Report by Ookla
Ookla has released the “Global Connectivity Status 2023” report, which assesses the current performance of communication networks worldwide. According to the report, the United Arab Emirates now provides the fastest average download speed over 5G networks globally, followed by Qatar ranking fourth globally, and Kuwait at seventh place. Additionally, the UAE offers the fastest average fixed broadband performance in the world.
Global 5G network download speeds witnessed a significant improvement in the third quarter of 2023, increasing by 20% to reach 203.04 megabits per second, compared to 168.27 megabits per second in the third quarter of 2022. This improvement aligns with the substantial rise in global 5G subscriptions, indicating positive progress in user adoption and 5G network performance.
The list of top 10 countries in 5G performance experienced notable changes, with the United Arab Emirates securing the first position, surpassing South Korea. Malaysia, India, and the Dominican Republic also made significant advancements, indicating a dynamic shift in the global 5G landscape.
Despite progress in 5G technology, the Net Promoter Score (NPS) among 5G users has decreased. Factors contributing to this dissatisfaction include unmet expectations and disparities between actual and advertised 5G speeds.
Globally, fixed networks demonstrated a considerable improvement in performance, with average download speeds increasing by 19% (83.95 megabits per second) and upload speeds by 28% (38.32 megabits per second) in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the previous year. This highlights the ongoing transition to more advanced broadband technologies, particularly fiber-to-the-home (FTTH).
Despite the improvements in global connectivity, there are still areas outside network coverage. Speedtest® data highlights disparities in internet performance between fixed and mobile networks across different regions, emphasizing the importance of addressing communication challenges worldwide.
Bridging the Digital Divide: Ookla for Good
The world is rapidly connecting, yet many remain disconnected from this network. Massive investments are being made to bridge the digital divide, with an increasingly recognized importance of access to communication as a fundamental human right. A global report confirms that high-speed internet is essential for economic and social development. However, the issue doesn’t solely revolve around connectivity but also its quality.
Once we connect to the internet, its quality becomes crucial in determining the full benefit from various applications. Unlike stable services like water and electricity where reliability is the norm, internet quality plays a vital role in ensuring an excellent user experience.
To assess this “digital divide,” the performance of both mobile and fixed internet was studied using data from the “Open Data” initiative, a part of the “Ookla for Good” project. Identifying the divide is a complex issue involving understanding infrastructure locations, people’s needs, and the cost of internet.
Despite challenges, noticeable disparities in internet quality around the world are evident. Data shows that users of fixed internet in the Americas and Europe enjoy high speeds (average download of 100 megabits per second or higher) compared to mobile internet. Conversely, this is reversed in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific region, where most people rely on mobile connectivity. Rural areas also suffer from limited high-speed internet compared to urban areas. Bandwidth constraints (slow speeds) limit basic uses like video streaming. In the United States, for instance, areas without a minimum of 25 megabits per second download and 3 megabits per second upload speeds are classified as “digital deserts” despite having internet access.
Stronger Networks, Connected World with Ookla: How Does Speedtest Contribute?
Internet service providers worldwide heavily rely on Speedtest data to enhance internet quality, expand coverage, and increase network accessibility for individuals and institutions. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) utilizes this data for legal accountability of telecommunication companies and allocates funds for infrastructure development programs in both urban and rural areas. Similarly, Speedtest plays a significant role in Malaysia by providing the necessary information to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to ensure fair distribution of digital development resources.
Speedtest’s contribution isn’t limited to governments; it extends to non-governmental organizations and educational institutions. The available data on the platform enables them to better understand the digital divide and plan programs and initiatives aimed at bridging this gap and providing modern internet to underserved areas. Additionally, continuously updated interactive maps help monitor the effectiveness of digital development efforts and assess the capacity of existing infrastructure to accommodate increased internet demand with the proliferation of connected devices and growing consumption needs.
In a clear manner, Speedtest actively engages in discussions on best practices to ensure comprehensive digital transformation and provide robust connectivity for everyone in different regions of the world such as the Asia-Pacific, Central Asia, and Europe. If you are interested in partnering with us to create a more connected world.
The “Global Connectivity Status 2023” report highlights the progress made in global communication capabilities. However, there is still room for improvement, especially in areas lacking network coverage. Continuing to invest in telecommunication infrastructure is crucial to ensure that everyone is connected to the internet.
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