UAE’s Etisalat wins fastest mobile network operator award

UAE-based mobile operator Etisalat has been recognized to be the fastest mobile network operator in the world for 2020, according to Ookla, a global leader in fixed broadband and mobile network testing applications, data, and analysis.

The telco has achieved download speeds of 115.89 Mbps and an overall ranking in the ‘Speed Score’ at 98.78 and is the only mobile operator globally to rank higher than 90 as per Ookla Speedtest data.

Etisalat has also won the Speedtest Awards for both fastest mobile network worldwide in Q1-Q2 and Q2-Q3 in 2020, as well as fastest fixed broadband network in Q3-Q4 2019.

“This is a milestone achievement and a testament to our relentless efforts towards our strategy and vision to ‘Drive the digital future to empower societies’,” Hatem Dowidar, Acting CEO, Etisalat Group, said in a statement.

Dowidar added that Etisalat’s corporate strategy has enabled it to consistently push boundaries, by responding swiftly to the global digital advancements and proactively deliver cutting-edge services and solutions to their customers.

Ookla’s ranking is based on analysis of millions of tests actively initiated by customers across every network to check internet speeds using various applications on web and mobile platforms.

The Speedtest Awards for top network providers are determined using a ‘Speed Score’ that incorporates a measure of each provider’s network speeds – download and upload – to rank network speed performance.

“With everything going digital and online the fast network will help transform the lives of Etisalat subscribers. This is another incredible achievement showcasing the company’s commitment to advancing the UAE and empowering its leadership with a strategic edge in taking one large step closer to realising the UAE Vision 2021 plan and national digital transformation strategy,” Doug Suttles, CEO and co-founder of Ookla said.

Etisalat’s individual efforts in building one of the most advanced networks greatly impacted the country’s overall performance — and as a result the UAE was ranked the fastest country in the world in January, March and July 2020 for average mobile download speed, as reported on the Speedtest Global Index.

The achievement is significant in current times when the pandemic caused global crisis highlighting the importance of a robust and up-to-date network.

As per Ookla, global mobile networks witnessed an exponential surge in demand amid the pandemic. During this period, it was essential to maintain network performance and quality to support business continuity and to ensure consumers had access to essential services while working and studying remotely.

“Thanks to the vision of our wise leadership in the UAE in positioning the country among the most digitally advanced globally and inspiring us to realize our efforts by delivering world-class networks, infrastructure and innovative services,” Dowidar highlighted.

As a previous winner of the Speedtest Award for fastest mobile network and fastest broadband network in the region for 2019, Etisalat amplified its efforts on improving the mobile network, supporting business continuity in a work-from-home environment, facilitating distance learning and providing entertainment to families at home.