Tag: Poland

Ookla Research™ Articles
| February 22, 2023

Starlink Resurgence? Speeds Increase in Europe and Oceania

Network Evolution

Ookla® is back with exciting, fresh data from Q3 and Q4 2022 for SpaceX’s Starlink and Sky Logic in Europe and Oceania, as well as new Starlink markets we haven’t yet featured in our ongoing series on satellite internet. With the FCC greenlighting Amazon’s Project Kuiper and many other exciting satellite developments launching this year, we’re certain all eyes will be on the sky in 2023 as new orbital connectivity options become available for consumers.

This analysis includes Starlink results from six new countries, and data for Starlink and Sky Logic in Europe and Starlink in Oceania. We also examine how Starlink’s internet performance has changed over the past year in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, and the United Kingdom.

Starlink is mostly speeding up again from Q3 to Q4 2022, but is still slower than a year ago

As Starlink rides the wave of becoming an increasingly popular connectivity option for consumers, we’ve seen the service speed up and then slow down year-over-year in most markets. However, Q4 2022 data shows many countries are experiencing a modest rise in median download speeds when compared to Q3 2022. That’s encouraging for consumers, especially as Starlink hit over 1 million users in Q4 2022, and could be a sign that Starlink seems to be maturing its constellation’s capacity. That’s particularly intriguing as Starlink launches more next-gen satellites, which were first deployed at the tail end of Q4 2022 and will most likely show up in Q1 2023 results.

In Europe, all the countries we evaluated for year-over-year median download speeds were slower for Q4 2022 than Q4 2021 when there were fewer users on each network. Most countries showed between 10-20% slower speeds in Q4 2022 than what users experienced in Q4 2021, including Ireland (at least 11% slower), Austria (at least 13%), Portugal (at least 14%), Italy (at least 15%), Germany (at least 16%), and the U.K. (at least 19%). Users in France saw very similar speeds year over year, with just a 4% decrease from Q4 2021 to Q4 2022, while users in Poland saw a large decrease (at least 56% slower), and users in the Netherlands (at least 21%) and Belgium (at least 28%) saw substantial decrease during the same period.

In Oceania, Starlink year-over-year results were mixed, with Starlink’s download speed in Australia 24% slower in Q4 2022 than during Q4 2021, while in New Zealand it was 4% faster in Q4 2022 than Q4 2021.

Starlink in Denmark and Switzerland had the fastest satellite internet in Europe during Q4 2022

Speedtest Intelligence® reveals there was no fastest satellite provider in Europe during Q4 2022, though Starlink in Denmark (147.52 Mbps) and Switzerland (136.03 Mbps) led the pack for fastest median download speed. In all, Starlink download speeds were faster than 100 Mbps in 10 out of 15 European countries during Q4 2022 — a rise from just five out 15 in Q3 2022. 

Starlink outperformed fixed broadband providers over download speed in eight countries, including: Austria (105.67 Mbps), Belgium (104.84 Mbps), Croatia (102.99 Mbps), Czechia (64.67 Mbps), Germany (94.37 Mbps), Ireland (103.39 Mbps), Italy (101.06 Mbps), and the U.K. (96.79 Mbps). Fixed broadband providers were faster than satellite providers analyzed in Denmark, France, Netherlands, and Poland. Results were too close to call in Sweden with fixed providers at 106.73 Mbps and Starlink at 101.83 Mbps, as well as Portugal with Starlink at 108.02 Mbps and fixed broadband at 117.97 Mbps. Skylogic was too close to call between the median fixed broadband speed in Italy at 55.50 Mbps to 59.40 Mbps, and had download speeds faster than 40 Mbps in France (44.46 Mbps) and Sweden (48.09 Mbps).

For upload speeds, every country’s combined fixed broadband providers had faster median upload speeds than every satellite provider, though Starlink in Portugal had the fastest upload speed among satellite providers at 20.86 Mbps. All Starlink upload speeds ranged between 10-20 Mbps except Poland (9.79 Mbps) and Denmark (8.04 Mbps). 

Multi-server latency for all satellite providers was higher than fixed broadband providers in every European country in Q4 2022, which ranged from 12.34 ms in Sweden to 23.46 ms in Italy. However, Starlink had a median multiserver latencies of less than 60 ms in the U.K. (53.24 ms), Portugal (56.81 ms), and the Netherlands (58.85 ms). Most latencies were between 60-75 ms, with Poland having the highest latency at 86.46 ms — still low enough to have a good quality of experience and be able to video chat.

Starlink in New Zealand was the fastest satellite provider in Oceania

During Q4 2022, Starlink in New Zealand had the fastest median download speed among satellite providers in Oceania at 124.72 Mbps, followed by Starlink in Australia (106.43 Mbps), and Starlink in Tonga (35.15 Mbps). However, New Zealand fixed broadband outperformed Starlink, while Starlink in Australia outperformed fixed broadband providers. In Tonga, speeds were too close to call. 

Speedtest Intelligence shows Starlink falling behind fixed broadband providers for median upload speeds in New Zealand (16.89 Mbps) and Australia (11.38 Mbps), while Tonga was again too close to call.

Multi-server latency was higher over Starlink than fixed broadband in all three countries we surveyed in Oceania during Q4 2022. However, Starlink’s median latency was under 50 ms in New Zealand (48.11 ms), which is a very exciting development for consumers, especially with latency becoming an increasingly important metric. Starlink latency in Australia was higher at 65.52 ms, while Tonga followed at 88.81 ms.

New Q4 2022 Starlink countries show very promising results

Speedtest Intelligence shows the six new countries where we found new Starlink data are off to a roaring start in Q4 2022, which include Bulgaria, Finland, Jamaica, Japan, Latvia, and Malta. Starlink had faster median download speeds than the country’s respective fixed broadband providers combined in two countries: Bulgaria (110.76 Mbps versus 65.69 Mbps), and Jamaica (87.43 Mbps vs. 48.34 Mbps), while results were too close to call in the remaining four markets. However, Starlink showed promising 100+ Mbps speeds in Japan (156.94 Mbps), Finland (102.70 Mbps), and Malta (101.36 Mbps). 

Median upload speeds for Starlink lagged behind fixed broadband providers in all markets, though Malta was too close to call (20.40 Mbps for Starlink and 20.25 Mbps for fixed broadband). Starlink upload speeds ranged from about 14 Mbps to 20 Mbps in every market.

Consumers and enterprises stand to benefit from satellite developments in 2023

Starlink dominated headlines in 2022 — and for good reason. They’ve gained over 1 million users worldwide, will be available in connected vehicles, planes, RVs, and ships, partnered with T-Mobile to bring Starlink to mobile devices, and launched their second-gen satellites at the end of 2022. But that could very seriously change in 2023 with multiple competitors deploying major offensives in the satellite market. We’ll say it again: there is a new space race for connectivity being waged, and we’re just at the tip of what’s to come.

Here are some major updates about what’s next for various different satellite competitors:

Amazon’s Project Kuiper approved by the FCC

The biggest news concerning satellite connectivity is the FCC approving Amazon’s Project Kuiper constellation, which will include 3,236 satellites in an LEO array. On two fronts, this poses two potential challenges for Starlink: on one hand, Amazon has the global reach, scale, and consumer base that being one of the largest companies in the world provides. On the other, Blue Origin is a direct competitor of SpaceX, and won’t have to rely on the service or other vendors to launch their array into space. Amazon is in a good position to compete and Project Kuiper could become a major player if their prototypes, which will be launched in early 2023, reach speeds anywhere close to competing with broadband internet. 

Viasat set to launch Viasat-3 arrays around April 8, 2023

Long-term incumbent satellite internet provider, Viasat, has a big year ahead after years of planning and providing connectivity to remote locations around the world. Viasat is finally set to launch its Viasat-3 array, which aims to provide 1 Terabit per second (Tbps) of network capacity on each satellite, allowing its users to experience 100+ Mbps connections; that’s a huge improvement for the mainly GEO provider. While consumers likely won’t see these results until Q4 2023, we’re very excited to see how Viasat improves its network.

Eutelsat’s merger with OneWeb approved by Eutelsat board, second-gen array being planned

One of the biggest mergers in recent years among satellite providers has jumped a major hurdle and was approved by the Eutelsat board. While the combined entities still have to be approved by shareholders and regulators, this merger could expand both companies’ market share, particularly in India, which has fast become an important satellite market. Furthermore, OneWeb is already planning a second-gen satellite, which they’re aiming to launch in 2025.

European Commission forges ahead on Constellation Iris

The European Union has been working to create its own satellite constellation since 2020, and during November 2022, agreed to a plan to commit €2.4 billion for a third satellite array named Iris, in addition to Galileo and Copernicus. The project, which includes GEO, MEO, and LEO arrays, will help support EU connectivity priorities including the economy, environment, security, and defense, and is hoping to launch in 2024, and be fully operational by 2027.

HughesNet aiming to launch Jupiter 3 array in H1 2023

Incumbent satellite internet provider HughesNet is planning to launch its new Jupiter 3 array in the first half of 2023, which will help expand its network capacity, “doubling the size of the Hughes JUPITER fleet over North and South America.” While the Jupiter 3 array will still be a GEO constellation, the added network capacity will alleviate congested networks and give consumers more bandwidth to use the internet.

Ookla will continue monitoring new satellite internet developments

As 2023 continues to shape up as a pivotal year for satellite internet providers, we’ll be watching the sky to make sure providers are providing the connectivity consumers need. We’ll continue our series next quarter with Q4 2022 and Q1 2023 data from North and South America and any new countries where Starlink launches, and be back with Europe and Oceania data in Q3 2023. In the meantime, be sure to download the Speedtest® app for Windows and Mac computers or for iOS or Android for devices and see how your satellite internet stacks up to our findings.

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.

Network Evolution
Satellite

About the Author

Josh Fomon

Ookla Research™ Articles
| September 20, 2022

Starlink Slowed in Q2, Competitors Mounting Challenges

Network Evolution

Ookla® has covered SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet for over a year now with our ongoing series on satellite internet performance. We’ve seen Starlink launch in new locations across the world, and while some speeds have shown signs of slowing down from their initial launches, the newly announced T-Mobile partnership with Starlink could extend the benefit of satellite connections to the mobile market.

Today, we have fresh data on satellite performance during Q2 2022 in Europe, Oceania, North America, and South America. This analysis includes results from eight additional countries, two new providers, and expanded data for Starlink, HughesNet, and Viasat. We also examine how Starlink’s internet performance has changed over the past year in Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Starlink speeds decreased in every country we surveyed over the past year as more users sign up for service

Chart of Starlink performances in select countries

Speedtest Intelligence® reveals that median download speeds for Starlink fell across Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, the U.K, and the U.S., dropping between 9% and 54% from Q2 2021 to Q2 2022 as more users signed up for the service. However, Starlink still reached a median download speed of at least 60 Mbps in North America during Q2 2022, which is more than enough for at least one connected device to do most everything on the internet including streaming video, downloading games, and chatting on video with friends and family.

Upload speeds also slowed on Starlink, with speeds decreasing across all of the countries we’ve tracked over the past year. Latency fared a little better with latency remaining relatively flat (though high when compared to fixed broadband) in most countries. New Zealand was the outlier, with latency dropping 23 ms. For most users, we still suspect these dips are still worthwhile for areas that have no service, slow service, or few affordable options for fast internet.

Starlink in Puerto Rico was the fastest satellite provider in North America

Chart of Satellite performance versus fixed broadband internet in North America

Starlink in Puerto Rico had the fastest satellite internet in North America during Q2 2022 with a median download speed of 112.22 Mbps, followed by Starlink in Mexico (80.17 Mbps), Canada (75.73 Mbps), and the U.S. (62.53 Mbps). Starlink in Puerto Rico and Mexico was faster than their countries’ fixed broadband providers combined (74.80 Mbps and 45.50 Mbps, respectively), while fixed broadband in the U.S. (150.12 Mbps) and Canada (106.41 Mbps) was faster than each country’s satellite providers.

In every country except Mexico, fixed broadband upload speeds were faster than satellite speeds. Starlink in Mexico edged out fixed broadband providers 14.48 Mbps to 12.20 Mbps. Latency was higher for every satellite provider compared to fixed broadband. Starlink in the U.S. had the lowest median latency among satellite providers at 48 ms.

Starlink outperformed fixed broadband average in 16 European countries

Chart of Satellite performance versus fixed broadband internet in Europe

Speedtest Intelligence shows Starlink was fast in Europe during Q2 2022, outperforming fixed broadband median download speed in 16 countries and reached download speeds over 100 Mbps in 10 countries. In contrast, fixed broadband only achieved median download speeds over 100 Mbps in six countries: Romania, Spain, Portugal, France, Hungary, and the Netherlands during Q2 2022. Starlink was fastest for median download speed in Portugal at 123.01 Mbps, the Netherlands (122.43 Mbps), Austria (112.01 Mbps), France (110.98 Mbps), and Belgium (110.40 Mbps). Romania and Spain were the only countries to have fixed broadband beat Starlink for fastest median download speed, achieving 131.41 Mbps and 127.19 Mbps, respectively.

For upload, Starlink in Greece and Austria was the only satellite provider to achieve faster upload speeds than all fixed broadband providers combined at 19.34 Mbps to 5.14 Mbps, and to 17.14 Mbps to 15.90 Mbps, respectively. Fixed broadband providers in Spain (99.21 Mbps), Romania (94.23 Mbps), Sweden (92.77 Mbps), France (88.22 Mbps), Lithuania (83.54 Mbps), and Portugal (73.13 Mbps) all recorded median upload speeds greater than 70 Mbps, with the closest satellite provider being Starlink in Portugal at 28.52 Mbps.

All satellite providers fell far behind fixed broadband providers in the whole of Europe for latency during Q2 2022. Starlink in Spain and the United Kingdom recorded the lowest satellite latencies at 37 ms and 39 ms, respectively — still a far cry from the closest fixed broadband latency, which was 14 ms in Germany, Greece, and Italy.

Starlink in Brazil was the fastest satellite provider in South America

Chart of Satellite performance versus fixed broadband internet in South America

Our analysis of Speedtest Intelligence data found Starlink in Brazil was the fastest satellite provider in South America with a median download speed of 128.38 Mbps during Q2 2022, followed by Starlink in Chile at 94.79 Mbps. Chilean fixed broadband internet was still much faster for those who could get access to it. The Speedtest Global Index™ found Chile had the second fastest fixed broadband internet in the world with a median download speed of 211.43 Mbps during August 2022. Starlink in Brazil was the only satellite provider to be faster than its country’s fixed broadband providers combined.

Like last quarter, South American fixed broadband providers surpassed satellite providers in each respective upload speeds during Q2 2022. All satellite providers had a higher median latency than fixed broadband, though Starlink in Brazil and Chile had latencies of 38 ms.

Starlink in New Zealand was the fastest satellite provider in Oceania 

Chart of Satellite performance versus fixed broadband internet in Oceania

Starlink’s fastest median download speed in Oceania was in New Zealand at 105.99 Mbps, though this still fell short of fixed broadband providers in the country. Starlink in Australia was faster than fixed broadband providers by a wide margin at 102.76 Mbps to 51.46 Mbps during Q2 2022. Starlink outperformed fixed broadband providers in new-to-our-list Tonga 45.25 Mbps to 22.32 Mbps. 

New Zealand’s fixed broadband dominated for the fastest median upload speed in Oceania at 87.29 Mbps during Q2 2022, while Australia’s fixed broadband fell far behind with an upload speed of 17.86 Mbps. Both speeds were still faster than Starlink’s median upload speeds in New Zealand and Australia (12.31 Mbps and 10.45 Mbps, respectively). Tonga didn’t have a statistical winner for fastest upload speed, but Starlink reached 19.26 Mbps and fixed broadband 18.11 Mbps. Fixed broadband also had a lower median latency than Starlink during Q1 2022, which clocked in at 49 ms in Australia, 78 ms in New Zealand, and 98 ms in Tonga.

Biggest questions lie ahead, but competition will be good for consumers

Satellite connectivity is coming to mobile, with Starlink’s new partnership with T-Mobile and new mobile devices becoming satellite enabled. This will cause ripples across North America, which is a net positive for consumers who live in areas with low mobile and fixed broadband connectivity. Connecting with the world won’t be a question of how anymore, it will be a question of how good your experience is. That’s hopefully a win-win for consumers, especially as more providers vie for the fastest and best satellite experience — a true global space race.

Starlink isn’t stopping there — they’re trying to get into airplanes, cruise ships, and cars. But they’re not the only satellite provider making moves; Viasat is launching its Viasat-3 fleet, OneWeb is combining business with Eutelsat, and Amazon is sending 3,236 Project Kuiper satellites into orbit. We’ll be here monitoring the skies in our ongoing satellite series. Take a Speedtest® to help us provide an accurate and more complete picture of real-world performance. And if we’re missing data on your satellite network, send us a screenshot of your speed on Twitter or Facebook.

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.

Network Evolution
Satellite

About the Author

Josh Fomon

Ookla Research™ Articles
| June 28, 2022

Here’s How Fast Starlink Has Gotten Over the Past Year

Network Evolution

It’s been a year since we first examined SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet, which launched its public beta in November 2020. Today we’re updating our ongoing series on satellite internet performance with data from Q1 2022 in Europe, Oceania, North America, and South America, including results from 10 additional countries. We’re also examining how Starlink’s internet performance has changed over the past year in the United States and Canada.

Starlink speeds increased nearly 58% in Canada and 38% in the U.S. over the past year

chart of Starlink and fixed broadband performance in Canada and the United States

Speedtest Intelligence® reveals that median download speeds for Starlink dramatically increased from Q1 2021 to Q1 2022 in the U.S. and Canada, as did speeds for all fixed broadband providers combined. In the U.S., Starlink median download speeds improved roughly 38% from 65.72 Mbps in Q1 2021 to 90.55 Mbps in Q1 2022. In Canada, Starlink’s download speed leapt ahead nearly 58% from 61.84 Mbps to 97.40 Mbps during the same time period.

However, Speedtest Intelligence also showed that upload speeds for Starlink decreased at least 33% in the U.S. (16.29 Mbps in Q1 2021 to 9.33 Mbps in Q1 2022) and at least 36% in Canada (16.69 Mbps to 10.70 Mbps) during the same time period. Median latency on Starlink marginally increased from 40 ms to 43 ms in the U.S. and from 51 ms to 55 ms in Canada during the past year. For many Starlink users, we suspect these changes are negligible.

Starlink in Mexico was the fastest satellite provider in North America

Chart of Satellite performance versus fixed broadband internet in North America

Starlink in Mexico had the fastest satellite internet in North America during Q1 2022 with a median download speed of 105.91 Mbps, followed by Starlink in Canada (97.40 Mbps) and the U.S. (90.55 Mbps). Mexico’s fixed broadband download speed (40.07 Mbps) was much slower than Starlink, while Starlink download speeds were slower than fixed broadband for all providers combined in the U.S. (144.22 Mbps) and Canada (106.86 Mbps). Puerto Rico, new to our list, showed HughesNet had the fastest satellite internet on the island territory at 20.54 Mbps, though fixed broadband was much faster at 68.88 Mbps.

Starlink in Lithuania was the fastest satellite provider in Europe

Chart of satellite performance versus fixed broadband internet in Europe

Speedtest Intelligence showed that Starlink blazed ahead in Europe during Q1 2022, with Starlink achieving a 100+ Mbps median download speed in every country where it was commercially available. In contrast, fixed broadband only achieved median download speeds over 100 Mbps in Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands during Q1 2022. Starlink was fastest for download speed in Lithuania at 160.08 Mbps, followed by Belgium (147.85 Mbps), Slovakia (146.25 Mbps), Croatia (136.00 Mbps), and Austria (132.61 Mbps). Spain was the only country to have its fixed broadband beat Starlink for fastest median download speed, achieving 131.99 Mbps to Starlink’s 108.43 Mbps within the country.

For upload, fixed broadband providers in Spain (100.65 Mbps), France (86.02 Mbps), Portugal (74.42 Mbps), and Lithuania (73.95 Mbps) all recorded median speeds greater than 70 Mbps, while the closest satellite provider, Starlink in Portugal, trailed at 32.05 Mbps.

All satellite providers fell far behind fixed broadband providers in the whole of Europe for latency during Q1 2022, with Starlink in Spain and the United Kingdom recording the highest satellite latencies at 35 ms and 36 ms, respectively — a far cry from the lowest fixed broadband latency, which was 15 ms in the U.K.

Starlink in Chile was the fastest satellite provider in South America

Chart of Satellite performance versus fixed broadband internet in South America

Our analysis of Speedtest Intelligence data found Starlink in Chile was the fastest satellite provider in South America with a median download speed of 110.49 Mbps during Q1 2022. Although Chilean fixed broadband internet was much faster for those who could get access to it. In fact, during May 2022, the Speedtest Global Index™ found Chile had the second fastest fixed broadband internet in the world with a median download speed of 206.97 Mbps, just a hair shy of Singapore’s first place speed of 209.21 Mbps. 

No South American satellite provider surpassed its country’s fixed broadband download or upload speeds during Q1 2022. Viasat in Brazil had a noteworthy median download speed of 62.07 Mbps, though still fell short of the country’s fixed broadband speed of 90.20 Mbps. All satellite providers had a higher median latency than fixed broadband, though Starlink in Chile had a latency of 38 ms.

Starlink in Australia was the fastest satellite provider in Oceania

Chart of Satellite performance versus fixed broadband internet in Oceania

Starlink raced ahead in Oceania, recording faster median download speeds than fixed broadband in both Australia and New Zealand. In Australia, Starlink had a median download speed of 124.31 Mbps, much faster than Australian fixed broadband at 50.87 Mbps for download during Q1 2022. The comparison in New Zealand was much closer with Starlink’s median download speed at 118.70 Mbps and fixed broadband at 116.83 Mbps during Q1 2022.

New Zealand’s fixed broadband dominated for the fastest median upload speed in Oceania at 84.34 Mbps during Q1 2022, while Australia’s fixed broadband fell far behind with an upload speed at 17.85 Mbps. Both speeds were still faster than Starlink’s median upload speeds in New Zealand and Australia (13.09 Mbps and 11.71 Mbps, respectively). Fixed broadband also had a faster median latency than Starlink during Q1 2022, which clocked in at 47 ms in Australia and 78 ms in New Zealand.

Consumers are flocking to Starlink, but competitors are close behind

As we’ve continued to see over the past year, Starlink’s low-earth orbit satellites (LEOs) provide a life-changing service for consumers in rural areas that might not otherwise have access to high-speed internet. However, more companies are looking to compete with Starlink and launch their own LEO constellations, including Amazon’s Project Kuiper, which recently received FCC permission to test their own satellite service and is slated to launch later this year, and Viasat which is set to merge with Inmarsat and launch new constellations by 2023.

We’ll continue to monitor the skies in our ongoing satellite series, but if you’re using satellite internet, take a Speedtest® to help us provide an accurate and more complete picture of real-world performance.

Editor’s note: This article was amended on June 28 to clarify percentage increases in the U.S. and Canada and to update the percent change for upload for Canada.

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.

Network Evolution
Satellite

About the Author

Josh Fomon

Ookla Research™ Articles
| March 16, 2022

Starlink Hits 100+ Mbps Download Speed in 15 Countries During Q4 2021

Network Evolution

Fast satellite internet has become increasingly available to more and more people across the globe. It’s already a huge boon to rural communities that might otherwise be too remote for fixed broadband service. Starlink, Viasat, HughesNet, and other satellite providers are all placing big bets on low-earth orbital (LEO) satellite constellations, and Starlink is even introducing a new premium service with speeds expected to be around 150-500 Mbps. It’s a gamble, as Starlink recently learned after losing about 40 satellites to a geomagnetic storm, but it’s a gamble worth making. The European Commission is even planning a multibillion Euro investment to connect the continent to satellite internet. 

We’ve analyzed fresh satellite internet performance data from Q4 2021 including results from seven additional countries to update our ongoing series.

United States: Starlink was the fastest satellite provider during Q4 2021 and speeds increased over Q3 2021

Satellite Internet Performance vs Fixed in USA

U.S. consumers saw mixed satellite performance when comparing Q3 2021 to Q4 2021, while the United States government has been trying to increase satellite internet competition. Starlink’s median download speed increased from 87.25 Mbps during Q3 2021 to 104.97 Mbps in Q4 2021 — an important benchmark that inches Starlink closer to reaching the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund’s (RDOF) baseline of download speeds greater than 100 Mbps. Viasat overtook HughesNet to follow Starlink distantly at 21.81 Mbps (comparable to the 18.75 Mbps we saw in Q3 2021) and HughesNet followed at 20.92 Mbps (19.30 Mbps in Q3 2021). SES, new to our list this quarter, trailed far behind at 2.19 Mbps. For comparison, the median download speed for all fixed broadband providers rose moderately in the U.S. during Q4 2021 from 119.84 Mbps in Q3 2021 to 131.30 Mbps in Q4 2021.

Starlink saw a slight decrease in median upload speed from 13.54 Mbps during Q3 2021 to 12.04 Mbps in Q4 2021, still short of the median upload speed for all fixed broadband, which rose to 19.49 Mbps in Q4 2021 from 18.03 Mbps in Q3 2021. Viasat followed at 2.88 Mbps (2.96 Mbps in Q3 2021), then HughesNet at 2.54 Mbps (2.13 Mbps in Q3 2021), and SES at 1.19 Mbps.

As we’ve seen over the past year, Starlink, which uses only low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, was once again the only satellite internet provider with a median latency anywhere close to fixed broadband in Q4 2021 (40 ms and 14 ms, respectively). SES, Viasat, and HughesNet, which all utilize higher geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellites for now, had much higher median latencies at 613 ms, 627 ms, and 725 ms, respectively.

Starlink performance continues to vary widely at the county level

Median Download Speed for Starlink in Selected US Counties

During Q4 2021, we saw about a 130 Mbps range in performance between the U.S. county with the fastest median download speed over Starlink (Miami Dade County in Florida at 191.08 Mbps) and the county with the slowest median download speed (Columbia County in Oregon at 64.95 Mbps). Even the lower-end speeds were well above the FCC’s baseline performance tier for broadband internet of at least a 25 Mbps download speed.

Satellite internet performance elsewhere in the world

We examined satellite internet performance in countries with an established market share to see how well their speeds compare to local fixed broadband. We’re excited to add analyses on satellite performance in Austria, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, and Portugal this quarter. We’ve also added Starlink to the list of providers in Chile. With Starlink continuing to launch in additional countries, we’re looking forward to seeing how Starlink performs during Q1 2021.

Australia: Starlink nearly triples fixed broadband download average

Starlink performed well in Australia during Q4 2021 with a median download speed of 141.55 Mbps. The median download speed for all fixed broadband providers was 51.35 Mbps. Starlink’s 14.84 Mbps median upload speed fell behind fixed broadband providers’ 18.01 Mbps. Starlink is a clear alternative to traditional fixed broadband for speeds, however Starlink can’t yet compete for latency, with Starlink showing a median latency of 43 ms vs. 10 ms for all fixed broadband combined.

Austria: Starlink download speed outpaces fixed broadband by more than double

New to our list this quarter, Austrian consumers had fast speeds over Starlink during Q4 2021, achieving faster median download speeds than that of all fixed broadband providers combined at 131.84 Mbps vs. 50.33 Mbps on fixed broadband. Starlink also had a faster median upload speed at 19.91 Mbps vs. 14.34 Mbps on fixed broadband. Starlink trailed fixed broadband on median latency during Q4 2021, 52 ms vs. 13 ms.

Satellite Internet Performance vs Fixed Broadband in Austria

Belgium: Starlink much faster than fixed broadband

Starlink’s median download speed of 155.15 Mbps during Q4 2021 was much faster than the country’s median download for all fixed broadband of 76.94 Mbps. That’s also a large increase from Starlink’s median download speed of 127.46 Mbps in Q3 2021. For median upload speed, Starlink was only slightly slower at 15.15 Mbps than the median fixed broadband upload speed of 18.05 Mbps. However, Starlink’s 45 ms latency was higher than the country’s median latency of 13 ms. Starlink was the only satellite internet provider with adequate samples to analyze in Belgium during Q4 2021. For rural Belgians, Starlink is a strong option.

Satellite Internet Performance vs Fixed Broadband in Belgium

Brazil: Viasat fell further behind as national fixed broadband sped up

Viasat’s median download speed in Brazil dipped slightly from 66.32 Mbps during Q3 2021 to 62.80 Mbps during Q4 2021. This fell further away from the national median for fixed broadband, which sped up to 83.03 Mbps during Q4 2021 (71.50 Mbps in Q3 2021). Viasat’s median upload speed (1.07 Mbps) was much slower than that on fixed broadband (40.76 Mbps), and Viasat’s latency was much higher (610 ms vs 6 ms). With Starlink slated to enter the Brazilian market soon, we’ll be watching these numbers closely to see if additional competition spurs the market.

Satellite Internet Performance vs Fixed Broadband in Brazil

Canada: Starlink performance reaches milestone during Q4 2021

In our last article, Starlink’s median download speed decreased to slower than fixed broadband in Canada during Q3 2021 (84.55 Mbps vs. 90.67 Mbps). But in Q4 2021, Starlink’s median download speed leapt ahead, achieving 106.64 Mbps while median download speed for fixed broadband increased to 96.39 Mbps. Starlink’s median upload speed was slower than fixed broadband (12.82 Mbps vs. 21.66 Mbps) and latency on Starlink was still much higher (55 ms vs. 11 ms). Starlink should be considered a viable option compared to fixed broadband in Canada, especially for rural consumers or those without access to fast fixed broadband options like fiber.

Satellite Internet Performance vs Fixed Broadband in Canada

Starlink faster than overall fixed broadband in nearly every province

Median Download Speed for Starlink in Canadian Provinces

Starlink showed enough samples to analyze performance in all 10 provinces in Canada during Q4 2021 — all of which showed substantial increases in Starlink’s download speed during Q4 2021 compared to Q3 2021. Starlink’s median download speed was faster than the median download for all fixed broadband in seven provinces during Q4 2021: Manitoba (101.66 Mbps vs. 83.06 Mbps), Newfoundland and Labrador (195.30 Mbps vs. 131.58 Mbps), Nova Scotia (143.52 Mbps vs. 121.57 Mbps), Ontario (106.24 Mbps vs. 95.06 Mbps), Prince Edward Island (139.11 Mbps vs. 75.95 Mbps), Quebec (123.50 Mbps vs. 84.50 Mbps), and Saskatchewan (116.24 Mbps vs. 68.43 Mbps).

Download speeds were comparable between Starlink and overall fixed broadband in New Brunswick (130.67 Mbps vs. 132.65 Mbps), and overall fixed broadband was faster than Starlink in Alberta (107.32 Mbps vs. 96.56 Mbps) and British Columbia (130.97 Mbps vs. 94.74 Mbps) — with the latter two provinces having better access to fiber-to-the-home (FTTH).

Chile: Starlink debuts fast speeds, but still much slower than scorching fast fixed broadband

Chilean fixed broadband providers have continued to achieve some of the fastest speeds in the world, recording the fastest speed on the Speedtest Global Index™ during February 2022, and we were interested to see how Starlink would compete. Starlink reached 118.95 Mbps in Chile during Q4 2021, which was faster than HughesNet (15.30 Mbps) but much slower than Chile’s median download speed for all fixed broadband providers (168.92 Mbps). 

Median upload speeds also showed a wide gap in Chile between satellite and fixed broadband during Q4 2021 (23.46 Mbps for Starlink and 3.42 Mbps for HughesNet vs. 89.76 Mbps on fixed broadband). Fixed broadband was also much faster for latency: 7 ms for fixed broadband vs. 38 ms for Starlink and 615 ms for HughesNet.

Satellite Internet Performance vs Fixed Broadband in Chile

Colombia: HughesNet decreased over download and upload speeds

HughesNet’s median download speed decreased in Q4 2021 to 11.75 Mbps from 12.12 Mbps during Q3 2021, while Colombia’s fixed broadband increased to 54.60 Mbps (46.08 Mbps in Q3 2021). Median upload speed was also slower for HughesNet than fixed broadband (2.88 Mbps vs. 11.86 Mbps), and latency was much higher on HughesNet (717 ms vs. 14 ms).

Satellite Internet Performance vs Fixed Broadband in Colombia

France: Starlink download speed increased, still faster than fixed broadband

Starlink users in France saw a median download speed of 121.21 Mbps in Q4 2021 (up from 102.15 Mbps in Q3 2021). Starlink’s download speed easily beat the country-wide median for fixed broadband of 90.88 Mbps (up from 75.47 Mbps in Q3 2021). Starlink’s upload speed during Q4 2021 was slower than the fixed broadband median (17.20 Mbps vs. 69.49 Mbps), and Starlink’s latency was higher (51 ms vs. 12 ms). Satellite provider SES, on this list for the first time, trailed behind both Starlink and fixed broadband with a 14.88 Mbps download speed, 1.83 Mbps upload speed, and 649 ms latency. Starlink remains an good option for rural French consumers.

Satellite Internet Performance vs Fixed Broadband in France

Germany: Starlink blazes ahead of fixed broadband download speed

Starlink’s median download speed in Germany of 115.58 Mbps was much faster than the fixed broadband median of 65.86 Mbps during Q4 2021 (and Starlink’s Q3 2021 download speed of 95.40 Mbps). Starlink was slightly slower for upload speed than overall fixed broadband (15.17 Mbps vs. 22.40 Mbps) and Starlink showed a higher latency (47 ms) than fixed broadband (14 ms).

Satellite Internet Performance vs Fixed Broadband in Germany

Ireland: Starlink download debuts nearly double that of fixed broadband

Starlink’s debut on our list is noteworthy in Ireland, where it achieved a download speed almost double that of Ireland’s combined fixed broadband average during Q4 2021 (123.51 Mbps vs. 65.89 Mbps). Median upload speeds were almost level, with Starlink recording a median upload speed at 24.35 Mbps vs. 22.63 Mbps for fixed broadband. Starlink lagged for latency at 45 ms vs. 11 ms for fixed broadband. Starlink is a great option for those who are looking for fast speeds in Ireland and can’t get access to fixed broadband.

Satellite Internet Performance vs Fixed Broadband in Ireland

Italy: Starlink dominates against fixed broadband

Starlink enters our list in Italy with a decisive statement during Q4 2021: It achieved a median download speed of 124.39 Mbps, a huge leap ahead of Italy’s fixed broadband average of 49.56 Mbps. Upload speeds were comparable between the two, with Starlink recording a median of 18.90 Mbps to 18.29 on fixed broadband. Starlink had a higher latency at 52 ms vs. 14 ms on fixed broadband. Starlink is an attractive option for fast internet in Italy.

Satellite Internet Performance vs Fixed Broadband in Italy

Mexico: Starlink impresses during Q4 2021 debut

Starlink, which only became commercially available in Mexico during November 2021, made a significant splash during its brief Q4 2021 debut, achieving a median download speed of 141.94 Mbps. That was significantly faster than Viasat (16.34 Mbps), HughesNet (10.63 Mbps), and all fixed broadband providers combined (36.56 Mbps). 

Starlink also outpaced fixed broadband for fastest upload speed (22.32 Mbps vs. 9.53 Mbps). HughesNet and Viasat followed at 3.10 Mbps and 2.06 Mbps, respectively. Starlink was the only satellite provider that came close to fixed broadband median latency, 64 ms to 11 ms. Viasat and HughesNet were distantly behind at 676 ms and 763 ms, respectively. With Starlink making such an impressive entrance into Mexico, we’ll be interested to see if the performance holds up in the coming months.

Satellite Internet Performance vs Fixed Broadband in Mexico

Netherlands: Starlink faster for median download, lagging on upload and latency

The Netherlands, which is new to this list, has some of the fastest median mobile and fixed broadband speeds in the world according to the Speedtest Global Index. We were eager to see how Starlink would perform against this competition. During Q4 2021, Starlink achieved a median download speed of 138.40 Mbps compared to 95.55 Mbps over fixed broadband. Starlink lagged noticeably behind for upload speed at 15.60 Mbps vs. 30.87 Mbps on fixed broadband. Starlink also had a higher latency at 45 ms vs. 11 ms on fixed broadband.

Satellite Internet Performance vs Fixed Broadband in Netherlands

New Zealand: Starlink slowed slightly, still faster than fixed broadband download

Starlink’s Q4 2021 median download speed (116.44 Mbps, down slightly from 120.10 Mbps Mbps in Q3 2021, likely due to increased adoption) was faster than New Zealand’s median fixed broadband download speed (98.61 in Q4 2021, up from 84.98 Mbps in Q3 2021). Starlink was much slower than New Zealand’s median fixed broadband upload speed for Q4 2021 (13.79 Mbps vs. 59.26 Mbps, which was a huge increase from 23.62 Mbps on fixed broadband during Q3 2021). Starlink’s median latency during Q4 2021 was comparable to Q3 2021 (79 ms vs. 81 ms) which was still much slower than New Zealand’s median for all fixed broadband of 6 ms during Q4 2021.

Satellite Internet Performance vs Fixed Broadband in New Zealand

Poland: Starlink a fast option for Poles

Starlink launched in Poland during September 2021 and is already recording fast speeds. The median download speed for Starlink was much faster than fixed broadband at 129.29 Mbps to 83.88 Mbps during Q4 2021. Upload speed was roughly comparable, with Starlink recording a slightly slower median upload speed of 24.17 Mbps and fixed broadband ahead at 28.60 Mbps. Starlink’s latency was higher at 58 ms to 10 ms on fixed broadband. That’s still acceptable for online gaming, but higher than what’s considered optimal.

Satellite Internet Performance vs Fixed Broadband in Poland

Portugal: Starlink far ahead on download speed in debut, fixed broadband much faster on upload

Another newcomer to this list this quarter, Portugal was a place where Starlink dominated with a much faster median download speed than fixed broadband at 140.35 Mbps to 94.62 Mbps, respectively, during Q4 2021. Upload speed was a different story, with fixed broadband notching a median upload speed of 65.52 Mbps to Starlink’s 30.16 Mbps. Starlink also had a much higher latency than fixed broadband at 44 ms to 7 ms. Starlink remains a good option if you don’t have access to good fixed broadband in Portugal. 

Satellite Internet Performance vs Fixed Broadband in Portugal

United Kingdom: Starlink still nearly twice as fast as fixed broadband median

Starlink showed a faster median download speed in the U.K. (121.94 Mbps in Q4 2021, up from 111.66 Mbps in Q3 2021) than the country’s median for fixed broadband (57.66 Mbps in Q4 2021, up from 53.16 Mbps in Q3 2021). Starlink’s median upload speed (13.96 Mbps) was comparable to the median upload for all fixed broadband in the U.K. (16.84 Mbps), and the latency was relatively fast given the distance traveled (36 ms for Starlink vs. 15 ms for all fixed broadband) — enough to be able to reliably play online multiplayer games. Satellite provider SES trailed far behind during Q4 2021 with a 3.79 Mbps median download speed, 3.74 Mbps median upload, and 636 ms median latency.

Satellite Internet Performance vs Fixed Broadband in United Kingdom

Competition among satellite providers is rapidly increasing and we’ll continue watching closely

We look forward to updating this data again next quarter with new locations as satellite internet continues to become a more viable option for many. If you’re using satellite internet, take a Speedtest® to help us provide an accurate picture of real-world performance.

Editor’s note: The section on Australia was amended on March 24 to remove performance details for Viasat which was determined not to be a consumer offering at this time.

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.

Network Evolution
Satellite

About the Author

Josh Fomon

Ookla Research™ Articles
| September 18, 2023

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

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:

Map of 5G Pioeer Band Spectrum Awards 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.

Chart of Portion of Scans by Frequency Band, Relationship Between C-Band Spectrum and Median 5G Download Speed

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

Chart of 5G Performance in Central and Eastern European Countries for All Providers Combined

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

Chart of Top 5G Performance among Central and Eastern European Providers

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

Map of 5G Performance Across Central and Eastern European Capitals

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.

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.

Europe

About the Author

Sylwia Kechiche

Ookla Research™ Articles
| January 16, 2024

52 New Ookla Market Reports Available for Q4 2023

Global Speeds

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.

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.

Global Speeds
Bhutan

About the Author

Mark Giles

Ookla Research™ Articles
| June 16, 2021

How COVID-19 Affected Roaming for Mobile Speeds in Europe

Global Speeds

Roaming might seem like an unusual topic in a time when inter-country travel has been largely prohibited, but we wanted to build on our previous analysis to see how roaming performance and behaviors evolved over the past year. This analysis examines Speedtest data from Android devices in the European Union (E.U.) and the United Kingdom (U.K.) from Q1 2020 through Q1 2021. We’ve included the U.K. to maintain continuity with pre-Brexit reports.

Roaming speeds were slower in most European countries in Q1 2021

Speedtest Intelligence® again showed that consumers who are roaming outside their home countries often experience slower speeds. During Q1 2021, 19 out of the 26 European countries with statistically viable roaming sample sizes experienced slower median roaming download speeds than median local download speeds. Cyprus and Malta had too few roaming samples to be included in this year’s analysis for Q1 2021.

For the seven countries that saw increased speeds, Latvians experienced the largest increase in median download speed when roaming elsewhere in Europe at 23.4%, which was followed closely by Estonia (22.8%) and Ireland (19.5%). Greece, Romania and Slovenia saw increases of more than 5%. The U.K. saw about the same speeds roaming and locally with an increase of only 0.5% when roaming. Hungary also saw comparable roaming download speeds to local speeds with a decrease of only 0.5% when roaming.

Median Local vs. Roaming Download Speeds in Europe
Speedtest Intelligence® | Q1 2021
Country Local Download (Mbps) Roaming Download (Mbps) % Change
Austria 36.19 26.13 -27.8%
Belgium 43.90 27.52 -37.3%
Bulgaria 61.76 29.74 -51.8%
Croatia 48.23 31.3 -35.1%
Czechia 31.35 19.74 -37.0%
Denmark 50.11 22.18 -55.7%
Estonia 34.34 42.16 22.8%
Finland 43.02 31.68 -26.4%
France 34.68 29.62 -14.6%
Germany 27.56 20.14 -26.9%
Greece 32.38 35.51 9.7%
Hungary 28.66 28.51 -0.5%
Ireland 14.99 17.91 19.5%
Italy 25.24 21.66 -14.2%
Latvia 22.69 28.00 23.4%
Lithuania 33.66 30.80 -8.5%
Luxembourg 40.65 26.31 -35.3%
Netherlands 77.52 26.48 -65.8%
Poland 26.51 23.13 -12.7%
Portugal 26.16 23.74 -9.3%
Romania 25.12 26.80 6.7%
Slovakia 23.79 20.94 -12.0%
Slovenia 27.63 29.58 7.1%
Spain 23.78 18.21 -23.4%
Sweden 38.26 23.16 -39.5%
United Kingdom 27.96 28.09 0.5%

Every other country on our list saw decreases in median download speeds of 8.5% or more while roaming, with customers from the Netherlands experiencing the largest drop (65.8%) from a local speed of 77.52 Mbps to 26.48 Mbps while roaming. Customers from Denmark and Bulgaria experienced roaming speeds less than half of what they’re accustomed to at home with decreases of 55.7% and 51.8%, respectively.

Roaming decreased during the pandemic while speeds increased

The COVID-19 pandemic has upended countless lives with multiple lockdowns throughout 2020 and 2021 and severe limits to movement across borders. Data from Speedtest Intelligence reflects this decrease in roaming with roaming samples markedly down when comparing Q1 2021 to Q1 2020. We saw the most roaming samples during Q3 2020 and Q1 2020, which corresponds to increased lockdowns and movement restrictions in Q2 and Q4 2020 in response to the first and second waves of the pandemic.

Roaming speeds for all European countries combined increased 6.9% between Q1 2020 and Q1 2021, though the increase was not linear. Median download speed while roaming decreased from 22.89 Mbps in Q1 2020 to 22.09 in Q2 2020 and slipped down to 20.68 Mbps in Q3 2020. Roaming speeds began to increase in Q4 2020 with the median download speed rising to 23.42 Mbps, and Q1 2021 saw a further increase to 24.47 Mbps.

ookla_roaming_quarter_change_eu_0621-1

Estonia saw the biggest year-over-year increase in median roaming download speed, Slovakia and Italy saw the largest decrease

Median European Roaming Download Speeds
Speedtest Intelligence® | Q1 2020 – Q1 2021
Country Q1 2020 Download (Mbps) Q1 2021 Download (Mbps) % Change
Europe (All Countries Combined) 22.89 24.47 6.9%
Austria 24.39 26.13 7.1%
Belgium 23.78 27.52 15.7%
Bulgaria 22.81 29.74 30.4%
Croatia 29.28 31.30 6.9%
Czechia 20.23 19.74 -2.4%
Denmark 21.38 22.18 3.7%
Estonia 27.82 42.16 51.5%
Finland 32.18 31.68 -1.6%
France 24.57 29.62 20.6%
Germany 20.74 20.14 -2.9%
Greece 41.07 35.51 -13.5%
Hungary 25.10 28.51 13.6%
Ireland 22.08 17.91 -18.9%
Italy 26.98 21.66 -19.7%
Latvia 26.38 28.00 6.1%
Lithuania 22.60 30.80 36.3%
Luxembourg 18.82 26.31 39.8%
Netherlands 18.39 26.48 44.0%
Poland 17.01 23.13 36.0%
Portugal 23.78 23.74 -0.2%
Romania 23.64 26.80 13.4%
Slovakia 26.16 20.94 -20.0%
Slovenia 25.30 29.58 16.9%
Spain 15.05 18.21 21.0%
Sweden 21.36 23.16 8.4%
United Kingdom 29.48 28.09 -4.7%

2020 also posed many challenges for telecom operators around the world as customers shifted use patterns. Despite these challenges, many Europeans saw increases in median roaming speeds year-over-year. In fact, customers in 17 out of the 26 countries analyzed saw faster download speeds while roaming elsewhere in Europe when comparing Q1 2020 to Q1 2021. Estonians saw the largest increase at 51.5% (from 27.82 Mbps to 42.16 Mbps), the Netherlands was next with a 44.0% jump (from 18.39 Mbps to 26.48 Mbps) and Luxembourg saw a 39.8% increase in download speed (from 18.82 Mbps to 26.31 Mbps).

Countries whose customers experienced year-over-year decreases in median downloads speed while roaming include Slovakia (20.0% decrease), Italy (19.7%), Ireland (18.9%), Greece (13.5%), the U.K. (4.7%), Germany (2.9%), Czechia (2.4%), Finland (1.6%) and Portugal (0.2%).

While the year-over-year change is an interesting baseline metric, it’s also important to note only Denmark, Germany, Poland and Spain had consistently slower median roaming download speeds than the European average during every quarter from Q1 2020 to Q1 2021. Every other country had at least one quarter where speeds were faster than the European average.

Outbound roaming speeds varied drastically from country to country from Q1 2020 to Q1 2021

Roaming speeds are heavily dependent on agreements between individual operators, which means they can vary dramatically by country and by operator. We looked closely at outbound roaming for individual countries to see how different countries’ networks performed during COVID-19 lockdowns.

Customers from the Netherlands roaming in France saw the fastest median roaming download speed in all of Europe during Q1 2021 at 70.46 Mbps. Customers from Germany roaming in Portugal experienced the slowest median roaming download speed during Q3 2020 at 0.42 Mbps.

Here were some of the fastest roaming speeds from select countries to other countries within Europe between Q1 2020 and Q1 2021:

  • Netherlands to France (70.46 Mbps in Q1 2021)
  • Bulgaria to the U.K. (58.21 Mbps in Q4 2020)
  • Netherlands to Poland (55.77 Mbps in Q1 2021)
  • Denmark to Sweden (40.46 Mbps in Q4 2020)
  • Finland to Estonia (48.41 Mbps in Q1 2020)

Here were some of the slowest roaming speeds between Q1 2020 and Q1 2021:

  • Germany to Portugal (0.42 Mbps in Q3 2020)
  • Czechia to France (4.98 Mbps in Q3 2020)
  • France to Portugal (5.54 Mbps in Q3 2020)
  • Hungary to France (5.95 Mbps in Q3 2020)
  • Poland to Belgium (7.59 Mbps in Q1 2020)

We’ll continue to watch roaming speeds over the next year to see how roaming changes as more countries reopen and travel picks up again. If you’re interested in learning more about roaming speeds for your business or country, please click here.

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.

Global Speeds

About the Author

Josh Fomon

Ookla Research™ Articles
| July 27, 2021

Oslo Tops the List of World Capitals with the Fastest 5G in Q1-Q2 2021

Global Speeds

Mobile operators are rapidly expanding 5G deployments across the globe, with 16,410 new 5G deployments across 109 countries added to the Ookla 5G Map™ in June 2021 alone. Huge investments in 5G are being made to increase performance, especially in major cities. We used Speedtest Intelligence® to see which world capitals have the best 5G speeds and availability, based on locations with commercially available 5G during Q1-Q2 2021.

Oslo, Norway was the fastest world capital for 5G during Q1-Q2 2021

ookla_fastest_5g_download_speed_world_capitals_0721

The race for fastest 5G performance among world capitals was extremely competitive during Q1-Q2 2021. Oslo, Norway had the fastest 5G of any world capital, clocking in with a median download speed of 526.74 Mbps. Seoul, South Korea had the second fastest median download speed over 5G at 467.84 Mbps; Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates was third (421.26 Mbps); Doha, Qatar fourth (413.40 Mbps) and Stockholm, Sweden fifth (401.30 Mbps). Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (384.66 Mbps); Kuwait City, Kuwait (338.97 Mbps), Muscat, Oman (318.95 Mbps); Beijing, China (291.19 Mbps); and Taipei, Taiwan (287.86 Mbps); rounded out the top 10. Helsinki, Finland showed a median 5G download speed of 279.59 Mbps; Sofia, Bulgaria 260.55 Mbps; Canberra, Australia 258.39 Mbps; Bangkok, Thailand 253.73 Mbps; Manama, Bahrain 249.71; Dublin, Ireland 223.01; Luxembourg City, Luxembourg 209.98 Mbps; Paris, France 208.48 Mbps and Bucharest, Romania 203.44 Mbps.

We saw median 5G download speeds between 150 Mbps and 200 Mbps in the following world capitals during Q1-Q2 2021: Ottawa, Canada (196.11 Mbps); Hanoi, Vietnam (195.99 Mbps); Bratislava, Slovakia (188.23 Mbps); Madrid, Spain (183.37 Mbps); Bern, Switzerland (175.69 Mbps); Rome, Italy (171.79 Mbps); London, United Kingdom (167.50 Mbps); Tokyo, Japan (167.02 Mbps); Athens, Greece (164.95 Mbps); Copenhagen, Denmark (162.75 Mbps); Ljubljana, Slovenia (158.50 Mbps); Hong Kong (153.78) and Washington, D.C., United States (151.80 Mbps).

Cape Town, South Africa was the slowest world capital for 5G in Q1-Q2 2021

ookla_slowest_5g_download_speed_world_capitals_0721

Speedtest Intelligence shows Capetown, South Africa had the slowest median download speed over 5G during Q1-Q2 2021 at 53.33 Mbps. Other world capitals with slower median 5G download speeds included: Brasilia, Brazil (62.18 Mbps); San Juan, Puerto Rico (72.59 Mbps); Warsaw, Poland (80.18 Mbps); Singapore (111.20 Mbps); Manila, Philippines (112.23 Mbps); Prague, Czechia (116.30 Mbps); Budapest, Hungary (137.54 Mbps); Amsterdam, Netherlands (139.75 Mbps); Zagreb, Croatia (140.92 Mbps); Vienna, Austria (144.93 Mbps); Jerusalem, Israel (145.17 Mbps); and Berlin, Germany (148.16 Mbps).

Capitals not mentioned on either of these lists did not have sufficient 5G samples during Q1-Q2 2021 to be included in this report.

The fastest 5G speeds are yet to come

5G is rapidly improving across the world and we’re eager to see how countries, cities and operators continue to perform during Q3 2021 and beyond. If you want to see how your 5G network performs against these benchmarks, please download the Android or iOS app, and take a Speedtest®. Learn more about 5G provider performance in select cities here, and visit the Ookla 5G MapTM to see which providers are offering 5G in your area.

Editor’s note: This article was updated on July 28 to reorganize the content for clarity.

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.

Global Speeds

About the Author

Josh Fomon

Ookla Research™ Articles
| January 18, 2022

Speedtest Global Index Market Analyses Now Available for 41 Countries

Global Speeds

Speedtest Global IndexTM Market Analyses from Ookla® identify key data about internet performance in countries across the world. This quarter we’ve provided updated analyses for 41 markets that includes details on fastest mobile and fixed broadband providers, performance of most popular devices and chipsets and internet speeds in cities. Click a country on the list below to see highlights or scroll through the article to learn what Speedtest Intelligence® revealed in all 41 markets:

Africa and the Middle East

Algeria | Jordan | Kenya | Morocco | Nigeria
Qatar | South Africa | Tunisia | Turkey

Asia and Oceania

China | Hong Kong (SAR) | New Zealand | Philippines | Singapore
Taiwan | Thailand | Vietnam

Europe

Austria | Belgium | Czechia | Denmark | Estonia
Finland| France | Germany | Hungary | Luxembourg
Malta | Poland | Slovakia | Spain

North and South America

Argentina | Brazil | Canada | Chile | Colombia
Ecuador | Guatemala | Mexico | Peru | United States

Africa and the Middle East

Algeria

  • Mobile provider Ooredoo had the highest Speed Score™ (25.05) and Consistency Score™ (82.0%) in Algeria during Q4 2021.
  • Apple devices were the fastest devices in Algeria during Q4 2021, achieving a mean download speed of 26.44 Mbps.
  • Xiaomi’s Redmi K40 5G and Apple’s iPhone 12 Pro Max 5G took the top spots among popular devices with mean download speeds at 35.71 Mbps and 35.40 Mbps, respectively, during Q4 2021.

Jordan

  • Speedtest Intelligence found Umniah was once again the fastest mobile operator in Jordan during Q4 2021, earning a Speed Score of 34.82.
  • Umniah also had the highest Consistency Score at 94.2% during Q4 2021.
  • For the third quarter in a row, fixed broadband provider Orange held the fastest Speed Score at 81.62 during Q4 2021.
  • Fixed broadband provider DAMAMAX had the highest Consistency Score at 86.2% during Q4 2021.
  • Among popular mobile devices in Jordan, Apple’s iPhone 12 Pro Max 5G edged out the iPhone 12 5G for fastest median download at 38.91 Mbps to 38.35 Mbps, respectively, during Q4 2021.
  • Amman had the fastest median fixed broadband and mobile download speeds among Jordan’s most populous cities at 57.31 Mbps and 19.99 Mbps, respectively, during Q4 2021.

Kenya

  • Mobile provider Safaricom had the highest mobile Speed Score (29.67) in Kenya during Q4 2021.
  • Airtel edged out Safaricom for highest mobile Consistency Score (83.1%) during Q4 2021.
  • For fixed broadband, Faiba had the highest Speed Score (28.58) and Consistency Score (52.0%) in Kenya for the third quarter in a row during Q4 2021.
  • Apple took four out of the top five spots among popular devices in Kenya during Q4 2021, with the iPhone 12 Pro Max 5G achieving the highest mean download speed at 39.19 Mbps.
  • Mombasa had the fastest mean mobile download and upload speeds among Kenya’s most populous cities at 30.32 Mbps and 17.05 Mbps, respectively.
  • Mombasa also had the fastest mean fixed broadband download speed at 22.91 Mbps during Q4 2021.

Morocco

  • Mobile operator Maroc Telecom achieved the highest Speed Score (67.26) and Consistency Score (93.4%) during Q4 2021, both increases from Q3 2021 results.
  • Salé (44.92 Mbps), Marrakesh (44.32 Mbps) and Fes (43.57 Mbps) took the top spots for fastest mean mobile download speeds among Morocco’s most populous cities during Q4 2021.

Nigeria

  • For the fourth quarter in a row, mobile provider Airtel had the fastest Speed Score in Nigeria at 35.35 during Q4 2021 — a slight increase from 33.43 during Q3 2021.
  • Airtel maintained the top spot for highest Consistency Score on mobile during Q4 2021 at 87.5% to MTN’s 85.8%.
  • Fixed broadband provider ipNX once again had the fastest Speed Score (22.05) and highest Consistency Score (42.8%) in Nigeria during Q4 2021.
  • The iPhone 12 Pro 5G was the fastest popular device in Nigeria during Q4 2021, achieving a mean download speed of 47.20 Mbps.
  • Kano retained the top spot among Nigeria’s most populous cities for fastest mean mobile download speed at 29.35 Mbps during Q4 2021.

Qatar

  • Ooredoo had the fastest Speed Score over mobile in Qatar for the third quarter in a row at 156.85 during Q4 2021.
  • 5G performance in Qatar was extremely competitive with Vodafone overtaking Ooredoo for the fastest median 5G download speed during Q4 2021 at 421.42 Mbps to Ooredoo’s 390.59 Mbps.
  • Vodafone had the highest mobile Consistency Score in Qatar at 93.2%, beating out Ooredoo’s 87.7% during Q4 2021.
  • Ooredoo had the fastest fixed broadband Speed Score at 77.45 and highest Consistency Score at 81.1% in Qatar during Q4 2021.
  • Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro Max beat out the iPhone 13 Pro for fastest popular device in Qatar during Q4 2021 with a median download speed of 431.49 Mbps to 399.06 Mbps, respectively. All top five devices during Q4 2021 achieved median download speeds greater than 240 Mbps.
  • Al Khor once again had the fastest median mobile download speed among Qatar’s most populous cities at 137.43 Mbps during Q4 2021 .
  • Umm Salal Muhammed had the fastest fixed broadband download speeds in Qatar at 90.79 Mbps during Q4 2021.

South Africa

  • Speedtest Intelligence shows Cool Ideas had the fastest fixed broadband Speed Score (54.46) and highest Consistency Score (73.0%) for the second quarter in a row during Q4 2021.
  • Among mobile operators, MTN had the fastest Speed Score (65.21) and highest Consistency Score (89.1%) during Q4 2021.
  • Apple devices had the fastest combined median download speed in South Africa at 37.98 Mbps and fastest median upload speed at 7.66 Mbps during Q4 2021.
  • The iPhone 13 Pro Max took top honors as the fastest popular device in South Africa during Q4 2021, achieving a median download speed of 97.59 Mbps, much faster than the Q3 2021 winning speed of 79.56 Mbps.

Tunisia

  • During Q4 2021, Ooredoo achieved the highest mobile Speed Score in Tunisia at 51.46, a slight increase from Q3 2021.
  • Tunisie Telecom had the highest fixed broadband Speed Score in Tunisia at 10.70 Mbps during Q4 2021.
  • Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro Max had the fastest mean download speed in Tunisia among popular devices at 77.55 Mbps during Q4 2021.
  • Among popular chipsets, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X60 5G had the fastest mean download speed in Tunisia at 77.08 Mbps during Q4 2021.
  • Gabes and Kairouan had the fastest mean mobile download speeds among Tunisia’s most populous cities at 50.78 Mbps and 50.47 Mbps, respectively, during Q4 2021.

Turkey

  • Speedtest Intelligence revealed mobile provider Turkcell had the highest Speed Score and Consistency Score in Turkey during Q4 2021 at 71.49 and 94.6%, respectively. Both scores were slight increases from Q3 2021.
  • For fixed broadband in Turkey, TurkNet had the highest Speed Score (44.60) and Consistency Score (75.0%) during Q4 2021.
  • Istanbul had the fastest mean fixed broadband and mobile download speed among Turkey’s most populous cities at 53.29 Mbps and 54.05 Mbps, respectively, during Q4 2021.
  • Among top device manufacturers, Apple beat out Samsung for fastest mean download speed in Turkey at 59.20 Mbps to 45.02 Mbps, respectively, both slight increases from Q3 2021.

Asia and Oceania

China

  • According to Speedtest Intelligence, China Telecom was the fastest fixed broadband provider in China during Q4 2021 with a Speed Score of 152.31, a moderate gain over Q3 2021.
  • On mobile, China Mobile achieved the highest Speed Score (161.10) and Consistency Score (92.9%) among China’s top providers during Q4 2021 — both increases from Q3 2021.
  • During Q4 2021, China Telecom achieved the fastest median 5G download speed at 300.00 Mbps, ahead of China Mobile (295.44 Mbps) and China Unicom (287.73 Mbps).
  • Among top device manufacturers, Huawei had the fastest median download speed at 130.28 Mbps in China during Q4 2021 — a substantial gain over Q3 2021’s top speed of 96.66 Mbps. Oppo followed at 103.57 Mbps, then Apple (101.52 Mbps), Vivo (98.26 Mbps) and OnePlus (94.78 Mbps).
  • Among popular devices in China, Huawei’s Mate 40 Pro 5G edged out Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro Max for the fastest median download speed during Q4 2021 at 284.81 Mbps to 270.06 Mbps. All five top devices achieved download speeds above 250 Mbps.
  • During Q4 2021, MediaTek’s Dimensity 700 5G chipset had the fastest median download speed in China at 291.77 Mbps during Q4 2021.
  • Tianjin once again had the fastest median fixed broadband download speed among China’s most populous cities at 247.84 Mbps, a moderate rise from its Q3 2021 results.
  • Tianjin also had the fastest median mobile download speed among China’s most populous cities at 139.19 Mbps during Q4 2021, edging out Shenzhen’s 130.27 Mbps. Across all major cities, there was a noticeable rise in speeds from Q3 2021 results.

Hong Kong (SAR)

  • China Mobile Hong Kong was the fastest mobile operator in Hong Kong for the fourth quarter in a row, earning a Speed Score of 84.79 in Q4 2021, a moderate increase from Q3 2021.
  • China Mobile Hong Kong once again showed the fastest 5G download speed, achieving a median speed of 179.20 Mbps during Q4 2021, a decline from its Q3 2021 results. Mobile provider 3 followed at 169.40 Mbps, then SmarTone at 148.15 Mbps and csl at 127.24 Mbps.
  • Among top device manufacturers in Hong Kong during Q4 2021, Apple overtook Samsung for fastest median download speed 50.30 Mbps to 45.20 Mbps.
  • During Q4 2021, the iPhone 13 Pro Max retained the top spot among popular devices in Hong Kong with a median download speed of 128.22 Mbps.
  • Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X60 5G was the fastest chipset in Hong Kong for median download speed at 114.13 Mbps during Q4 2021.

New Zealand

  • During Q4 2021, Vodafone was the fastest mobile operator in New Zealand, earning a Speed Score of 83.72, a moderate increase from Q3 2021.
  • Vodafone also achieved the fastest median 5G download speed in New Zealand at 344.06 Mbps during Q4 2021, an increase from Q3 2021. Spark followed at 298.85 Mbps.
  • For fixed broadband, MyRepublic blazed ahead in New Zealand with a Speed Score of 233.83 during Q4 2021.
  • The Apple iPhone 13 had the fastest median download speed among popular devices in New Zealand at 193.18 during Q4 2021, a huge increase over Q3 2021’s top speed of 92.26 Mbps.
  • Among popular device manufacturers, Apple took the top spot for the fastest median download speed in New Zealand at 51.64 Mbps during Q4 2021.
  • Hamilton overtook Christchurch for the fastest median mobile download speed at 80.98 Mbps during Q4 2021.
  • Wellington took the top spot for fastest median fixed broadband download and upload speed at 133.59 Mbps and 84.21 Mbps, respectively, during Q4 2021.

Philippines

  • During Q4 2021, Smart had the highest Speed Score (68.78) among top mobile operators in the Philippines, a moderate increase from Q3 2021.
  • Smart also had the fastest median 5G download speed in the Philippines during Q4 2021 at 220.89 Mbps, much faster than Globe’s 117.93 Mbps.
  • Competition for the fastest popular device wasn’t close during Q4 2021, with the iPhone 13 Pro Max dominating the closest competitor — the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G — for fastest median download at 113.82 Mbps to 78.89 Mbps.
  • Caloocan retained top spot for fastest median download speed among the Philippines’ most populous cities at 25.24 Mbps during Q4 2021, a slight increase from its top speed in Q3 2021 of 22.05 Mbps.

Singapore

  • Speedtest Intelligence shows MyRepublic overtook ViewQuest as the fastest fixed broadband provider in Singapore in Q4 2021, achieving a Speed Score of 258.01 to ViewQuest’s 254.53.
  • Singtel was the fastest mobile provider in Singapore during Q4 2021, achieving a Speed Score of 113.80, a moderate increase from its Q3 2021 Speed Score of 99.74.
  • Singtel also blazed ahead of the competition for fastest median 5G download speed in Singapore at 289.01 Mbps during Q4 2021 — a notable rise from its median 5G download speed of 248.45 during Q3 2021.
  • The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max was the fastest popular device in Singapore during Q4 2021, achieving a median download speed of 138.40 Mbps.
  • Apple beat out Samsung for fastest device manufacturer in Singapore during Q4 2021, with Apple devices achieving a median download speed of 75.81 Mbps to Samsung’s 64.68 Mbps.

Taiwan

  • During Q4 2021, Chunghwa Telecom had the fastest median 5G download speed in Taiwan at 429.63 Mbps. FarEasTone followed at 309.35 Mbps, then Taiwan Mobile (285.05 Mbps), GT (242.23 Mbps) and TSTAR (147.95 Mbps).
  • FarEasTone had the highest Consistency Score in Taiwan during Q4 2021 at 93.9%, followed closely by Chunghwa Telecom (92.1%) and Taiwan Mobile (91.9%).
  • Among top device manufacturers during Q4 2021, Apple devices achieved the fastest median download speed in Taiwan at 63.02 Mbps, a moderate increase over Q3 2021.
  • The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max had the fastest median download speed among popular devices in Taiwan at 168.43 Mbps during Q4 2021.
  • The Qualcomm Snapdragon X60 5G had the fastest median download speed among popular chipsets in Taiwan at 139.56 Mbps during Q4 2021.
  • Taipei had the fastest median mobile download speed among Taiwan’s most populous cities at 56.60 Mbps in Q4 2021, followed by New Taipei (52.54 Mbps), Taichung (51.69 Mbps) and Taoyuan (51.47 Mbps).

Thailand

  • Speedtest Intelligence revealed that AIS had the fastest Speed Score on mobile in Thailand at 74.02 during Q4 2021, beating out TrueMove H (68.12) and dtac (26.05).
  • AIS also had the fastest median 5G download speed in Thailand during Q4 2021 at 289.12 Mbps, followed by TrueMove H (217.84 Mbps) and dtac (35.73 Mbps).
  • Apple was the fastest major device manufacturer in Thailand with Apple devices achieving a median download speed of 43.82 Mbps during Q4 2021.
  • The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max was the fastest popular device in Thailand, edging out the iPhone 13 Pro for fastest median download at 158.97 Mbps to 152.09 Mbps during Q4 2021.

Vietnam

  • Viettel once again claimed the top spot as Vietnam’s fastest mobile provider during Q4 2021, earning a mobile Speed Score of 48.23, just faster than Vinaphone (45.51).
  • Viettel overtook Vinaphone for the highest mobile Consistency Score in Vietnam during Q4 2021 at 91.2%.
  • For fixed broadband, Vinaphone overtook Viettel as Vietnam’s fastest fixed broadband provider during Q4 2021, earning a Speed Score of 75.49 to Viettel’s 73.38. FPT Telecom followed at 71.10.
  • Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro Max had the fastest median download speed among popular devices in Vietnam at 72.39 Mbps during Q4 2021.
  • Ho Chi Minh City retained the top spot for the fastest median fixed broadband download and upload speeds among Vietnam’s most populous cities at 75.10 Mbps and 72.48 Mbps, respectively, during Q4 2021.
  • Da Nang retained the top spot for fastest median mobile download speed among Vietnam’s most populous cities at 43.88 Mbps during Q4 2021.

Europe

Austria

  • Magenta retained its top spot as Austria’s fastest fixed broadband provider with a Speed Score of 123.76 during Q4 2021. LIWEST was the closest competitor (85.16).
  • Magenta also had the highest Consistency Score in Austria for fixed broadband at 88.7% in Q4 2021.
  • A1 was once again the fastest mobile provider in Austria during Q4 2021, achieving a Speed Score of 74.06. Operator 3 followed at 58.01.
  • A1 also had the highest mobile Consistency Score in Austria during Q4 2021 at 93.2%.
  • The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max had the fastest median download speed among popular devices in Austria at 116.24 Mbps during Q4 2021.

Belgium

  • Telenet decisively claimed its spot as Belgium’s fastest fixed broadband provider during Q4 2021, earning a Speed Score of 128.13. VOO followed at 109.76.
  • Among mobile operators, Telenet edged out BASE for the fastest Speed Score in Belgium at 65.61 to 65.59, respectively, during Q4 2021. It should be noted that Telenet owns the BASE brand. Proximus followed at 62.96 then Orange at 47.23.
  • Competition for fastest popular mobile device was tight in Belgium, with the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13 Pro achieving median download speeds of 98.53 Mbps and 98.31 Mbps, respectively.
  • Once again, Ghent retained its top place for fastest median mobile download speed among Belgium’s most populous cities, achieving a median speed of 79.69 Mbps during Q4 2021.
  • Competition for the fastest median fixed broadband download speed among Belgium’s most populous cities was close with Antwerp achieving a median download speed at 83.51 Mbps and Ghent achieving 83.02 Mbps during Q4 2021.

Czechia

  • Speedtest Intelligence reveals T-Mobile was Czechia’s fastest mobile provider during Q4 2021, earning a Speed Score of 69.69, a moderate increase from 58.82 during Q3 2021.
  • Competition was extremely tight for highest mobile Consistency Score in Czechia during Q4 2021, with T-Mobile achieving 93.9%, followed by O2 (93.4%) and Vodafone (93.2%).
  • Vodafone dominated as Czechia’s fastest fixed broadband provider during Q4 2021, achieving a Speed Score of 99.16, a slight increase from Q3 2021.
  • Vodafone once again had Czechia’s highest Consistency Score for fixed broadband during Q4 2021 at 77.6%.
  • Pilsen had the fastest median fixed broadband speed among Czechia’s most populous cities during Q4 2021, achieving a median download of 59.37 Mbps.
  • Pilsen edged out Brno for the fastest median mobile download speed at 63.65 Mbps to Brno’s 63.26 Mbps during Q4 2021.

Denmark

  • Fastspeed was once again Denmark’s fastest fixed broadband provider, earning a Speed Score of 301.58 during Q4 2021. Hiper followed at 260.78.
  • YouSee overtook Telenor as Denmark’s fastest mobile operator, earning a Speed Score of 101.72 to Telenor’s 91.91. Telia (89.84) and 3 (77.89) followed.
  • An analysis of performance on some of the most popular phones in Denmark revealed the iPhone 13 Pro edged out the iPhone 13 Pro Max for the fastest median download speed during Q4 2021 148.17 Mbps to 144.68 Mbps.

Estonia

  • According to Speedtest Intelligence, Elisa was the fastest fixed broadband provider in Estonia during Q4 2021, achieving a Speed Score of 85.58.
  • Telia once again had the fastest mobile Speed Score in Estonia at 85.27 during Q4 2021, a slight increase from Q3 2021.
  • The Apple iPhone 13 Pro was the fastest popular device in Estonia, earning a median download speed of 107.31 Mbps during Q4 2021. The iPhone 13 Pro Max followed closely at 105.15 Mbps.
  • Among major cell phone manufacturers, OnePlus had the fastest median download speed in Estonia at 70.40 Mbps during Q4 2021, a moderate increase from Q3 2021.

Finland

  • According to Speedtest Intelligence, DNA retained its top spot as Finland’s fastest mobile provider in Q4 2021, earning a Speed Score of 86.43, a moderate increase from 79.26 during Q3 2021. DNA also edged out Telia for the highest Consistency Score 94.2% to 92.5%.
  • Telia beat out Elisa and DNA in Q4 2021 for the fastest 5G download speed in Finland, achieving a median download speed of 273.07 Mbps to DNA’s 243.87 Mbps and Elisa’s 231.13 Mbps.
  • Lounea overtook Telia as the fastest fixed broadband provider in Finland during Q4 2021, earning a Speed Score of 122.33 to Telia and Elisa’s 98.06.
  • Lounea also took the top spot for Finland’s highest fixed broadband Consistency Score at 90.2% during Q4 2021.
  • Among popular device manufacturers, OnePlus had the fastest median download speed in Finland at 80.49 Mbps during Q4 2021, a moderate increase from Q3 2021. However, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max had the fastest median download speed among popular devices at 157.23 Mbps.

France

  • Speedtest Intelligence revealed a fierce competition for France’s fastest fixed broadband provider during Q4 2021, with Bouygues narrowly edging out Free and Orange with a Speed Score of 135.66 to 134.09 and 134.07, respectively.
  • Orange once again earned the top spot as France’s fastest and most consistent mobile provider with a mobile Speed Score of 99.88 and a Consistency Score of 90.5% during Q4 2021.
  • During Q4 2021, Orange blew away the competition as France’s fastest 5G provider by achieving a median 5G download speed of 342.29 Mbps, slightly slower than in Q3 2021. SFR followed at 232.09 Mbps.
  • The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max was the fastest popular device in France during Q4 2021, edging out the iPhone 13 Pro with a median download speed of 149.83 Mbps to 136.57 Mbps.
  • During Q4 2021, Lyon achieved the fastest median fixed broadband download and upload speeds at 161.82 Mbps and 109.91 Mbps, respectively. Nice had the fastest median mobile download speed at 88.39 Mbps.

Germany

  • According to Speedtest Intelligence, Vodafone was once again Germany’s fastest fixed broadband provider during Q4 2021, earning a Speed Score of 130.99.
  • Telekom achieved the highest Speed Score (91.86) and Consistency Score (91.5%) among German mobile operators during Q4 2021.
  • Telekom retained the top spot for the fastest median 5G download speed in Germany at 187.99 Mbps during Q4 2021.
  • The iPhone 13 Pro Max had the fastest median download speed among popular devices in Germany during Q4 2021, edging out the iPhone 13 Pro 131.71 Mbps to 127.45 Mbps.

Hungary

  • Vodafone retained its top spot as Hungary’s fastest fixed broadband provider in Q4 2021, edging out Telekom with a Speed Score of 156.98 to 151.40. Vodafone also had the highest Consistency Score at 87.2% during Q4 2021.
  • Telenor overtook Magyar Telekom as Hungary’s fastest and most consistent mobile provider during Q4 2021, earning a Speed Score of 69.40 and Consistency Score of 90.8%.
  • Apple devices took the top spot among major device manufacturers in Hungary during Q4 2021, achieving a median download speed of 45.14 Mbps, a slight increase from Q3 2021.
  • The Apple 13 Pro dominated as the fastest popular device in Hungary during Q4 2021, achieving a median download speed of 93.66 Mbps.

Luxembourg

  • Eltrona overtook Tango as Luxembourg’s fastest fixed broadband provider during Q4 2021 by achieving a Speed Score of 131.60 to Tango’s 127.96.
  • POST was again the fastest mobile operator in Luxembourg during Q4 2021, achieving a large increase in Speed Score from 109.64 in Q3 2021 to 123.86 in Q4 2021.
  • POST also remained the most consistent mobile operator in Luxembourg with a Consistency Score of 96.9% during Q4 2021.
  • The iPhone 13 Pro was the fastest popular device in Luxembourg, achieving a median download speed of 161.69 Mbps during Q4 2021.
  • Differdange once again achieved the fastest median fixed broadband download and upload speeds among Luxembourg’s most populous cities at 140.24 Mbps and 94.55 Mbps, respectively, during Q4 2021.
  • Ettelbruck had the fastest median mobile download speed in Luxembourg at 113.73 Mbps Q4 2021.

Malta

  • Melita retained its top spot as Malta’s fastest and most consistent fixed broadband provider during Q4 2021, earning a Speed Score of 128.11 and Consistency Score of 84.6%, both moderate increases from Q3 2021.

Poland

  • Speedtest Intelligence revealed that UPC was the fastest and most consistent fixed broadband provider in Poland during Q4 2021 achieving a Speed Score of 184.12 and Consistency Score of 88.8%.
  • T-Mobile had the highest Speed Score and Consistency Score among mobile operators in Poland during Q4 2021 at 61.88 and 93.7%, respectively.
  • Mobile operator Plus had the fastest median 5G download speed in Poland at 158.74 Mbps during Q4 2021.
  • The iPhone 13 Pro Max was the fastest popular device in Poland during Q4 2021, achieving a median download speed of 81.93 Mbps.
  • Warsaw had the fastest fixed broadband download speed among Poland’s most populous cities at 132.99 Mbps during Q4 2021.
  • Łódz edged out Warsaw for the fastest mobile download speed in Poland 47.23 Mbps to 45.09 Mbps.

Slovakia

  • Orange retained the top spot as Slovakia’s fastest mobile operator during Q4 2021 with a Speed Score of 60.65, edging out Telekom’s 57.50.
  • Telekom had the highest mobile Consistency Score in Slovakia during Q4 2021 at 93.4%.
  • UPC retained its top spot as Slovakia’s fastest and most consistent fixed broadband provider with a Speed Score of 145.52 and a Consistency Score of 87.3%.
  • The Apple iPhone 13 Pro had the fastest median download speed among popular devices in Slovakia at 80.74 Mbps during Q4 2021.

Spain

  • Movistar once again provided the fastest and most consistent mobile experience among Spanish mobile providers with a Speed Score of 62.67 and Consistency Score of 90.9% during Q4 2021 — both moderate increases from Q3 2021.
  • Vodafone was again Spain’s fastest 5G provider by a wide margin during Q4 2021, achieving a median download speed of 277.11 Mbps, a noticeable dip from Q3 2021.
  • The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max had the fastest median download speed in Spain at 95.55 Mbps during Q4 2021.
  • During Q4 2021, Madrid had the fastest median mobile download speed in Spain at 44.96 Mbps, edging out Barcelona at 44.28 Mbps.

North and South America

Argentina

  • Speedtest Intelligence revealed Personal remained Argentina’s fastest mobile operator during Q4 2021 with a Speed Score of 39.30.
  • La Plata edged out Buenos Aires for mobile download speeds in Argentina’s most populous cities with a median speed of 27.26 Mbps to Buenos Aires’ 25.65 Mbps during Q4 2021.

Brazil

  • Speedtest Intelligence reveals Claro remained the fastest and most consistent mobile operator in Brazil among top providers during Q4 2021, achieving a Speed Score of 48.10 and Consistency Score of 88.7%, both slight increases from Q3 2021.
  • Claro achieved the fastest median 5G download speed in Brazil at 71.16 Mbps during Q4 2021, followed by TIM (56.21 Mbps) and Vivo (55.95 Mbps).
  • Vivo edged out Oi and Claro for fastest Speed Score over fixed broadband in Brazil 105.49 to 99.62 and 98.44, respectively, during Q4 2021.
  • Among popular device manufacturers during Q4 2021, Apple had the fastest median download speed in Brazil at 30.68 Mbps. Apple devices took four out of five top spots among popular devices in Brazil with the iPhone 13 Pro Max achieving the fastest mean download speed at 59.00 Mbps.
  • For fixed broadband speeds among Brazil’s most populous cities, Brasilia edged out Goiânia for the fastest median download speed 105.01 Mbps to 102.93 Mbps during Q4 2021.
  • Brasília also had the fastest median mobile download speed among Brazil’s most populous cities at 35.08 Mbps during Q4 2021, a slight increase from Q3 2021.

Canada

  • Shaw was Canada’s fastest fixed broadband provider in Q4 2021, earning a Speed Score of 197.22, a moderate increase from Q3 2021.
  • Rogers edged out Shaw for the highest fixed broadband Consistency Score in Canada during Q4 2021 with 89.0% to Shaw’s 87.7%.
  • TELUS retained its top spot as the fastest mobile operator in Canada during Q4 2021, achieving a Speed Score of 98.29, a notable increase from Q3 2021.
  • Videotron remained Canada’s most consistent mobile operator during Q4 2021, achieving a Consistency Score of 91.2%.
  • Competition for the fastest 5G was fierce during Q4 2021 with no statistical winner. Bell and TELUS achieved median 5G download speeds of 171.39 Mbps and 167.74 Mbps, respectively. Bell had the fastest median 5G download speed when looking at the full period of Q3-Q4 2021.
  • There was no statistical winner for highest 5G Availability in Canada during Q4 2021, with Rogers at 41.3% and TELUS at 39.9%.
  • New Brunswick was Canada’s fastest province for fixed broadband during Q4 2021, achieving a median download speed of 132.65 Mbps. Newfoundland and Labrador was the fastest province for mobile in Canada at 81.94 Mbps during Q4 2021.
  • St. John’s achieved the fastest median fixed broadband and mobile download speeds among Canada’s most populous cities at 166.11 Mbps and 160.48 Mbps, respectively.
  • Google devices had the fastest combined performance in Canada during Q4 2021, achieving a median download speed of 83.98 Mbps.
  • The iPhone 13 Pro Max was the fastest popular device in Canada during Q4 2021, with a median download speed of 144.24 Mbps.

Chile

  • According to Speedtest Intelligence, Claro was the fastest mobile operator in Chile with a Speed Score of 26.18 during Q4 2021, a slight increase from Q3 2021. Claro also had the highest Consistency Score at 81.0%.
  • The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G had the fastest mean download speed among popular devices in Chile at 84.29 Mbps during Q4 2021, edging out the Xiaomi 11T Pro.
  • Among device manufacturers in Chile during Q4 2021, Samsung had the fastest mean download speed at 30.13 Mbps, edging out Xiaomi (27.32 Mbps). Apple, Motorola and Huawei followed.
  • Valparaíso had the fastest mobile download speed in Chile during Q4 2021, achieving a mean of 33.59 Mbps. Temuco and Viña del Mar were close followers at 31.25 Mbps and 27.74 Mbps, respectively.

Colombia

  • Tigo was the fastest mobile operator in Colombia during Q4 2021, achieving a Speed Score of 24.02. WOM followed at 19.24. Tigo also had the highest Consistency Score at 82.9%.
  • Among popular devices in Colombia during Q4 2021, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max edged out the iPhone 12 Pro Max 5G for fastest mean download speed at 33.91 Mbps to 31.12 Mbps.
  • Barranquilla edged out Cali for the fastest mean mobile download speed among Colombia’s most populous cities at 22.41 Mbps to 22.21 Mbps during Q4 2021.

Ecuador

  • According to Speedtest Intelligence, Netlife was Ecuador’s fastest and most consistent fixed broadband provider during Q4 2021, achieving a Speed Score of 43.58 and Consistency Score of 74.0%.
  • CNT was the fastest and most consistent mobile operator in Ecuador during Q4 2021, with a Speed Score of 35.82 and Consistency Score of 88.6%.
  • During Q4 2021, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro 5G was the fastest popular device in Ecuador, recording a mean download speed of 40.01 Mbps. Apple devices took all of the five top spots on this list.
  • Guayaquil had the fastest fixed broadband among Ecuador’s most populous cities during Q4 2021, earning a mean download speed of 42.86 Mbps. This edged out Quito’s mean download of 41.27 Mbps.
  • Machala had the fastest mean mobile download speed in Ecuador during Q4 2021 at 28.25 Mbps.

Guatemala

  • According to Speedtest Intelligence, Claro was the fastest and most consistent mobile operator in Guatemala during Q4 2021, achieving a Speed Score of 37.29 and Consistency Score of 87.0%.
  • Tigo was the fastest and most consistent fixed broadband provider in Guatemala during Q4 2021 with a Speed Score of 20.89 and Consistency Score of 41.3%.
  • The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max was the fastest popular device in Guatemala during Q4 2021, edging out the iPhone 12 5G with a mean download speed of 49.31 Mbps to the iPhone 12 5G’s 48.68 Mbps.
  • Villa Canales had the fastest mean mobile download speed among Guatemala’s most populous cities at 37.93 Mbps, during Q4 2021.
  • Villa Nueva had the fastest mean fixed broadband download speed in Guatemala at 30.04 Mbps during Q4 2021.

    Mexico

    • Speedtest Intelligence reveals Telcel remained Mexico’s fastest mobile operator during Q4 2021, earning a Speed Score of 46.91.
    • Telcel was also Mexico’s most consistent mobile operator, achieving a Consistency Score of 87.6% during Q4 2021.
    • Totalplay was the fastest and most consistent fixed broadband provider in Mexico during Q4 2021, achieving a Speed Score of 50.37 and Consistency Score of 73.7%
    • Apple devices had the five fastest mean download speeds among popular phones in Mexico during Q4 2021. The iPhone 13 Pro Max narrowly beat out the iPhone 12 Pro 5G for the fastest popular device during Q4 2021, achieving respective speeds of 69.45 Mbps and 68.36 Mbps.
    • Veracruz once again showed the fastest mean mobile download and upload speeds among Mexico’s most populous cities during Q4 2021, recording a download speed of 45.09 Mbps and mean upload speed of 19.04 Mbps.
    • Monterrey beat out Mexico City for the fastest fixed broadband download speed, earning a mean speed of 75.10 Mbps to Mexico City’s 70.99 Mbps during Q4 2021.

    Peru

    • According to Speedtest Intelligence, Winet Telecom was Peru’s fastest fixed broadband provider during Q4 2021 by a wide margin, achieving a Speed Score of 99.23. Winet Telecom also had the highest Consistency Score on fixed broadband at 90.6% during Q4 2021.
    • Claro was the fastest mobile operator in Peru during Q4 2021, earning a Speed Score of 36.91.
    • Claro also had the highest mobile Consistency Score in Peru during Q4 2021, narrowly edging out Entel at 78.1% to 77.5%.
    • Among major device manufacturers, Apple devices achieved the fastest mean download speed by a wide margin in Peru during Q4 2021, achieving 43.46 Mbps to Samsung’s 25.41 Mbps.

    United States

    • Speedtest Intelligence reveals Verizon was once again the fastest fixed broadband provider in the United States during Q4 2021, earning a Speed Score of 201.10, much higher than in Q3 2021 when it achieved 178.38.
    • T-Mobile was once again the fastest and most consistent mobile operator in the U.S. during Q4 2021, achieving a median download speed of 90.65 Mbps and a Consistency Score of 87.3% — both large increases over Q3 2021.
    • Looking at tests taken only on 5G, T-Mobile achieved the fastest median 5G download speed during Q4 2021 at 187.12 Mbps — a significant increase from 135.17 Mbps during Q3 2021.
    • During Q4 2021, T-Mobile also had the best 5G Availability in the U.S. at 61.4%.
    • T-Mobile had the highest 5G Consistency Score at 81.5% during Q4 2021.
    • The iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro were the fastest popular devices in the U.S. during Q4 2021 at 90.58 Mbps and 89.61 Mbps, narrowly faster than the Google Play 6 5G (89.05 Mbps).
    • Among popular device manufacturers in the U.S., Google devices were the fastest, achieving a median download speed of 60.82 Mbps during Q4 2021.
    • Looking at the fastest chipsets in the U.S., there was no statistical winner during Q4 2021, with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X60 5G achieving 88.56 Mbps and the Google Tensor 86.73 Mbps.
    • Jersey City, New Jersey had the fastest median mobile download speed in the U.S. at 107.20 Mbps during Q4 2021. Tampa, Florida (106.50 Mbps) and Washington, DC (103.49 Mbps) were the only other U.S. cities to achieve median mobile download speeds above 100 Mbps.
    • Charlotte, North Carolina had the fastest fixed broadband speed among the U.S.’s most populous cities during Q4 2021, edging out Raleigh, North Carolina 204.61 Mbps to 202.93 Mbps.

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Global Speeds

About the Author

Josh Fomon

Ookla Research™ Articles
| July 18, 2022

New Ookla Market Reports Available for Q2 2022

Network Performance

Ookla® Market ReportsTM identify key data about internet performance in countries across the world. This quarter we’ve provided updated analyses for 26 markets that include details on fastest mobile and fixed broadband providers, performance of most popular devices and chipsets, and internet speeds in cities. Click a country on the list below to see highlights or scroll through the article to learn what Speedtest Intelligence® revealed in all 26 markets:

Africa and the Middle East | Asia | Europe | North and South America

Africa and the Middle East

  • Côte d’Ivoire: Speedtest Intelligence reveals there was no statistical winner among top mobile providers in Côte d’Ivoire during Q2 2022, with MTN showing a median download speed of 15.17 Mbps and Orange clocking in at 14.56 Mbps. There was also no statistical winner for fastest fixed broadband provider in Côte d’Ivoire during Q2 2022, though CANALBOX had a median download speed at 38.86 Mbps, Moov Africa at 34.41 Mbps, and Orange at 32.22 Mbps.
  • Jordan: Speedtest Intelligence finds fixed broadband provider Orange again provided the fastest median download speed in Jordan at 89.11 Mbps during Q2 2022, a modest increase over its speed in Q1 2022 (78.08 Mbps). Umniah was again the fastest mobile operator in Jordan during Q2 2022, delivering a median download speed of 33.74 Mbps.
  • Kenya: Mobile operator Safaricom had the fastest median mobile download speed in Kenya at 22.74 Mbps during Q2 2022. On fixed broadband, Faiba had the fastest median download speed (24.94 Mbps) and highest Consistency (50.6%) in Kenya during Q2 2022. At the city-level, Mombasa was home to the fastest mobile and fixed broadband download speeds at 23.59 Mbps and 12.03 Mbps, respectively, during Q2 2022.
  • Libya: Speedtest Intelligence reveals that mobile operator Libyana again had the fastest median mobile download speed in Libya at 12.34 Mbps during Q2 2022. Among top fixed broadband providers, AWAL Telecom had the fastest median download speed in Libya at 17.70 Mbps during Q2 2022.
  • Tanzania: Among top mobile operators in Tanzania, Halotel again had the fastest median download speed (17.12 Mbps) during Q2 2022. Mwanza had the fastest median mobile download speed among Tanzania’s most populous cities at 17.25 Mbps during Q2 2022.
  • Turkey: Speedtest Intelligence reveals mobile provider Turkcell again had the fastest median download speed and highest Consistency in Turkey at 54.62 Mbps and 92.2%, respectively, during Q2 2022. Among popular device manufacturers, Apple devices bested Samsung devices in Turkey at 41.77 Mbps compared to 30.55 Mbps during Q2 2022. For fixed broadband in Turkey, TurkNet again had the highest median download speed (49.46 Mbps) and Consistency (77.2%) during Q2 2022.

Asia

  • China: According to Speedtest Intelligence, fixed broadband provider China Unicom’s median download speed of 172.81 Mbps was the fastest in the country, overtaking China Telecom’s 162.30 Mbps in Q2 2022. The race for fastest 5G in China was likewise tight in Q2 2022, with China Mobile again edging out China Telecom 299.26 Mbps to 290.70 Mbps, with China Unicom following at 272.66 Mbps. Among top device manufacturers, Huawei devices had the fastest median download speed in China at 113.70 Mbps during Q2 2022.

Europe

  • Belgium: Telenet decisively retained its spot as Belgium’s fastest fixed broadband provider during Q2 2022, posting a median download speed of 129.30 Mbps. VOO followed at 111.93 Mbps. Among top mobile operators, Telenet/BASE again had the fastest median download speed at 76.09 Mbps, a modest rise over its speed in Q1 2022 (66.92 Mbps). Antwerp had the fastest median mobile download speed at 120.10 Mbps among Belgium’s most populous cities during Q2 2022.
  • Czechia: Speedtest Intelligence reveals T-Mobile was again Czechia’s fastest mobile provider during Q2 2022, recording a median download speed of 57.17 Mbps. When it comes to fixed broadband, Vodafone was again Czechia’s fastest fixed broadband provider during Q2 2022, delivering a median download speed of 90.60 Mbps. At the city-level, Brno was home to both the fastest mobile and fixed broadband median download speeds in Q2 2022.
  • Denmark: Fastspeed was Denmark’s fastest fixed broadband provider again during Q2 2022, achieving a median download speed of 283.79 Mbps. YouSee was Denmark’s fastest mobile operator, registering a median download speed of 125.76 Mbps during Q2 2022, which marked a modest increase over 115.87 Mbps in Q1 2022. The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro were ahead of the competition at 177.17 Mbps and 174.31 Mbps, respectively, during Q2 2022.
  • Estonia: According to Speedtest Intelligence, Elisa was again the fastest fixed broadband provider in Estonia during Q2 2022, achieving a median download speed of 77.19 Mbps. Telia again had the fastest median mobile download speed in Estonia at 71.48 Mbps during Q2 2022.
  • Finland: DNA edged out Elisa and Telia as Finland’s fastest fixed broadband provider in Q2 2022, recording a median download speed of 91.08 Mbps. DNA also took top honors as Finland’s fastest mobile operator at 72.24 Mbps. In addition, DNA had the fastest 5G download speed in Finland, achieving a median download speed of 279.95 Mbps.
  • Germany: Vodafone was Germany’s fastest fixed broadband provider during Q2 2022, earning a median download speed of 110.42 Mbps. Telekom achieved the fastest median mobile download speed (77.35 Mbps) and highest Consistency (88.9%) among top German mobile operators during Q2 2022. Telekom also took the top spot by a wide margin for the fastest median 5G download speed in Germany at 195.38 Mbps during Q2 2022.
  • Latvia: Balticom had the fastest median fixed broadband download speed in Latvia at 198.90 Mbps and highest Consistency (91.7%) during Q2 2022. LMT had the fastest median mobile download speed in Latvia at 68.48 Mbps during Q2 2022 — a large increase from 50.70 Mbps during Q1 2022. Among Latvia’s most populous cities, Olaine achieved the fastest median fixed broadband download and upload speeds at 127.09 Mbps and 126.30 Mbps, respectively during Q2 2022.
  • Lithuania: Telia had the fastest median mobile download speed in Lithuania at 90.11 Mbps during Q2 2022, a modest increase from 77.77 Mbps during Q1 2022. Cgates again had the fastest median fixed broadband speed in Lithuania at 113.78 Mbps during Q2 2022.
  • Poland: UPC was the fastest fixed broadband provider in Poland, achieving a median download speed of 203.69 Mbps during Q2 2022. Mobile operator Plus had the fastest median 5G download speed in Poland at 171.14 Mbps during Q2 2022, a gain of roughly 4 Mbps over its speed in Q1 2022.

North and South America

  • Argentina: Personal was Argentina’s fastest mobile operator with a median download speed of 27.22 Mbps during Q2 2022. Buenos Aires (24.30 Mbps) and Rosario (23.93 Mbps) led the way among Argentina’s most populous cities for fastest median mobile download speed.
  • Brazil: Speedtest Intelligence finds Claro was the fastest and most consistent mobile operator in Brazil during Q2 2022, achieving a median download speed of 31.93 Mbps and Consistency of 84.2%.
  • Canada: Shaw was again Canada’s fastest fixed broadband provider, clocking a median download speed of 209.44 Mbps during Q2 2022. TELUS took the top spot as the fastest mobile operator in Canada, achieving a median download speed of 79.09 Mbps during Q2 2022. Competition for the fastest 5G in Canada was tight during Q2 2022 with no statistical winner, but Bell (139.75 Mbps) and TELUS (137.17 Mbps) led the way, with Rogers trailing at 93.06 Mbps.
  • Chile: Among popular device manufacturers in Chile during Q2 2022, Apple devices were the fastest, with a median download speed of 34.59 Mbps.
  • Colombia: Apple devices had the fastest median download speed among major device manufacturers in Colombia at 16.62 Mbps during Q2 2022.
  • Ecuador: According to Speedtest Intelligence, Netlife was Ecuador’s fastest and most consistent fixed broadband provider during Q2 2022, achieving a median download speed of 58.22 Mbps and Consistency of 77.2%, both of which marked increases over Q1 2022. CNT was the fastest and most consistent mobile operator in Ecuador during Q2 2022, with a median download speed of 33.32 Mbps and Consistency of 86.3%.
  • Guatemala: According to Speedtest Intelligence, Claro was the fastest and most consistent mobile operator in Guatemala during Q2 2022, achieving a median download speed of 20.05 Mbps and Consistency of 78.4%. Tigo was the fastest and most consistent fixed broadband provider in Guatemala, with a median download speed of 27.51 Mbps and Consistency of 58.4% during Q2 2022.
  • Mexico: Telcel was Mexico’s fastest mobile operator during Q2 2022, leading the market with a median download speed of 33.24 Mbps. Totalplay was the fastest and most consistent fixed broadband provider in Mexico, achieving a median download speed of 60.55 Mbps and Consistency of 78.2% during Q2 2022, both moderate increases over Q1 2022.
  • Peru: According to Speedtest Intelligence, Winet Telecom was Peru’s fastest fixed broadband provider by a wide margin, achieving a median download speed of 106.90 Mbps during Q2 2022. Claro was the fastest mobile operator in Peru during Q2 2022, delivering a median download speed of 21.52 Mbps.
  • United States: Speedtest Intelligence reveals Cox claimed the fastest fixed broadband download speed among top providers in the United States during Q2 2022, achieving a median download speed of 196.73 Mbps. T-Mobile took the top spot as the fastest and most consistent mobile operator in the U.S. during Q2 2022, achieving a median download speed of 116.54 Mbps and Consistency of 85.7%. Looking at tests taken only on 5G, T-Mobile achieved the fastest median 5G download speed at 187.33 Mbps during Q2 2022. The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra was the fastest popular device in the U.S. at 105.26 Mbps during Q2 2022.

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About the Author

Josh Fomon