Speedtest by Ookla has released an updated analysis of how remote work is affecting internet performance around the world.
Earlier coverage reported a modest decline in average fixed and mobile broadband speeds across North America and Europe for the week of March 16–22. Speedtest has now extended its data to include the following week, revealing how networks have adapted to increased home usage.
Fixed broadband performance
The most recent figures show that fixed broadband speeds in the United States have largely stabilized. Canada, however, experienced a small additional dip in mean speeds.
Across Europe the pattern is similar: most countries are exhibiting a flattening of speeds. Notably, Germany and the Netherlands recorded slight increases in average fixed broadband performance.
The United Kingdom stands out as an exception. Average fixed broadband speeds there have remained nearly unchanged since at least December 2019.
Previously, it was suggested that the UK’s later lockdown measures might delay any noticeable impact on broadband networks. Now that lockdown has been in effect for over a week, Speedtest’s data still shows no significant change in mean fixed-broadband performance.
Mobile broadband performance
Mobile results echo the fixed-broadband trend in many regions. U.S. mobile performance has flattened, while Canada saw a small decline. Mexico, in contrast, has posted improved mean mobile speeds compared with data from around January.
In Europe, most countries report steady mobile performance, but Spain, France and Austria experienced modest upticks in average mobile speeds—similar to Mexico’s improvement.
The UK has seen a slight drop in mobile broadband performance since broader lockdown measures were introduced, though the change is minor.
Overall, the updated Speedtest data suggests that both fixed and mobile networks in most countries are handling the additional demand from remote working without major degradation of service.
Speedtest’s full report provides additional charts and country-level details.
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