UAE Tops Global Mobile Internet Speeds, Libya Lags Behind
Globally, mobile networks averaged 105.70 Mbps download, 14.78 Mbps upload, and 24 ms latency, while fixed broadband networks performed better, averaging 118.59 Mbps download, 59.45 Mbps upload, and 9 ms latency.
The latest Speedtest Global Index for December 2025 highlights significant variations in internet speeds across the world, with both mobile and fixed broadband performance reflecting regional infrastructure investment and technological adoption. Globally, mobile networks averaged 105.70 Mbps download, 14.78 Mbps upload, and 24 ms latency, while fixed broadband networks performed better, averaging 118.59 Mbps download, 59.45 Mbps upload, and 9 ms latency.
In terms of mobile performance, the United Arab Emirates continues to lead worldwide with an impressive 691.76 Mbps, followed by Qatar (573.57 Mbps) and Kuwait (415.67 Mbps). Other high-ranking countries include Bahrain and Bulgaria. Notably, several countries recorded sharp improvements in their rankings, such as Serbia, which jumped 44 positions, and Ecuador, which rose 16 positions. On the lower end of the scale, mobile connectivity remains a challenge in countries such as Libya (22.34 Mbps), Afghanistan (14.87 Mbps), and Bolivia (15.22 Mbps), highlighting persistent digital infrastructure gaps.
For fixed broadband, Singapore retains its top position with 410.06 Mbps, followed by the UAE (382.35 Mbps) and France (349.25 Mbps). Chile and Hong Kong round out the top five countries. Emerging economies such as Greece, El Salvador, and Morocco showed improvements in broadband speeds, reflecting ongoing investments in network infrastructure. Conversely, countries with unstable infrastructure, including Libya (10.95 Mbps), Afghanistan (4.68 Mbps), and Syria (3.89 Mbps), remain at the bottom of the rankings, facing persistent challenges in delivering reliable, high-speed internet.
Overall, the December 2025 index underscores a widening digital divide. While Gulf nations, parts of Europe, and select Asian countries dominate the global speed rankings, several low- and middle-income countries continue to lag, particularly in mobile connectivity. These disparities highlight the critical need for sustained investment in digital infrastructure, particularly in regions affected by conflict or limited technological development, to ensure equitable access to reliable internet services worldwide.
