The latest OpenSignal report shows that global telecom operators are shifting their priorities from peak 4G speeds toward broader 4G availability.
In earlier years, carriers often highlighted headline 4G download speeds even when network coverage or the consistency of connections lagged. OpenSignal’s past reports showed steady improvements in measured download speeds, and operators used those figures to claim advantages over rivals.
According to the most recent analysis, however, download speeds in leading markets have largely plateaued.
Over the past six months, the global average 4G download speed nudged up only slightly, from 16.2 Mbps to 16.6 Mbps. Moreover, the number of countries averaging above 20 Mbps on 4G has actually declined rather than increased.
Focus on 4G availability
OpenSignal measures performance using data collected from real user devices. Instead of emphasizing theoretical 4G coverage maps, the company tracks 4G availability — a practical metric that records how often users can connect to an LTE signal when they need it.
In the current report, 4G availability scores exceeded 70 percent in 50 of the 77 countries OpenSignal monitors, up from just 33 countries six months earlier.
That means that in those 50 countries, users were able to attach to an LTE signal in more than seven out of ten attempts. OpenSignal interprets this as evidence that 4G has reached a mature and reliable state in many more markets.
The findings suggest operators are dialing back the race for headline speeds and instead investing in improvements that ensure customers can consistently access 4G networks.
It’s likely this availability-focused approach will continue for the next couple of years. Once carriers turn their full attention to 5G rollouts, marketing around peak download speeds is likely to resume as a differentiator.
The full OpenSignal report is available from the company.
Do you think operators are prioritising 4G availability? Let us know in the comments.