-band allocations has limited 5G performance to a median download speed of 135.30 Mbps. This highlights the importance of incorporating C-band spectrum alongside low-band and lower mid-band frequencies to deliver optimal 5G speeds and capabilities.

Wider contiguous spectrum is needed for future 5G networks

5G has been the fastest mobile generation rollout to date, surpassing one billion connections by the end of 2022, rising to 1.6 billion connections at the end of 2023 and 5.5 billion by 2030. As the number of 5G connections continues to grow, sustaining a good user experience becomes more important, underscoring the need to maintain and enhance network capacity.

The increasing data traffic and the proliferation of data-intensive applications and services drive the demand for greater contiguous mid-band spectrum, particularly in the 3.3-4.2 GHz C-band range. Allocating additional spectrum would also help mobile operators meet the ITU’s minimum technical performance requirements for download speeds of 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 50 Mbps in densely populated urban areas.

We will continue to monitor spectrum demands and monitor their impact on network global performance. For more information about Speedtest Intelligence data and insights, please get in touch.

About the Author

Affandy Johan

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Sylwia Kechiche | September 18, 2023

Sunsetting 3G to Aid 5G Progress in Central and Eastern Europe

Building on insights discussed in last year’s article – 5G in Central and Eastern Europe: Poland Still Waits for True 5G While Bulgaria Sprints Ahead – we’ve reviewed 5G progress in the region again this year in terms of spectrum allocation, 5G performance as well spectrum refarming. Read on to learn more about 5G progress in Central and Eastern Europe.

Key takeaways

Late 5G Spectrum Allocation in Poland: While Poland was the last country in the region to allocate dedicated 5G spectrum, it has now initiated an auction for the crucial C band (3400-3800 MHz) to catch up with its neighbors.
Spectrum Refarming to aid 5G rollout: Many countries in the region are repurposing mid-band spectrum and shutting down 3G networks to allocate spectrum for 4G and 5G services.
North Macedonia leads on 5G Performance: North Macedonia had the highest median 5G download speed in the region, and its capital city (Skopje) was not only the fastest in the country, but it also ranked high in our global city speed rankings (25th).

Poland finally auctions 5G spectrum

When we last discussed the state of 5G across Europe, Poland was the only country in the region without dedicated 5G spectrum. At that time, all neighboring countries had already assigned C-band, and all bar Bulgaria were assigned low-band frequencies for 5G. There was limited interest in high-band (mmWave) frequencies, as we’ve witnessed in other parts of the world.

However, a notable shift occurred in May 2023 when Hungary’s National Media & Infocommunications Authority (NMHH) conducted an auction for 32 GHz frequency band spectrum because mmWave (24.5-26.5 GHz) is primarily used for fixed point-to-point and point-to-multipoint systems with some licenses set to expire in 2024 and the majority in 2027. NMHH intends for current users of the 26 GHz band to migrate to the 32 GHz band, making the 26 GHz band available for 5G use.

Below is an overview of the 5G spectrum status across select Central and Eastern European countries:

After a number of delays, Polish telecom regulator, the Office of Electronic Communications (UKE), began its auction for C-band spectrum (3400-3800 MHz). This is one of the crucial pioneer bands for 5G. All four Polish operators have submitted bids for 100 MHz blocks within the 3400-3800 MHz band at auction, which is expected to end by 11 November. Access to at least 100 MHz contiguous spectrum in C-band, the ITU’s minimum technical requirement to meet 5G performance requirements, will help Polish operators achieve faster speeds, lower latency, and improved spectral efficiency.

Furthermore, our research shows that countries using C-band spectrum (3 GHz – 6 GHz) for 5G experience faster download speeds than those on other bands. The chart below illustrates that this is the case in Central Eastern Europe as well. A higher proportion of scans on the C-band spectrum correlates with faster median 5G download speeds, as seen in countries like Bulgaria and Croatia. It’s worth noting that North Macedonia deviates from this pattern, which can be attributed to multiple factors, including Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS), the country’s size, and the concentration of coverage in its capital, Skopje.

Spectrum refarming to aid 5G deployment

According to our data, a significant amount of bandwidth used for 5G is through lower mid-band (1000 MHz to 2600 MHz). We have observed that most 5G services in Poland utilize lower mid-band spectrum, given that the country’s spectrum auction has not finished yet. Additionally, more than 40% of tests conducted in Czechia, North Macedonia, Slovakia, and Romania were on mid-band. In contrast, 70% of tests in Hungary were performed on low-band spectrum, which helps enhance coverage (but often at the tradeoff of slower speeds). For example, in May 2023, Magyar Telekom announced that it had increased its outdoor 5G coverage to 60% of the population by this summer as part of its mobile network modernization program, carried out over multiple years. Magyar Telekom provides 5G networks over 700 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 3600 MHz spectrum bands, with the current development typically switching on 5G at 700 MHz.

Mobile network operators are refarming mid-band spectrum to provide faster and more advanced 4G and 5G services. To make this happen, several operators across four countries have already shut down their 3G networks, with seven more operators in five countries planning to do the same. A1 Slovenija decided to switch off 3G mobile network services on June 30, following Telekom Slovenije, which ended its 3G services last autumn. Slovak Telekom also plans to shut down its 3G network this year and use the freed-up 3G bands for 5G services (it already uses some of its 2,100 MHz spectrum for 5G). Orange Slovakia announced in December 2022 that it plans to disconnect its 3G network within a year. In Poland, Orange will start sunsetting 3G in late September and complete the process in 2025. T-Mobile already began dismantling its 3G network in Poland in Q2 2022 and will shut down by year-end 2023. The operator plans to use the 900 MHz band released from its 3G sunset for LTE and 5G.

North Macedonia scores high on 5G performance

Our data shows that in Q2 2023, North Macedonia achieved the highest median 5G download speed in Central and Eastern Europe at 317.91 Mbps. Bulgaria was the only other country in the region that topped 200 Mbps (233.63 Mbps). It’s worth noting that North Macedonia not only excels in terms of median 5G speed but also when looking at 90th and 10th percentile results. For example, 5G download speeds in the 90th percentile reached 788.30 Mbps, while speeds in the 10th percentile clocked in at 90.90 Mbps. Makedonski Telekom and A1 Macedonia launched their 5G services with a combination of 4G frequencies using DSS before the 5G spectrum auction, with the regulator, AEK, awarding the licenses for frequencies in the 700 MHz and 3.6 GHz bands for 5G in July 2022. Makedonski Telekom invested over EUR 70 million in 2022 for network development.
While countries in the region continue to invest in 5G solutions, it’s worth noting that users could see 5G speeds decline after more and more users join and congestion ticks up.

Another factor contributing to the decrease is the need to adhere to coverage obligations, for which low band is better suited, resulting in lower median speeds.

A1 Bulgaria and Yettel Hungary head to head

According to Speedtest Intelligence data, median 5G download speeds in different parts of the region can vary greatly. For instance, Vodafone Hungary had a speed of 44.68 Mbps, while A1 Bulgaria boasted a speed of 433.35 Mbps in Q2 2023. In most markets, our results show a clear 5G leader when it comes to speed, and A1 Bulgaria has emerged as that leader in Bulgaria.

In May 2023, Nokia announced a successful trial of Nokia 5G Standalone (SA) Cloud RAN in A1 Bulgaria’s commercial 5G network. This trial followed A1 Bulgaria’s 5G SA network integration in October 2022. The 5G SA network consists of a Radio Access Network (RAN) built with Nokia equipment and Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core backbone network. Meanwhile, the second fastest operator, Yettel Hungary has improved its 5G performance as well, with its median 5G download speed increasing from 349.61 Mbps in Q2 2022 to 403.73 Mbps in Q2 2023, while at the same time, Yettel Hungary reported that its 5G network coverage increased from 5% of the population in 2022 to 16% in 2023.

Skopje leads the pack

Given that North Macedonia had the fastest 5G among its peers, it isn’t surprising that its capital ranked first among regional capitals, with Skopje boasting a 475.92 Mbps median 5G download speed and a 59.94 5G upload speed in Q2 2023.

The conditions of 5G licenses for Macedonian operators state that by the end of 2023, at least one Macedonian city should be covered with a 5G signal. But it is not only 5G that is achieving good performance. Skopje also ranked 25th on our Global Index City Speeds in July 2023, with a median mobile download speed of 96.79 Mbps, placing the city just behind Sofia in our rankings but ahead of some Western European capitals like Paris, Amsterdam, Lisbon, Berlin, Rome, and London.

The Road Ahead for 5G in CEE

In Central and Eastern Europe, the progress and hurdles of 5G development are becoming more apparent. Poland’s decision to allocate C-band spectrum is a positive step forward. Other countries are still transitioning their networks and reallocating spectrum.
The sunsetting of 3G networks is a global trend. Leading mobile operators are sunsetting 3G to free up spectrum for newer technologies and move their customers onto faster technology. Ookla recently hosted a webinar sharing lessons learned on how to use crowdsourced network intelligence to address those challenges and the impact of repurposing 3G spectrum to more advanced technology. Some of the ways Ookla data can help is by identifying areas where either 2G or 3G signals are strong and where 4G LTE networks can be improved with network planning and optimization.

About the Author

Sylwia Kechiche

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Sue Marek | July 29, 2024

Nearly 5M reports of Web troubles to Downdetector during CrowdStrike glitch

Airline websites saw fifty times the average number of user reports on July 19, with Delta Airlines and Ryanair (a low-cost airline in Europe), having the largest number of reports in this sector, according to Downdetector.com.

A routine software update performed by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike on July 19 caused what some believe to be the largest tech outage in IT history. Microsoft reported that the outage impacted around 8.5 million Microsoft Windows devices causing the devices to display the blue screen of death.

The outage resulted in major airlines being forced to ground their flights, TV news stations going off the air, hospitals canceling medical procedures, and banks being unable to transfer customers’ funds.

Downdetector by Ookla, which monitors real-time performance for thousands of popular web services globally, had a front row seat to the July 19 outage. Nearly 5 million reports were made to Downdetector.com on the status of different websites, which was more than three times the average number of users that typically visit the Downdetector site every day.

All major sectors of the economy see spike in outage reports

Downdetector reported surges in outage reports across a variety of sectors, from emergency services, which saw the largest increase over its daily average, at 68x, to airlines, retail, banking, and even dating services.

Not surprisingly, Microsoft bore the brunt of user reported outages. Microsoft witnessed a 42x increase over its daily average, while Microsoft 365, its cloud-based productivity suite, saw user reports increase 18x. Microsoft Azure was also impacted, with user reported outages up 21x.

Beyond software providers, transport, airlines, ride sharing and even e-commerce and delivery services saw large spikes in outage reports. Tesla saw an increase of 12x over its daily average, while user reported outages for Uber were up 57x, and Uber Eats experienced a 41x increase. Amazon witnessed a 14x increase in outage reports, while DHL and Fedex saw 6x and 4x increases respectively.

Verticals Impacted by CrowdStrike IT Outage
Increase in Outage Reports | Downdetector® | July 2024

Airline sites hit with 50% rise in reports

As was widely reported in the news, the airline industry was significantly impacted by the Crowdstrike-induced outage. OAG, a provider of digital flight information, reported that the world’s 20 largest airlines canceled nearly 10,000 flights between July 19 and July 21.

Delta Airlines was by far the most impacted of the large global airlines, having canceled 5,300 flights since the outage started. The airline is now under federal investigation for how it’s handling the delays and cancellations.

Not surprisingly, Downdetector’s data on the various airline websites shows that the airline category of websites experienced more than 50 times the average number of user reports on July 19, with Delta Airlines and Ryanair (a low-cost airline covering Europe), leading this sector. In fact, Delta alone experienced a 92x increase in user reports on July 19 compared to its typical daily average and United Airlines saw a 57x increase. Delta was still experiencing more than 6x the average daily number of user reports four days after the outage on July 23.

Airlines Impacted by CrowdStrike IT Outage
Number of Outage Reports | Downdetector® | July 2024

Digital banks and financial companies also struggled to serve their customers during the outage. Visa received more than 64,000 user reports on July 19 compared to its typical daily average of just 1,500 and online bank TDBank also saw its user reports increase to more than 56,000 on the 19th compared to its typical daily average of 240 reports.

Although most company websites have rebounded from the Crowdstrike debacle, the outage showcased just how vulnerable today’s websites are to software glitches and updates and how important tools like Downdetector.com are to providing real-time analysis.

Downdetector.com leverages more than 25 million monthly reports from individual users to make sure you have reliable information about the status of services that are important to you. For more, please read this blog post.

Editor’s Note: This article was updated August 6 from 5 million users to 5 million reports to better reflect how Downdetector tracks the number of outage reports submitted.

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Sue Marek

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Isla McKetta | July 23, 2024

Is Parisian Mobile Coverage Ready for the Gold?

All eyes are on Paris this month for the 2024 Olympic Games. Hundreds of thousands of people will converge to watch the events or compete, and every single one will want to share their experience with friends, loved ones, and the internet at large. Which can only happen if they can find mobile coverage. So we analyzed Speedtest® data from Q2 2024 to help you find the best connection near the various Olympic venues in Paris.

Paris is 5G-ready overall

Our analysis of Speedtest data across Paris shows that 5G is available in almost every corner of the city. Coverage is not quite as complete in or near the cemeteries of Montparnasse or Pere Lachaise or in the parks of Bois de Boulogne or Bois de Vincennes, but for the most part you’ll have a hard time finding an area where you cannot connect at all. 5G offers better performance for mobile customers than 4G LTE, providing higher speeds and lower latency. To learn more about 5G, visit our 5G FAQ.

Each of the sections below will give you a good idea of what cellular connection type is most common in the area. For a view of the most common connection types for each mobile carrier, download the Speedtest app for Android or iOS and check the map tab. Pull up the drawer to select a carrier and whether you want to see the best connection type available or the most common. Remember that if you’re roaming, you may not get the performance you’re used to at home.

4th Arrondissement: Hôtel de Ville

The Olympic marathon begins at Paris’s iconic city hall. You should be in luck for 5G coverage both at the start of the race and anywhere you wander along Rue de Rivoli and into the Arsenal section of the Marais. In northern parts of the Marais, 4G is more common, though you may still be able to connect to 5G.

7th Arrondissement: Eiffel Tower Stadium, Champ de Mars Arena, Invalides

You’ll probably visit the Eiffel Tower and nearby Champ de Mars, even if you aren’t a fan of beach volleyball, judo, or wrestling. The good news is that 5G is the most common mobile technology near both those venues. The bad news is that there are a few small areas running up the middle of the 7th arrondissement where you’ll be on 3G or you could have no service at all. If this happens, keep walking east because you’ll pass through those areas quickly and find 5G again close to Les Invalides and leading up to Pont Alexandre III.

8th Arrondissement: Grand Palais, La Concorde, Pont Alexandre III

The 8th arrondissement is home to venues featuring some of the newest Olympic sports, including breakdancing and skateboarding; it’s also teeming with 5G coverage and shows no dead zones. So whether you’re into fencing, taekwondo, cycling, or swimming, you’ll have access to 5G near all the major venues in this district.

12th Arrondissement: Bercy Arena

Sharing all the gymnastics highlights should be easy at Bercy Arena in the 12th arrondissement with 5G solidly covering the southwest side of the venue up and down the Seine on Quai de Bercy. LTE is more common along the northeast side of the venue and deeper into the middle of the district. There are a few anomalous spots of 3G or no service dotted throughout the 12th arr., including near the Musée des Arts Forains, Place de la Nation, and in the Bois de Vincennes.

15th Arrondissement: South Paris Arenas

5G is most commonly found along the southwest edge of the 15th arrondissement, including near the South Paris Arena. If you’re walking south from the Eiffel Tower and the 7th arrondissement for the handball, table tennis, volleyball, or weightlifting events at South Paris Arenas, you’ll likely be bumping back and forth between 4G and 5G. There are also a few small areas of 3G or no service scattered throughout the district, so if you’re having trouble connecting, walk a few hundred meters and try again because you’ll be back on LTE.

16th Arrondissement: Trocadéro, Parc des Princes, Stade Roland-Garros

If you’re watching football, cycling, boxing, or tennis at any of the three Olympic venues in the 16th arrondissement, you’ll likely have 5G. However, you may quickly find yourself on 4G LTE if you’re wandering the district at large. As we saw in other districts, the edge of the Seine is a reliable place to find 5G should you need a faster connection.

18th Arrondissement: Porte de la Chapelle Arena

Fans of badminton and rhythmic gymnastics will find the area around Porte de la Chapelle Arena in the 18th arrondissement to be well covered with 5G. In general, the northern part of this district has more 5G coverage, but there are a few areas of 3G or no service scattered throughout the southern half of the 18th arr.

To see what mobile coverage you can expect at Olympic venues outside of Paris or for a personalized view of mobile coverage by operator, download the free Speedtest app for Android or iOS and check the map tab. Be aware that massive crowds can weigh heavily on a network, so if you are having trouble connecting, check Downdetector® to see if there’s an outage or if a particular service is down.

About the Author

Isla McKetta

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Affandy Johan | July 22, 2024

Fiber In The Philippines Is Improving And Catching Up With Its Regional Peers

Fixed broadband speeds in the Philippines are gradually improving. This is attributed to the combined efforts of ISPs and government agencies to expand coverage and promote the transition from legacy fixed-line technologies to faster fiber connections. However, the distribution of fixed network infrastructure across the country is uneven, and there is still room for further improvement and adoption.

Key Takeaways

Fixed performance in the Philippines is improving but still lags behind some neighbors. While the Philippines’ fixed broadband network performance continues to improve quarter over quarter, Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® shows the Philippines’ speed of 94.42 Mbps in Q2 2024 was behind some of its Southeast Asian peers’ median download speeds, such as Singapore (284.93 Mbps), Thailand (231.01 Mbps), Vietnam (135.00 Mbps), and Malaysia (132.72 Mbps).
The five fastest regions in the Philippines were in Luzon Island, highlighting the unequal distribution of fixed network infrastructure. In Q2 2024, Luzon Island had the regions with the top five fastest fixed performance in the Philippines, all reporting download and upload speeds surpassing 90 Mbps. Calabarzon had the fastest fixed median download speed of 99.55 Mbps, while the Eastern Visayas region had the lowest median fixed download speed of 38.43 Mbps.
An increase of Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellite-based connection is an interesting development and may make this satellite service a viable home broadband alternative. Speedtest samples for Starlink in the Philippines have significantly increased over the past year. However, Starlink’s performance lags behind that of fixed broadband, with median download speeds half of fixed download speeds for all operators, at 48.14 Mbps compared to 94.42 Mbps. Upload speeds were also significantly lower, at 12.63 Mbps compared to 94.13 Mbps reported by all fixed broadband operators.

Philippines’ fixed performance continues to trail behind neighboring counterparts

Broadband subscriptions in Southeast Asia substantially surged during the pandemic, reflecting the increased demand for connectivity. Although 92% of the total broadband subscriptions are mobile, there are efforts in the region to bolster fixed broadband access. Government initiatives in the region have led to improvements in fixed broadband performance. However, there is still a disparity in broadband performance among regional counterparts.

Looking at performance in Q2 2024 in select Southeast Asian markets, Singapore and Thailand maintained a significant performance lead compared to other countries in the region, achieving median fixed broadband download speeds in excess of 200 Mbps during Q2 2024. Malaysia and Vietnam demonstrated similar performance, both achieving median fixed download speeds of 132.72 Mbps and 135.00 Mbps, respectively, surpassing the Philippines’ speed of 94.42 Mbps in Q2 2024. Of the remaining selected markets, Brunei had a speed of 77.50 Mbps, trailing behind the Philippines, while Indonesia, which shares geographical similarities with the Philippines as both are archipelagos composed of thousands of islands, reported the slowest fixed-line market, recording a median download speed of 31.42 Mbps during the same period.

Fixed Median Download Speed Across Select Southeast Asian Countries
Speedtest Intelligence® | Q2 2024

Mobile internet is the primary means of access in the Philippines, with only 33% of households having fixed broadband, which is significantly lower than the ASEAN average of 41%. Additionally, the annual charge for fixed broadband accounts for 11% of the per capita gross national income (GNI), which is twice as much as the ASEAN average, making it unaffordable for some of the lower-income population.

Accelerated fiber deployments result in a 50% improvement in broadband speeds

The Philippines was the fastest growing economy across Southeast Asia in 2023. With the improving GDP, there is more disposable income for people to afford connectivity solutions and increased demand for better broadband connectivity in the country. As a result, the fixed broadband market in the Philippines has undergone significant transformations in recent years, marked by a notable shift towards fiber networks and the implementation of 5G fixed wireless access. Both governmental initiatives and efforts by leading ISPs have resulted in substantial investments aimed at expanding and modernizing infrastructure throughout the archipelago.

According to GlobalData in 2022, DSL lines accounted for 37% of total fixed broadband subscriptions in the Philippines. This is expected to gradually decrease and be replaced by fiber, with projections indicating that fiber will constitute over 36% of all fixed broadband lines by 2027.

One key government project aimed at enhancing internet infrastructure is the National Broadband Plan (NBP). Through the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Philippine government has rolled out the NBP, which seeks to bridge the digital divide by establishing a nationwide fiber broadband network and wireless technology to provide faster and more affordable internet access to all Filipinos.

As part of NBF, the government recently launched the first phase of its National Fiber Backbone (NFP) project. Targeted to be completed by 2026, the NFB project aims to enhance connectivity and government operational efficiency while extending internet access in Regions I, III, and NCR.

Besides government-led initiatives, ISPs such as Converge ICT, Globe Telecom, and PLDT are investing in and expanding their networks and upgrading their technologies. These efforts aim to offer faster internet speeds to their customers and enhance internet connectivity in both urban and rural areas.

PLDT started deploying fiber in 2015 and as of the end of 2023 it reached 17.3 million households with fiber.. Similarly, Converge ICT, the incumbent fixed broadband player, added 900,000 new homes to its fiber footprint in 2023 and ended the year with nearly 16 million homes passed.

Network performance in the Philippines has improved over the past two years. Ookla Speedtest Intelligence® data indicates a steady increase in median fixed download and upload speeds across the Philippines for all fixed providers combined between Q2 2022 and Q2 2024. During this period, the median fixed download speed rose by 51% from 62.51 Mbps to 94.42 Mbps. Since most ISPs offer symmetric speeds, the median fixed upload speed also showed an upward trend, increasing from 58.65 Mbps in Q2 2022 to 94.13 Mbps in Q2 2024.

Median Fixed DL and UL Performance in the Philippines
Speedtest Intelligence® | Q2 2022 – Q2 2024

Regions in Luzon Island dominates fixed broadband performance, underscoring disparities across the country

Despite various efforts to enhance fixed performance throughout the Philippines, there are persistent regional disparities in median download and upload speeds due to the uneven distribution of fixed network infrastructure. Based on Speedtest Intelligence® data from Q2 2024, Luzon Island stands out for its fixed internet performance, with the five fastest regions situated on the island, recording download and upload speeds surpassing 90 Mbps. Given Luzon’s economic significance and high population density, it is where the majority of the country’s investment in high-speed broadband infrastructure is concentrated, especially in the capital, Metro Manila, as well as nearby provinces, and central Luzon.

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Calabarzon, the region with the largest population of 16 million, had the fastest fixed median download speed of 99.55 Mbps in Q2 2024. The region has the second-highest percentage of households with access to fixed broadband network, at 23.4%, after Metro Manila (NCR), which had the highest share, at 26.4%. At the other end of the scale, the Eastern Visayas region (Region VIII), occupying the eastern section of Visayas Island, scored the lowest median fixed download speed at 38.43 Mbps.

Fixed Wireless Access and satellite broadband as an alternative to bridge the digital gap

The Philippines’ geographical layout, consisting of over 7,000 islands, is challenging for fiber deployment. Due to the archipelago’s structure, ISPs may be reluctant to invest in fiber deployment as accessing remote parts can be difficult. In many low-density and low ARPU areas, fixed networks are neither cost-effective nor logistically viable. To this end, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and Satellite Communication (SatCom) are becoming attractive options for tapping into these underserved and remote populations.

FWA provides the fastest and most flexible broadband option in areas where fixed broadband is unavailable, especially since the Philippines is a predominantly mobile market. 4G FWA has been available in the Philippines for some time and MNOs use FWA to increase broadband adoption in areas with low fixed broadband coverage. As 5G coverage expands nationwide, it brings significant performance improvements, positioning FWA as a strong competitor to the existing fixed alternatives, such as fiber-to-the-home (FTTH).

The Philippines was the first country in Southeast Asia to experience commercial 5G FWA connectivity. In 2019, Globe launched its first commercially available 5G FWA service called Globe At Home AirFiber 5G. This service offers speeds of up to 100 Mbps and generous data allocations of up to 2 terabytes (TB), starting at around P1,899 (USD$36) per month. Smart Communications launched its prepaid Home Wi-Fi 5G called Smart Bro Home Wi-Fi 5G at the end of 2021.

At its peak, an estimated 4.3 million users in the Philippines access broadband through FWA. Interestingly, the FWA growth rate has declined in the last two years, as reported by ABI Research. In early 2023, Globe Telecom reported a subscriber base of 1.2 million for its fixed wireless services, a decrease from 2.4 million the previous year. Likewise, PLDT reported a 45% decline in FWA subscriptions at the end of 2023 compared to the beginning of the year. This decrease in FWA numbers was partly due to the increased availability of fiber broadband access nationwide. Both providers noted a rise in fixed fiber broadband subscriptions, which is understandable given that fiber provides more reliable connectivity than FWA.

There has also been a significant increase in satellite-based connectivity to provide internet access in areas not covered by traditional terrestrial networks. Based on Speedtest samples, Starlink’s LEO service is providing the majority of satellite internet connectivity in the country. Starlink service in the Philippines launched in early 2023. Based on the comparison between Q2 2024 and Q2 2023, there has been a substantial increase in Starlink Speedtest samples in the Philippines, growing by 228.5% over the past year, and this number is expected to increase further. According ABI Research, the Philippines is projected to become the largest Southeast Asian market for satellite broadband, with 909,000 subscriptions by 2028.

Speedtest Intelligence data indicates that Starlink underperformed compared to all fixed broadband operators combined. Starlink’s Q2 2024 median download speeds were almost half of the median fixed download for all operators, at 48.14 Mbps compared to 94.42 Mbps. Starlink’s median fixed upload speeds, at 12.63 Mbps, significantly lagged behind the 94.13 Mbps provided by fixed broadband operators, which provides symmetrical upload and download speeds.

Multi-server latency tends to be higher for satellite providers, with the significant distances between satellites and receivers resulting in long delays. For Q2 2024, Starlink’s multi-server latency was double that of all fixed operators combined, at 50 ms compared to 25 ms for the latter.

Starlink Performance Against All ISPs Combined
Speedtest Intelligence® | Q2 2024

Besides Starlink’s performance challenges, the equipment and subscription costs are higher than terrestrial broadband options, making it inaccessible for some users. However, it provides a viable alternative, especially in locations without access to fixed broadband or with slower DSL connections.

It’s clear that the regulatory bodies and ISPs in the Philippines are committed to advancing broadband connectivity by implementing various strategies aimed at deploying fiber, promoting its adoption, and offering wireless broadband as an alternative to increase competition. These efforts have led to notable improvements in fiber accessibility and fixed broadband speed over the past two years. However, a significant gap in fixed broadband performance remains compared to some neighboring countries in the region.

Establishing a closer private-public partnership is imperative to meet the increasing demand for better fixed broadband and narrow the gap with neighboring countries. This, in turn, will drive the development of robust fiber networks and promote greater availability of higher-speed broadband services while encouraging existing customers to upgrade to faster speeds. We’ll continue to monitor the progress of the Philippines’s fixed broadband market and provide updates on the state of fixed broadband connectivity across other Southeast Asian markets. If you are interested in Ookla’s solutions and services for network intelligence and management, get in touch.

About the Author

Affandy Johan

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Isla McKetta | June 24, 2024

How Much Faster is 5G Anyway? An Analysis of Page Load Speed

There’s nothing quite like picking up your phone for a little “me” time only to open up that first web page… and wait for it to load. Maybe the images aren’t there yet or the content jumps around while the ads load — it’s the worst. 5G is meant to help, so we dug into Speedtest® quality of experience data to see if this newer technology is living up to its promise. Read on for an analysis of page load speed (how many milliseconds it takes for a page to load) on three popular services in nine major countries around the world during Q1 2024.

Click the country below to go directly to that section or read on for the full article:

Brazil | Canada | France | India

Mexico | Nigeria

South Africa | Spain | United States

Page speed relies on low latency for the best internet experience

Page load speed is a critical measure of your web browsing experience. It measures how long it takes for a page to load, fully displaying the content on that page. This is directly impacted by latency, which is how quickly your device gets a response after you’ve sent out a request. A typical request on the internet requires two to five round trip communications between various entities over different latency sensitive protocols.

One of the promises of 5G is lower latency, which should lead to a faster (lower) page load speed on any page. The Speedtest Global Index^TM reported the global average for mobile latency as 27 milliseconds (0.027 seconds) with fixed broadband at 9 ms (0.009 s) in May 2024. As seen in the video below, it can take 7x longer to load a full webpage when latency is high, and “40% of users will abandon a site if it takes more than 3 seconds to load,” according to one source. Read more about the importance of latency to quality of experience.

5G lived up to the latency promise, showing a faster page load speed than 4G on all services in all countries we surveyed. However, the improvement was not the same in all places, with Canada topping the list of fastest page load speed over 5G on all the services we surveyed while South Africa had the slowest 5G page load speed on Google and YouTube of countries reviewed here. Read on for details.

5G loads 20-30% faster than 4G in Brazil

Chart of 5G vs. 4G Page Load Speed in Brazil

Speedtest data shows that 5G delivered a much lower page load speed than 4G on all three services in Brazil during Q1 2024. Google loaded 20% faster on 5G than 4G, YouTube was 25% faster, and Facebook was 30% faster on 5G.

Canada’s 5G page load speed among the fastest on all 3 services

Chart of 5G vs. 4G Page Load Speed in Canada

As mentioned, Canada’s 5G page load speed was the fastest or among the fastest for all countries analyzed in this article, with Canada having the fastest page load speed on Facebook, Google, and YouTube. Our analysis demonstrated that 5G delivered a decently faster page load speed than 4G on all three services in Canada during Q1 2024. YouTube loaded 16% faster on 5G than 4G, Google was 18% faster, and Facebook was 23% faster on 5G.

French 5G loads 14-20% faster than 4G

Chart of 5G vs. 4G Page Load Speed in France

Speedtest data shows 5G page load speed on all three services was decently faster than on 4G in France during Q1 2024. YouTube loaded 14% faster on 5G than 4G, Facebook was 19%, and Google was 20% faster on 5G.

5G loads 23-33% faster than 4G in India

Chart of 5G vs. 4G Page Load Speed in India

Analysis of Speedtest data shows the page load speed on all three services was much lower on 5G than 4G in India during Q1 2024. Google loaded 23% faster on 5G than 4G, YouTube was 32% faster, and Facebook was 33% faster on 5G. India and Mexico had the slowest page load speeds for Facebook over 5G of any of the countries we looked at.

Mexican 5G loads 26-28% faster than 4G

Chart of 5G vs. 4G Page Load Speed in Mexico

Speedtest data shows 5G delivered a much lower page load speed than 4G on all three services in Mexico during Q1 2024. Google and Facebook loaded 26% faster on 5G than 4G and YouTube was 28% faster on 5G. Mexico and India had the slowest 5G page load speeds for Facebook among the countries examined.

5G loads up to 47% faster than 4G in Nigeria

Chart of 5G vs. 4G Page Load Speed in Nigeria

Our analysis revealed 5G delivered a much lower page load speed than 4G on all three services in Nigeria during Q1 2024. Google loaded 24% faster on 5G than 4G, YouTube was 27% faster, and Facebook was a whopping 47% faster on 5G.

South Africans see 22-36% faster 5G page load over 4G, but slow Google and YouTube

Chart of 5G vs. 4G Page Load Speed in South Africa

Speedtest data shows 5G delivered a much lower page load speed than 4G on all three services in South Africa during Q1 2024. Google loaded 22% faster on 5G than 4G, YouTube was 27% faster, and Facebook was 36% faster on 5G. South Africa had the slowest 5G page load speed for both Google and YouTube of any of the countries analyzed.

5G loads 11-15% faster than 4G in Spain

Chart of 5G vs. 4G Page Load Speed in Spain

5G page load speed in Spain was somewhat faster than 4G on all three services during Q1 2024. YouTube loaded 11% faster on 5G than 4G, Google was 14% faster than 4G, and Facebook was 15% faster on 5G.

U.S. 5G loads 21-26% faster than 4G

Chart of 5G vs. 4G Page Load Speed in United States

Speedtest data from the U.S. shows 5G delivered a much lower page load speed than 4G on all three services during Q1 2024. Google loaded 21% faster on 5G than 4G, YouTube was 22% faster, and Facebook was 26% faster on 5G.

Your time is valuable. Our data shows that you can get some of that important time back if you have access to 5G and can afford to upgrade. To learn more about your network experience, download the Speedtest app for Android or iOS. Remember, too, that there’s a Downdetector® tab in the Speedtest apps to help you troubleshoot pages that aren’t loading at all.

About the Author

Isla McKetta

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Kathy Macdonald | June 18, 2024

Ookla for Good Data Reveals a Persistent Digital Divide in Brazil

In Brazil, the digital divide is not merely a matter of technology access but a stark reflection of the nation’s economic disparities. The internet, serving as a vital portal to education, employment prospects, and critical services, remains inequitably accessible across the country.

Research across Brazil shows that affluent individuals often benefit from consistently strong connectivity, while those in lower-income brackets frequently grapple with limited or nonexistent internet access.

A recent World Bank study in Brazil, utilizing mobile and fixed broadband performance data from the Ookla for Good™ program, has illuminated stark differences in internet access across six major Brazilian cities, emphasizing the need for focused policies to address digital and socioeconomic gaps.

Ookla for Good is an initiative to provide data, analysis, and content to organizations that are seeking to improve people’s lives through internet accessibility.

The research

Researchers in Brazil conducted a study titled “Bridging the Digital Divide: Mapping Internet Connectivity Evolution, Inequalities, and Resilience in six Brazilian Cities.” They used Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® test results to examine internet speeds in Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Fortaleza, Manaus, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo between 2017 and 2023. Their findings showed:

Wealthier neighborhoods consistently enjoyed superior internet speeds, especially on fixed networks.
Mobile internet speeds also correlated with wealth, but that trend has been decreasing over time.
Around 13% of areas near educational facilities had speeds below the 80 Mbps threshold recommended for effective e-learning, affecting approximately 8% of the school-age population.

“Our analysis underscores the persistent internet access inequalities in Brazil, a country with a very diverse digital landscape,” said Niccolò Comini, one of the lead researchers and Digital Development Specialist within the Infrastructure Vice-Presidency at the World Bank.

The impact of COVID-19

The study also highlighted how the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the digital divide in Brazil. After the declaration of a national emergency, all cities across Brazil saw a significant decrease in internet speed, with poorer areas experiencing bigger dips in speed, demonstrating a clear gap between those who have reliable connectivity and those who do not.

More is needed for an equitable digital future

To address these disparities, policymakers and the private sector must collaborate on targeted local policies, such as:

Improving connectivity in underserved areas
Promoting Fiber to the Home (FTTH) technology
Making high-speed internet packages and devices more affordable
Fostering digital literacy through training and awareness programs

The World Bank is already supporting initiatives like connecting public buildings via fiber optics in the State of Sergipe in Brazil, driving private sector investments to bring internet access to unconnected households.

Ookla joined the Development Data Partnership in 2020 to collaborate with partner’s like the World Bank in their efforts to reduce poverty, increase shared prosperity, and promote sustainable development by narrowing the digital divide and bringing connectivity to all.

The role of Ookla for Good™

At Ookla, we are proud to support research like this through our Ookla for Good initiative. The mission of Ookla for Good is to bring fast and reliable internet access to every person, regardless of location or socioeconomic status.

That’s why we make this data available on a complimentary basis to policymakers, humanitarian organizations, academic research institutions, journalists, and consumers. By providing access to our vast dataset on a complimentary basis, we aim to empower researchers, policymakers, and organizations in their efforts to address the digital divide and promote equitable access to the internet across the globe.

We are grateful to Niccolò Comini, Nicolò Gozzi, and Nicola Perra for their dedication to this critical issue and for using Ookla’s data to drive positive change. For the full analysis, be sure to check out their research paper.

To learn more about Ookla for Good and inquire about partnership opportunities, visit the Ookla for Good page on our website.

About the Author

Kathy Macdonald

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Isla McKetta | June 17, 2024

Your Guide to Airport Wi-Fi and Mobile Performance at 50+ Global Airports in 2024

Airports around the world have been packed with travelers this year, which puts extra stress on the Wi-Fi. With summer travel already well in swing in the northern hemisphere, we’re back with fresh data for our series on airport Wi-Fi performance to help you plan for connectivity at all your connections. You’ll find information about Wi-Fi on free networks provided by the individual airports as well as mobile speeds at some of the busiest airports in the world during Q1 2024. Read on for a look at internet performance at over 50 of the world’s busiest airports with data on download speed, upload speed, and latency.

Key takeaways

The seven fastest airports for downloads over Wi-Fi were in the United States: San Francisco International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, and Harry Reid International Airport.
Six U.S. airports had the fastest uploads over Wi-Fi: San Francisco International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The fastest mobile download speeds on our list were at Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport in China, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in the U.S.
Eight of the 10 airports with the fastest mobile upload speeds were in China.

9 airports have 100+ Mbps Wi-Fi download speeds

Speedtest Intelligence® showed seven of the nine airports with median Wi-Fi download speeds over 100 Mbps were in the U.S.:

San Francisco International Airport (173.55 Mbps),
Newark Liberty International Airport (166.51 Mbps),
John F. Kennedy International Airport (151.59 Mbps),
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (151.28 Mbps),
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (137.31 Mbps),
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (119.92 Mbps), and
Harry Reid International Airport (107.84 Mbps).

Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, France and China’s Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport rounded out the list with median download speeds of 107.13 Mbps and 101.01 Mbps, respectively. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Sea–Tac had the lowest median multi-server latency on Wi-Fi of any of the airports surveyed during Q1 2024.

Hover on the pins on the map below to see full details for download and upload speeds as well as latency at all the airports analyzed.

Fixed Broadband Internet Speeds Over Free Wi-Fi at Global Airports
Speedtest Intelligence® | Q1 2024
A map showing fixed broadband speeds in selected global airports.

At Ookla®, we’re dedicated to making sure the networks you depend on are always at their best. With Ekahau®, our Wi-Fi solution, we know firsthand just how challenging it can be to optimize Wi-Fi at airports, especially when you have up to 900 people waiting at each boarding gate during the busiest travel times. While the speeds achieved by these top airports are impressive, we saw two smaller U.S. airports with median Wi-Fi download speeds over 200 Mbps during our U.S.-only analysis of airport Wi-Fi in the fall.

Six airports on our list use multiple SSIDs for their Wi-Fi networks for different terminals or to take advantage of the coverage advantages of 2.4 GHz and the speed advantages of 5 GHz frequencies. We have included data for all the SSIDs with sufficient samples in the map and reported in the text on the best result when using multiple SSIDs results in dramatically different speeds.

Eighteen airports on our list had median Wi-Fi download speeds of less than 25 Mbps. Mexico City International Airport in Mexico had the lowest median Wi-Fi download speed at 5.11 Mbps, followed by:

Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Vietnam (7.07 Mbps),
Beijing Capital International Airport in China (9.45 Mbps),
Cairo International Airport in Egypt (10.62 Mbps), and
Tokyo Haneda Airport in Japan (11.37 Mbps).

You may struggle with everything from video chatting to streaming at any airport with a download speed below 25 Mbps. Latency is also a factor in performance so if your airport is one of the three with a median Wi-Fi latency over 60 ms, a mobile hotspot may be a better option for a stable connection.

Wi-Fi 6 has arrived

Our analysis shows at least 15 airports on our list were using the new Wi-Fi 6 standard in their Wi-Fi setup. Wi-Fi 6 uses Multi-User Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) to increase performance and throughput, especially when serving multiple devices. This offers a real advantage at a large public location like an airport. In order to get maximum benefit from Wi-Fi 6, consumers would need to be using Wi-Fi 6-compatible devices. Speedtest data shows a fairly even split between airports that saw faster download speeds on Wi-Fi 6 and airports where Wi-Fi 6 results were comparable to those on other earlier Wi-Fi generations.

As you know, international travel can be complicated. Even if the airport offers free Wi-Fi, you may encounter other barriers to access. For example, a local number is required in Cairo to receive the access code to connect to the airport Wi-Fi. And while we’d love to include other large airports like Nigeria’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport in future Wi-Fi analyses, they currently do not offer free Wi-Fi so we have included mobile data below.

11 airports show mobile speeds over 200 Mbps

Speedtest® data shows mobile speeds massively outpaced Wi-Fi, with 14 airports showing faster median downloads over mobile than the fastest airport for Wi-Fi. Hamad International Airport in Qatar had the fastest median download speed over mobile on our list at 442.49 Mbps during Q1 2024, followed by:

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (341.19 Mbps),
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (295.94 Mbps),
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (264.71 Mbps),
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (258.42 Mbps), and
Istanbul Airport (255.51 Mbps).

Mobile Network Speeds at Global Airports
Speedtest Intelligence® | Q1 2024

Fastest mobile speeds at airports in Africa and South America

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya had the fastest mobile download speeds of the four African airports we analyzed at 88.12 Mbps during Q1 2024. São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport in Brazil was the faster of the two Latin American airports analyzed with a median download speed of 55.44 Mbps.

Airports with slow mobile speeds

Mobile can’t fix everything, because six airports came in with a median mobile download speed below 25 Mbps. Mexico City International Airport was again at the bottom with 8.75 Mbps, followed by:

Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport (15.21 Mbps),
Orlando International Airport (15.84 Mbps),
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (20.37 Mbps),
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (20.96 Mbps), and
Indira Gandhi International Airport (21.80 Mbps).

Latency on mobile was generally higher than that on Wi-Fi with 46 airports showing a Wi-Fi latency lower than the lowest latency on mobile, 27.51 ms at China’s Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. As noted above, latency is an important factor in performance, so it might be worth investigating the airport Wi-Fi by running a Speedtest if your mobile performance seems to lag.

Airport Wi-Fi or mobile? Connecting on your next trip

We created a quick guide to help you decide whether to try out the Wi-Fi or simply use the local mobile network if you have access. Use it to compare free airport Wi-Fi performance against mobile performance for the 52 airports we have both Wi-Fi and mobile data for during Q1 2024. Twenty-six airports had faster mobile internet than airport Wi-Fi. Eight airports had faster Wi-Fi than mobile, and seven airports showed only a slight distinction between Wi-Fi and mobile or download speeds over 100 Mbps on both, so we gave both the green check marks. We were able to include more airports in the mobile analysis because there were more mobile samples to analyze at those airports than there were samples over Wi-Fi.

The averages reported here are based on real-world data, so your experience may differ, especially on a busy travel day. Take a Speedtest® at the airport to see how your performance compares. Cheers to safe travels and rapid connections wherever you’re flying.

About the Author

Isla McKetta

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Ookla Research™ Articles

Mark Giles | January 16, 2024

52 New Ookla Market Reports Available for Q4 2023

Ookla® Market Reports™ identify key data about internet performance in countries across the world. This quarter we’ve provided updated analyses for 52 markets using Speedtest Intelligence® and summarized the top takeaways below. Click through to the market report to see more details and charts about the countries you’re interested in, including the fastest fixed broadband providers and mobile operators, who had the most consistent service, as well as 5G and device performance in select countries during Q4 2023. Jump forward to a continent using these links:

Africa | Americas | Asia | Europe | Oceania

Africa

Côte d’Ivoire: Orange recorded the fastest median mobile and fixed download speeds during Q4 2023, at 30.13 Mbps and 65.90 Mbps, respectively. Moov Africa recorded the lowest mobile median multi-server latency at 83 ms, while CANALBOX recorded the lowest latency over fixed broadband at 70 ms. Of Côte d’Ivoire most populous cities, Abidjan had the fastest median fixed download speed of 58.88 Mbps.
Mozambique: Tmcel recorded the fastest mobile median download speed of 27.80 Mbps in Q4 2023, and also the highest mobile Consistency at 91.6%. Of Mozambique’s most populous cities, Maputo had the fastest median mobile and fixed download speeds at 26.33 Mbps and 14.65 Mbps, respectively. SpaceX’s Starlink recorded the fastest fixed broadband median download speed in Q4 2023 at 36.13 Mbps, along with the highest Consistency at 49.7%. Meanwhile, TVCABO recorded the lowest latency over fixed broadband at 16 ms.
Senegal: There was no winner of fastest median mobile performance in Senegal during Q4 2023, with Free and Orange both tied. Orange led the market for median fixed broadband download performance, with 21.46 Mbps in Q4 2023. Orange also had the lowest latency at 90 ms and highest Consistency of 45.4%. Of Senegal’s most populous cities, Dakar had the fastest median fixed download speed of 27.11 Mbps.

Americas

Argentina: Personal had the fastest median download speed over mobile at 36.59 Mbps, while also registering the lowest latency of 39 ms during Q4 2023. In the fixed broadband market, there was no statistically fastest network, with Movistar and Telecentro delivering median download speeds of 106.41 Mbps and 105.98 Mbps, respectively. Movistar recorded the lowest latency of 9 ms. Among Argentina’s most populous cities, Mendoza recorded the fastest mobile median download speed of 37.75 Mbps, while Buenos Aires recorded the fastest fixed download speed of 109.79 Mbps.
Belize: Digi had the fastest median mobile download and upload speeds of 17.50 Mbps and 9.28 Mbps, respectively during Q4 2023. Digi also recorded the highest Consistency of 80.3%, while smart! recorded the lowest median latency of 56 ms. There was no statistically fastest fixed network in the market based on download speed, however NEXGEN recorded the fastest median upload speed at 47.47 Mbps.
Canada: Bell was the fastest mobile operator in Canada with a median download speed of 121.33 Mbps in Q4 2023. Bell also had the fastest median 5G download speed at 194.23 Mbps. Rogers had the fastest median mobile upload speed of 15.10 Mbps, and the highest Consistency of 88.2%. Bell pure fibre was fastest for fixed broadband, recording a median download speed of 307.77 Mbps and a median upload speed of 264.97 Mbps. Bell pure fibre also recorded the highest Video Score, of 87.90. Of Canada’s most populous cities, St. John’s recorded the fastest median mobile download speed at 171.76 Mbps, while Fredericton recorded the fastest median fixed broadband download speed of 247.89 Mbps.
Colombia: Movistar was fastest for fixed broadband with a median download speed of 210.46 Mbps in Q4 2023. ETB had the lowest latency over fixed broadband at 7 ms. Of Colombia’s most populous cities, Cartagena recorded the fastest median fixed download speed of 146.74 Mbps.
Costa Rica: Claro had the fastest median download speed among mobile operators at 40.56 Mbps during Q4 2023. Liberty recorded the fastest median upload speed at 10.73 Mbps, the lowest mobile latency at 33 ms, and the highest Consistency at 78.6%. Metrocom was fastest for fixed broadband download and upload performance, at 225.94 Mbps and 179.66 Mbps, respectively. Metrocom also recorded the lowest latency, at 6 ms.
Dominican Republic: Claro had the fastest median download and upload speeds among mobile operators at 34.27 Mbps and 9.84 Mbps, respectively. Claro also recorded the highest Consistency, at 77.0%. Viva had the lowest mobile latency at 43 ms. SpaceX’s Starlink was fastest for fixed broadband download performance at 48.08 Mbps, while Claro recorded the fastest median upload speed at 25.38 Mbps, and the lowest latency at 41 ms. Altice recorded the highest fixed broadband Consistency, at 66.6%.
Ecuador: CNT recorded the fastest median mobile download speed during Q4 2023, at 26.22 Mbps, while Movistar recorded the lowest mobile multi-server latency at 41 ms. Netlife was fastest for fixed broadband, with a median download speed of 91.56 Mbps. Netlife also recorded the lowest latency over fixed broadband at 8 ms. Xtrim recorded the highest fixed broadband Consistency at 84.8%. Of Ecuador’s most populous cities, Santo Domingo recorded the fastest median mobile download speed of 31.58 Mbps, while Guayaquil recorded the fastest median fixed download speed of 88.59 Mbps.
El Salvador: Claro had the fastest median download speed among mobile operators in El Salvador, at 40.97 Mbps, along with the highest Consistency of 90.4%. Movistar registered the fastest median mobile upload speed of 13.35 Mbps and lowest latency at 73 ms. Cable Color recorded the fastest median fixed download speed at 55.57 Mbps, the top median upload speed at 57.04 Mbps, and the lowest median latency of 51 ms. Of El Salvador’s most populous cities, Santa Tecla showed the fastest median mobile and fixed download speeds during Q4 2023 at 39.27 Mbps and 54.98 Mbps respectively.
Guatemala: Claro was the fastest mobile operator in Guatemala during Q4 2023 with a median download speed of 41.63 Mbps and a median upload speed of 19.61 Mbps. Claro also had the highest Consistency at 87.9%, while also leading the market for 5G performance, with a median 5G download speed of 388.34 Mbps. Tigo recorded the lowest median mobile latency at 79 ms. SpaceX’s Starlink was fastest for median fixed download performance at 54.32 Mbps, while Cable Color was fastest for fixed upload performance at 33.45 Mbps. Cable Color also had the lowest median latency on fixed broadband at 27 ms. Claro recorded the highest fixed broadband Consistency at 73.1%. Of Guatemala’s most populous cities, Escuintla showed the fastest median mobile download speed during Q4 2023 at 44.16 Mbps, while Villa Nueva recorded the fastest median fixed download speed, at 60.83 Mbps.
Guyana: There was no winner of fastest median mobile performance in Guyana during Q4 2023, with ENet and Digicel posting median download speeds of 24.64 Mbps and 23.53 Mbps, respectively. ENet recorded the fastest median mobile upload speed at 18.49 Mbps and offered the lowest median latency at 143 ms. In the fixed broadband market, ENet recorded the fastest median download and upload speeds, of 70.20 Mbps and 52.25 Mbps, respectively, while also recording the lowest median latency of 130 ms. GTT recorded the highest fixed broadband Consistency during Q4 2023, at 69.2%.
Haiti: Digicel was the fastest mobile operator in Haiti with a median mobile download speed of 14.26 Mbps, a median upload speed of 10.52 Mbps, and Consistency of 67.2%. Natcom recorded the lowest mobile latency, of 62 ms. SpaceX Starlink had the fastest median fixed download speed at 41.73 Mbps. Natcom had the fastest median fixed upload speed at 31.89 Mbps, the lowest median fixed latency at 47 ms, and the highest fixed broadband Consistency of 64.0%.
Honduras: Claro recorded the fastest median mobile download and upload speeds during Q4 2023, of 53.06 Mbps and 16.22 Mbps, respectively, while also recording the highest Consistency at 87.2%. Tigo recorded the lowest median mobile latency at 93 ms. Claro had the fastest median fixed download speed at 47.26 Mbps during Q4 2023, and the highest fixed broadband Consistency at 80.2%. TEVISAT recorded the fastest median upload speed, of 22.36 Mbps, and the lowest median fixed latency at 20 ms. Of Honduras’ most populous cities, El Progreso recorded the fastest median mobile download speed during Q4 2023, of 41.69 Mbps, while Tegucigalpa showed the fastest median fixed download speed at 41.97 Mbps.
Jamaica: There was no winner of fastest median mobile download performance in Jamaica during Q4 2023, with Flow and Digicel tied. Digicel recorded the fastest median upload speed of 8.37 Mbps and highest Consistency of 81.9%. Flow had the lowest mobile median latency at 38 ms. SpaceX Starlink had the fastest median download speed over fixed broadband at 84.10 Mbps, and the highest fixed broadband Consistency at 77.8%. Digicel+ recorded the fastest median upload speed of 46.14 Mbps, while Flow recorded the lowest median fixed latency at 25 ms.
Mexico: Telcel had the fastest median download and upload speeds over mobile at 52.06 Mbps and 13.50 Mbps, respectively, and the operator also delivered the fastest median 5G download speed at 233.82 Mbps. Telcel also had the lowest mobile median latency at 62 ms and highest Consistency at 87.2%. Totalplay was fastest for fixed broadband with a median download speed of 88.87 Mbps and a median upload speed of 30.50 Mbps. Totalplay also had the lowest median fixed broadband latency at 28 ms and the highest Consistency at 84.0%. Among Mexico’s most populous cities, Monterrey recorded the fastest median mobile download speed of 38.36 Mbps, while Guadalajara recorded the fastest median fixed broadband speed of 80.32 Mbps.
Panama: MasMovil was the fastest mobile operator with median download and upload speeds of 27.24 Mbps and 15.18 Mbps, respectively, as well as the highest Consistency of 79.3%. Digicel recorded the lowest median mobile latency, at 34 ms. There was no winner of the fastest median fixed download performance, with both Tigo and MasMovil tied. MasMovil recorded the fastest median upload speed of 33.38 Mbps and the lowest median latency at 16ms. Among Panama’s most populous cities, David recorded the fastest median mobile download speed of 21.57 Mbps, while La Chorrera recorded the fastest median fixed broadband speed of 156.71 Mbps.
Peru: Claro was the fastest mobile operator in Peru with a median download speed of 23.30 Mbps during Q4 2023, and also had the highest mobile Consistency in the market with 80.6%.
Trinidad and Tobago: Digicel had the fastest median download speed over mobile at 33.29 Mbps and the highest Video Score in the market at 74.86. bmobile recorded the fastest median mobile upload speed of 12.17 Mbps, and the lowest median latency at 32 ms. Digicel+ had the fastest median fixed broadband download and upload speeds at 118.53 Mbps and 107.24 Mbps, respectively. Digicel+ also had the lowest median latency at 7 ms.
United States: T-Mobile was the fastest mobile operator with median download and upload speeds of 188.96 Mbps and 12.19 Mbps, respectively. T-Mobile also recorded the highest mobile Consistency at 87.3%, and the lowest median mobile latency of 50 ms. T-Mobile also led the market with the fastest median 5G download speed at 238.87 Mbps, as well as the lowest 5G latency of 48 ms. T-Mobile secured the highest Video Score across all technologies with 78.21, and for 5G, with a Video Score of 81.54. Cox led the market as the fastest fixed broadband provider with a median download speed of 261.27 Mbps, while AT&T Internet recorded the fastest median fixed upload speed of 195.64 Mbps, and Verizon had the lowest median latency over fixed broadband at 15 ms.
Uruguay: Antel was the fastest mobile operator in Uruguay during Q4 2023 with a median download speed of 117.79 Mbps, and recorded the lowest median latency of 44 ms.
Venezuela: Digitel was the fastest mobile operator with a median download speed of 14.37 Mbps and a median upload speed of 6.97 Mbps during Q4 2023. Digitel also recorded the highest Consistency in the market, with 68.0%, and the lowest median latency of 97 ms. Airtek Solutions had the fastest median fixed download and upload speeds of 94.76 Mbps and 94.89 Mbps, respectively. Airtek Solutions also recorded the highest fixed broadband Consistency of 86.0%, and the lowest median latency at 7 ms. Among Venezuela’s most populous cities, Maracaibo recorded the fastest median mobile and fixed download speeds of 17.17 Mbps and 82.35 Mbps, respectively.

Asia

Afghanistan: The fastest mobile operator in Afghanistan was Afghan Wireless with a median download speed of 6.68 Mbps in Q4 2023. The operator also had the lowest median latency at 77 ms and the highest Consistency of 51.0%.
Bangladesh: Banglalink was the fastest mobile operator in Bangladesh with a median download speed of 26.74 Mbps in Q4 2023. Banglalink also recorded the highest Consistency of 89.0% and the lowest median latency of 33 ms. DOT Internet was the fastest fixed broadband provider with a median download speed of 91.35 Mbps, while also recording the highest Consistency at 87.5% and the lowest median latency at 5 ms.
Bhutan: There was no statistical winner for fastest mobile download performance during Q4 2023 in Bhutan, with TashiCell and BT both tied with speeds of 31.52 Mbps and 28.15 Mbps, respectively. TashiCell recorded the lowest median mobile latency of 52 ms.
Brunei: There was no statistical winner for fastest mobile download performance during Q4 2023 in Brunei, with DST and Imagine both tied with speeds of 97.34 Mbps and 91.53 Mbps, respectively.
Cambodia: Cellcard recorded the fastest median mobile download speed at 33.74 Mbps during Q4 2023, while Metfone recorded the highest Consistency at 80.8% and the lowest median latency at 38 ms. MekongNet was the fastest fixed broadband provider, with a median fixed download speed of 48.29 Mbps. MekongNet also recorded the highest Consistency at 71.1%. OpenNet recorded the lowest median latency over fixed broadband, at 7ms.
China: China Broadnet was the fastest mobile operator in China during Q4 2023, with a median download speed of 248.77 Mbps, and median 5G download speed of 305.61 Mbps. China Mobile recorded the lowest median mobile latency, at 42 ms. There was no statistical winner for fastest fixed download performance, with China Unicom and China Mobile both tied with speeds of 246.93 Mbps and 245.59 Mbps, respectively. China Mobile recorded the highest fixed broadband Consistency, of 93.4%, while China Telecom recorded the lowest median fixed broadband latency at 22 ms. Among China’s most populous cities, Beijing recorded the fastest median mobile download speed of 232.41 Mbps, while Tianjin recorded the fastest median fixed download speed of 326.07 Mbps.
Georgia: Geocell recorded the fastest mobile download performance during Q4 2023 in Georgia, at 50.52 Mbps, and the lowest mobile latency at 37 ms. MagtiCom had the fastest median fixed download speed at 27.81 Mbps and the highest Consistency of 66.5%. Among Georgia’s most populous cities, Tbilisi recorded the fastest median mobile download speed of 36.17 Mbps, while Rustavi recorded the fastest median fixed download speed of 27.38 Mbps.
Hong Kong (SAR): China Mobile Hong Kong was the fastest mobile operator in Hong Kong (SAR) during Q4 2023, with a median download speed across all technologies of 98.94 Mbps, and a median download speed over 5G of 177.96 Mbps. csl recorded the fastest median mobile upload speed, at 16.89 Mbps.
Indonesia: Telkomsel was the fastest Indonesian mobile operator with a median download speed of 31.14 Mbps. Telkomsel also had the lowest median mobile latency at 45 ms.
Japan: Rakuten Mobile recorded the fastest mobile download and upload speeds during Q4 2023 in Japan, at 51.16 Mbps and 20.21 Mbps, respectively. Rakuten Mobile also recorded the highest Consistency in the market at 90.6%, while SoftBank recorded the lowest median latency at 43 ms. So-net had the fastest fixed download and upload speeds, at 296.29 Mbps and 219.53 Mbps, respectively, as well as the lowest median latency over fixed broadband at 9 ms. SpaceX Starlink recorded the highest fixed broadband Consistency in the market at 96.4%.
Kazakhstan: Tele2 recorded the highest mobile Consistency in Kazakhstan during Q4 2023 with 85.3% and the lowest median mobile latency at 39 ms.
Malaysia: TM was the fastest fixed broadband provider in Malaysia with a median download speed of 112.00 Mbps in Q4 2023. TIME recorded the lowest fixed broadband latency at 9 ms.
Pakistan: Jazz delivered the fastest median mobile download speed in Pakistan at 21.38 Mbps in Q4 2023. Zong recorded the highest mobile Consistency, at 83.2%, and the lowest median mobile latency of 45 ms. Transworld recorded the fastest median fixed broadband download speed at 22.08 Mbps and the highest Consistency at 46.1%, while Connect Communications recorded the lowest median fixed broadband latency at 12 ms.
Philippines: Smart delivered the fastest median mobile download speed in the Philippines at 37.64 Mbps in Q4 2023.
South Korea: SK Telecom recorded the fastest median mobile download speed at 192.67 Mbps, while also recording the highest Consistency in the market at 89.1%. LG U+ had the lowest median mobile latency in the market at 76 ms. In South Korea’s fixed broadband market, LG U+ delivered the fastest median download speed at 146.20 Mbps, and the lowest median latency of 57 ms.
Sri Lanka: There was no statistical winner for fastest mobile download performance during Q4 2023 in Sri Lanka, with Dialog and SLT-Mobitel both tied with speeds of 23.98 Mbps and 23.89 Mbps, respectively. Dialog delivered the lowest median mobile latency of 36 ms. SLT-Mobitel recorded the fastest fixed download speed of 37.46 Mbps, as well as the highest fixed broadband Consistency of 57.9% and the lowest fixed broadband latency at 13 ms.
Vietnam: Viettel was the fastest fixed provider in Vietnam during Q4 2023, with a median download speed of 107.40 Mbps. Viettel also recorded the highest fixed broadband Consistency at 94.8% and the lowest median fixed broadband latency of 4 ms.

Europe

Albania: Vodafone recorded the fastest median mobile download speed in Albania during Q4 2023, of 53.36 Mbps. One Albania recorded the highest mobile Consistency of 86.1%. Digicom was the fastest fixed broadband provider with a median download speed of 94.74 Mbps. Abissnet recorded the lowest fixed broadband latency, at 7 ms. Among Albania’s most populous cities, Vlorë recorded the fastest median mobile download speed of 75.34 Mbps, while Shkodër recorded the fastest median fixed download speed of 69.91 Mbps.
Belgium: Proximus recorded the fastest median mobile download speed in Belgium during Q4 2023, at 89.67 Mbps. Proximus also recorded the highest mobile Consistency in the market at 89.8%. There was no statistical winner for fastest fixed download performance, with Telenet and VOO both tied with speeds of 158.08 Mbps and 156.00 Mbps, respectively. VOO recorded the highest Consistency at 89.8%. Among Belgium’s most populous cities, Ghent recorded the fastest median mobile and fixed download speeds, of 168.89 Mbps and 90.14 Mbps, respectively.
Denmark: Telia was the fastest mobile operator in Denmark during Q4 2023, with a median download speed of 163.41 Mbps. Hiper was fastest for fixed broadband, with a median download speed of 277.56 Mbps.
Estonia: The fastest mobile operator in Estonia was Telia with a median download speed of 92.39 Mbps in Q4 2023. Elisa recorded the highest mobile Consistency of 91.9%. Elisa was the fastest fixed broadband provider, with a median download speed of 100.13 Mbps. Elisa also recorded the highest fixed broadband Consistency, of 86.3%. Infonet recorded the lowest median fixed broadband latency of 5 ms.
Finland: DNA had the fastest median mobile download speed at 113.57 Mbps in Q4 2023, and the highest Consistency of 95.4%. DNA also recorded the fastest median 5G download performance, at 247.54 Mbps. Telia recorded the lowest median mobile latency of 31 ms. Lounea was fastest for fixed broadband with a median download speed of 171.31 Mbps. Lounea also recorded the highest fixed broadband Consistency in the market at 91.5%, as well as the lowest median fixed broadband latency at 13 ms.
Germany: Telekom was the fastest mobile operator in Germany during Q4 2023, with a median download speed of 90.26 Mbps, as well as the top median download speed over 5G at 179.25 Mbps. Telekom also recorded the highest mobile Consistency in the market at 92.1% and the lowest median mobile latency of 38 ms. Deutsche Glasfaser recorded the fastest fixed broadband performance, with a median download speed at 201.43 Mbps. Deutsche Glasfaser also recorded the highest fixed broadband Consistency in the market at 90.5% and the lowest latency of 14 ms.
Latvia: There was no statistical winner for fastest mobile download performance in Latvia during Q4 2023, with BITĖ and LMT both tied with speeds of 81.56 Mbps and 81.11 Mbps, respectively. BITĖ recorded the highest mobile Consistency in the market of 91.3%, while LMT recorded the lowest mobile latency at 27 ms. Balticom was fastest for fixed broadband with a median download speed of 275.19 Mbps, while also leading with the highest fixed broadband Consistency of 93.7%, and the lowest median latency at 4 ms. Among Latvia’s most populous cities, Olaine recorded the fastest median mobile download speed, of 170.18 Mbps, while Salaspils recorded the fastest median fixed broadband download speed of 94.64 Mbps.
Lithuania: Telia was the fastest mobile operator in Lithuania during Q4 2023, with a median download speed of 116.58 Mbps in Q4 2023. Telia also recorded the highest Consistency in the market at 94.7%, and the lowest median mobile latency at 32 ms. Cgates was fastest for fixed broadband with a median download speed of 177.14 Mbps. Cgates also recorded the highest Consistency over fixed broadband in the market at 90.9%, while Penki recorded the lowest fixed broadband latency, at 4ms. Among Lithuania’s most populous cities, Panevėžys recorded the fastest median mobile download speed, of 106.34 Mbps, while Klaipėda recorded the fastest median fixed broadband download speed of 138.34 Mbps.
Poland: T-Mobile was the fastest mobile operator in Poland during Q4 2023, with a median download speed of 49.10 Mbps. T-Mobile also recorded the highest Consistency in the market at 88.4%. Plus recorded the fastest 5G performance in the market, with a median 5G download speed of 133.34 Mbps. Plus also recorded the lowest median mobile latency, at 43 ms. UPC was the fastest provider for fixed broadband with a median download speed of 232.36 Mbps, while Netia recorded the lowest fixed broadband latency, at 16 ms. Among Poland’s most populous cities, Łódź recorded the fastest median mobile download speed of 46.53 Mbps, while Wrocław recorded the fastest median fixed download speed of 172.86 Mbps.
Turkey: Turkcell was the fastest mobile operator in Turkey with a median download speed of 56.73 Mbps in Q4 2023, and Turkcell also recorded the highest Consistency of 91.3%. Türk Telekom had the lowest median mobile latency at 39 ms. TurkNet was fastest for fixed broadband, with a median download speed of 66.57 Mbps. TurkNet also recorded the lowest median fixed latency at 13 ms, and the highest Consistency at 81.5%. Among Turkey’s most populous cities, Istanbul recorded the fastest median download speeds across mobile and fixed, at 38.50 Mbps and 47.81 Mbps, respectively.

Oceania

New Zealand: There was no statistical winner for fastest mobile download performance during Q4 2023 in New Zealand, with One NZ and Spark both tied with speeds of 73.52 Mbps and 70.23 Mbps, respectively. 2degrees led the market with the highest Consistency of 91.0% and the lowest median mobile multi-server latency at 40 ms.

The Speedtest Global Index is your resource to understand how internet connectivity compares around the world and how it’s changing. Check back next month for updated data on country and city rankings, and look for updated Ookla Market Reports with 1H 2024 data in July.

About the Author

Mark Giles

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How Boingo Leverages Ookla's Comprehensive Network Intelligence

Ookla Joins Ericsson's Leading Telecommunications Open RApp System

O2 and T-Mobile Lead in Network Performance in Czechia as 5G Competition Heats Up

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Key Takeaways:

O2 and T-Mobile consolidated their lead in 5G performance over the last year while Vodafone outperformed in 5G coverage

O2 tops 5G performance in Prague but T-Mobile leads in other regions

Prague

Central Bohemian and South Moravian regions

The Czech Republic is on track to reach EU 5G coverage targets ahead of schedule and has opportunities to improve network speed

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Karim Yaici

Asia-Pacific Subscribers Will Benefit from More 5G Mid-band Spectrum

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

Mid-band spectrum dominates 5G deployments

APAC region mirrors the global trend of prioritizing mid-band spectrum for 5G deployment

5G performance hinges on the spectrum bands used

C-Band driving improved performance

Balancing 5G Service and network performance with increasing user demands

Wider contiguous spectrum is needed for future 5G networks

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Affandy Johan

Sunsetting 3G to Aid 5G Progress in Central and Eastern Europe

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Key takeaways

Poland finally auctions 5G spectrum

Spectrum refarming to aid 5G deployment

North Macedonia scores high on 5G performance

A1 Bulgaria and Yettel Hungary head to head

Skopje leads the pack

The Road Ahead for 5G in CEE

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Sylwia Kechiche

Nearly 5M reports of Web troubles to Downdetector during CrowdStrike glitch

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All major sectors of the economy see spike in outage reports

Airline sites hit with 50% rise in reports

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Sue Marek

Is Parisian Mobile Coverage Ready for the Gold?

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Paris is 5G-ready overall

4th Arrondissement: Hôtel de Ville

7th Arrondissement: Eiffel Tower Stadium, Champ de Mars Arena, Invalides

8th Arrondissement: Grand Palais, La Concorde, Pont Alexandre III

12th Arrondissement: Bercy Arena

15th Arrondissement: South Paris Arenas

16th Arrondissement: Trocadéro, Parc des Princes, Stade Roland-Garros

18th Arrondissement: Porte de la Chapelle Arena

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Isla McKetta

Fiber In The Philippines Is Improving And Catching Up With Its Regional Peers

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Key Takeaways

Philippines’ fixed performance continues to trail behind neighboring counterparts

Accelerated fiber deployments result in a 50% improvement in broadband speeds

Regions in Luzon Island dominates fixed broadband performance, underscoring disparities across the country

Fixed Wireless Access and satellite broadband as an alternative to bridge the digital gap

About the Author

Affandy Johan

How Much Faster is 5G Anyway? An Analysis of Page Load Speed

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Page speed relies on low latency for the best internet experience

5G loads 20-30% faster than 4G in Brazil

Canada’s 5G page load speed among the fastest on all 3 services

French 5G loads 14-20% faster than 4G

5G loads 23-33% faster than 4G in India

Mexican 5G loads 26-28% faster than 4G

5G loads up to 47% faster than 4G in Nigeria

South Africans see 22-36% faster 5G page load over 4G, but slow Google and YouTube

5G loads 11-15% faster than 4G in Spain

U.S. 5G loads 21-26% faster than 4G