Latest news with #Ookla
CNET
24-05-2025
- CNET
Meet Orb: An Internet Speed Test Unlike Any I've Ever Used Before
I recommend internet speed tests to pretty much everyone I meet experiencing the inevitable home internet slowdown. In fact, I've tested and used dozens of internet speed tests -- the market is pretty saturated with them. Ideally, the best internet speed test is one that diagnoses your bandwidth blues as easily as possible -- no ads, no extra features you can't make sense of and no slowing down your Wi-Fi. Speed tests are nothing new in the home internet space, but then again, I've never used a speed test quite like Orb before. Meet Orb The creators of the industry's most popular speed test, Ookla, rolled out Orb at the end of April. (Disclaimer: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) While I was skeptical about what value Orb could bring to the internet speed testing market, I felt differently after I downloaded the app to my iPhone and personal computer a few weeks ago. Orb is a sophisticated speed testing application. It doesn't just test your download and upload speeds; it measures the overall health of your home network holistically, using multiple metrics and continuous speed tests. Orb co-founder and CEO Doug Suttles says Orb isn't really a speed test at all. Locating local internet providers 'We're not a speed test, that's the best way to put it,' Suttles tells me. 'We have speed testing functionality, but we focus far more on what we call responsiveness.' What does Orb track? Orb uses a few different metrics to measure responsiveness. You can see what your best (and worst) lag times look like. Screenshot/Orb Responsiveness -- which includes measurements like lag, latency, jitter and packet loss -- is the main metric Orb uses to rate your internet connection. Reliability, or the network's responsiveness over time, and speed are secondary measures that Orb takes into account. 'It's a different side of broadband that we're focusing on,' Suttles says. 'The things that we built at our past company were perfect for the time when we built them, when broadband was in its infancy and you needed to measure throughput first and foremost.' With data use surging and internet speeds soaring, our lives are more connected than ever -- and speed alone is no longer the only factor in judging a good internet plan. I see this often while reviewing home internet plans: While most internet shoppers mainly focus on speed and cost, a host of other factors, beyond advertised max speeds, determine whether a connection is reliable or consistent. Jamie Steven, president and co-founder of Orb, says a reliable internet connection, not just a fast one, is vital for his rurally located home. 'The connection would go down all the time,' Steven says, 'Speed wasn't always or very often was not the issue. The issue was reliability and responsiveness.' Suttles and Steven compare typical internet speed tests as akin to measuring a car's top speed. Instead of focusing solely on speeds, Orb focuses on whether your internet stalls or how quickly it can accelerate. Additionally, Steven notes that the top speed of most cars is impractical for everyday use. 'It's not what you're doing day-to-day,' Steven says, referring to max internet speeds. 'For us, it was more about continuous measurement of your internet experience.' How does Orb work? Orb measures your internet's current speeds as well as its peak speeds. Screenshot/Orb Part of Orb's ingenuity is its ability to run those continuous speed tests, instead of only running speed tests when you're experiencing delays or interruptions. My first thought was that such an approach would put a hit on one's bandwidth. But Suttles assured me that Orb uses a much smaller payload (around 10MB) compared to popular speed test alternatives. For rural internet users like Steven, that lighter payload makes all the difference in keeping his internet connection stable. If you'd like to give your internet a stress test, Orb does come with a 'peak speed' function to test your network's capacity, but that's not a continuous test. Every device you connect to your internet acts as an "orb" or "sensor" that tests your internet connection. You can also set up a dedicated device to continuously monitor your network, 24/7. There is one downside to Orb as it compares to other speed tests: You can't run the tests in a browser. You'll have to download the application to a device (which could be anything from a spare smartphone to a Raspberry Pi). Once you create an account, you can basically download Orb to anything with a hard drive -- and easily diagnose your internet issues in different rooms, simultaneously. Hands-on with Orb Screenshot/Orb Orb is completely free and easy to use. A few weeks ago, I installed it on my phone and personal computer and used it to test my fiber internet connection. Using a scale of 0 to 100, Orb gives your internet a rating that's pretty easy to understand: Red (0 to 49) means poor performance and green (90 to 100) means your internet is performing excellently. My internet connection gets a solid 90 most of the time -- not bad for AT&T's cheapest speed tier. "We want consumers to use this because these are problems that all of us on the founding team have had at home,' Steven says. 'We want this to be free forever." 'There's more value in building a brand than in trying to monetize consumers for something that, quite frankly, we're so passionate about, we just want to give it away anyway,' Suttles notes. I used Orb to test the internet connection in my office and the speeds I was getting in the living room where my TV is. Both tests showed results typically consistent with what I'd see using Ookla. You can add as many devices to your Orb network as you'd like; they'll all play a role in measuring your internet connectivity. Screenshot Orb Orb is still in its beginning stages -- while it's an effective tool for understanding how your internet connection works, there are a few features coming to the app that will make it even more user-friendly, like the ability to access historical data (similar to Ookla). 'Orb does record all data locally first…,' Steven notes. 'We just hadn't presented it in the UI, but that was something we were very passionate about. We didn't want to require cloud connectivity to be able to see the past.' Perhaps most importantly, Orb will eventually start releasing recipes for measuring the connectivity of specific applications or services, like Microsoft Teams or Slack and, eventually, even specific internet services. 'Different web services use different sorts of protocols,' Steven says. 'So Zoom might use this special RTSP protocol -- can my connection open that port to that service? Is it accessible? What's its responsiveness?' Down the road, Suttles and Steven would like to see Orb used by the community to create different 'recipes' and ways of measuring reachability. 'At its core, Orb is really a recipe engine,' Suttles says. 'Our vision is to release and share new recipes, then have the community start creating them.' Final thoughts The internet isn't getting any cheaper, and while it might be tempting to just buy more speed, there are simpler ways of diagnosing and boosting your connection first. While Orb (and the internet) continue to evolve, it's a good idea to have a holistic sense of your network's connectivity, beyond speed.
Fast Company
24-05-2025
- Fast Company
This smart new internet speed test blows Ookla out of the water
These days, our tech experiences are all about speed—and our expectations for instant action are actually kinda insane. Think about it: Not so long ago, phones, computers, and especially the internet were all painfully slow (at least, by today's sonic-speed standards). Things have come a long way in a short time. And for most of us now, if something doesn't load within a fraction of second, we grow impatient and maybe give up entirely—like when a webpage has the audacity to take a handful of seconds to show up and we click away in an indignant huff. Hey, we've all been there. What's especially wild, though, is that while the standards for speed have skyrocketed forward, the way we measure this stuff has remained mostly the same. At least, until now. This week, I've got an incredibly cool and tantalizingly new tool to share with ya. It's an overdue update to the way we think about speed and assessing the allegedly lightning-fast connections we all pay for. Get ready for a whole new way to think about the tech in front of you. The internet speed test—reinvented Traditionally, when we talk about tools for testing your tech connection speed, we think about things like Ookla's Speedtest, the native Google speed testing system, or the newer Cloudflare Internet Speed Test service. We've covered those types of tools before. They're all useful, in different ways—but they're also all variations on the same tried-and-true type of speed assessment that's been around for ages now. Today's tool is different. But it comes from a familiar source—someone who knows this area inside and out. It's the brand-new brainchild of the guy who created Ookla's Speedtest, arguably the first internet speed test that became broadly known and embraced by the masses. ➜ It's called Orb. And it's decidedly different from your typical tech speed tester. 👁️ Orb works by looking not only at the basic power of your connection but also its responsiveness and reliability. The idea is that all of that adds up to create a more complete and ultimately meaningful view of your connection quality. 💡 And that number isn't only about bragging rights, either: It's meant to help you make sure you're actually getting the speed you're paying for—and then able to pinpoint precisely where and when any problems pop up. ⌚ You'll need about two minutes to set Orb up and take it out for a spin. First, install the appropriate Orb app for whatever type of device you're using. Orb is free to use, and it's available for most major platforms— Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, even Linux. If you're using a Chromebook, you can go with either the Android app or the Linux version. Open up the app and follow the quick steps to get it set up and ready. Orb will prompt you to sign in or create an account, but you can skip over that if you'd rather. The account just makes it possible to sync your testing data and view it from other devices. Once that swift onetime setup's out of the way, you'll see Orb's dashboard—with a tremendous amount of detail that lets you peek under the hood and learn exactly how much your current connection leaves to be desired. Specifically: Responsiveness tells you how quickly your connection acts and how much lag you've got going. Reliability looks at the consistency of your connection and its responsiveness over time. And speed is the more standard measure of how quickly bits and bytes move across your connection (as measured by Cloudflare—the same basic speed testing tool we've recommended before!). It all adds up to give you a never-before-visible complete picture of your internet speed quality—on your current device as well as any other devices on which you've installed the app and signed in. Knowledge is power, as they say. And with Orb's in-depth intelligence firmly in your mitts, you'll be armed to the gills and ready to confirm that everything's working the way it oughta— and ready to point your finger at the precise problem, if and when one appears. Orb is available on all major platforms, via a variety of native apps. It's completely free for personal use. (The company also sells large-scale enterprise software setups, which seems to be where it intends to make money.) The tool comes from known, reputable internet researchers and is explicit about the fact that it doesn't do anything disconcerting with the limited amount of data it collects.
Gizmodo
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Gizmodo
Only 22 U.S. States Met Bare-Minimum Broadband Internet Speeds in 2024
Sometimes, people assume that solving the digital divide begins and ends at giving everyone internet access. But what good is a connection if it's too slow for you to actually do anything? That's why taking broadband speeds into account is critical. Unfortunately, a new report found that the digital divide increased in 32 states as the U.S. struggles to provide high-speed broadband nationwide. In a new report analyzing data from July to December 2024, Ookla, an internet analysis site, found that only 22 states are meeting the Federal Communications Commission's minimum standard for fixed broadband speeds. Although that's a solid increase from only nine states in the first half of 2024, improvement was mostly seen in urban areas. As a result, the overall gap between communities widened in 32 states. According to Ookla, Washington, Oregon, Illinois, and Missouri have the largest divides between rural and urban communities. Last year, the FCC increased its minimum standard for broadband speed for the first time in a decade. Previously, it was stuck at 25 megabits per second and upload speeds of 3 megabits per second. It got a dramatic push to 100 Mbps/20 Mpbs. In a statement, chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said that the 'overdue' change aligned with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and 'helps us better identify the extent to which low-income neighborhoods and rural communities are underserved.' While Ookla's data is a bit disheartening, the cause behind the growing divide isn't a total mystery. Sue Market, the report's author, told CNET, 'We suspect that some of this [broadband] divide was attributed to the [Affordable Connectivity Program] ending. We might see some more examples of that by the end of 2025.' The short-lived ACP gave low-income households a monthly credit of up to $30 per month, or $75 per month for households in tribal lands, to apply towards their internet bill. It also provided one-time discounts for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. According to the FCC, 23 million households were enrolled in the program. However, it ended last June after Congress failed to provide additional funding. Ookla's report also comes only weeks after Trump threatened to end the Digital Equity Act while slamming it as 'racist' and 'unconstitutional'. But while there are plenty of setbacks to closing the digital divide, there have been some improvements. According to FCC data, the number of locations that can provide services meeting its minimum broadband speeds increased by 2.6 million between June 2023 and 2024. In addition, the FCC found that the number of locations with cable broadband services increased by 1.1 million. Per Ookla, part of that expansion is likely due to government funding through programs like the Digital Equity Capacity Grant program and the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. Last month, the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program to expand high-speed internet access was delayed by the Trump administration. BEAD was originally designed to prioritize fiber networks. But with the program's delay, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced that it was undertaking a detailed review to 'remove unnecessary rules and mandates, to improve efficiency, and take a more technology-neutral approach, cut unnecessary red tape, and streamline deployment.' Why? Well, in March, reports indicated that Howard Lutnick, the commerce secretary, was telling program leaders to prioritize less-reliable satellite internet. Per CNET, the only satellite internet provider that would currently qualify is Starlink, which is owned by Trump buddy Elon Musk. And coincidentally, it turns out that Lutnick had also mentioned Musk by name. Even with the BEAD program's delays, Ookla said that it 'expect[s] to see more developments in broadband coverage through 2025.'
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Starlink making strides in transforming broadband access
In rural areas, where traditional broadband infrastructure is scarce, Starlink's presence may be key to bridging the divide. South African-born Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service from SpaceX is making significant strides in transforming broadband access across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). A new report from Ookla, 'Connecting Africa: The Performance and Impact of Starlink's Satellite Internet,' highlights Starlink's performance in the first quarter of 2025. With its wide coverage and increasing affordability, Starlink presents a chance to close the connectivity gap in rural areas while also appealing to urban users. Starlink performance The Ookla report examined the performance of Starlink services in SSA and compared them to terrestrial services, and assessed their impact on the broadband market. While speed varied across the continent, Starlink delivered a median download speed exceeding 40 Mbps in Q1 2025 in most countries where it's available, significantly outpacing terrestrial ISPs. In countries like Botswana, Eswatini, Rwanda, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, and Ghana, Starlink users enjoyed median download speeds of around 75 Mbps or higher. In contrast, speeds in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Sudan, Kenya, and Madagascar — arguably some of Starlink's biggest markets — were below 50 Mbps, most likely because the provider faces capacity issues and halts new sign-ups. ALSO READ: Musk remark on not bringing Starlink to SA because he's not 'black' dismissed [VIDEO] African market Nevertheless, in Q1 2025, these speeds were still much more than double those of terrestrial networks in most countries. Starlink's entry into the African market has significantly increased access to fixed broadband, particularly in Nigeria and Kenya, where it has become competitive. South Africa However, the satellite internet service continues to elude South Africa. Speculation had been rife that Starlink was not yet available in South Africa due to the country's BEE regulations. However, Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) chairperson Mothibi Ramusi said that Icasa has not received a formal application from Starlink to operate in the country. '[We] indicated previously that Starlink does not hold any licence issued by the authority to provide electronic communications, electronic communications network or broadcasting services in South Africa.' Hope Last year, while Communications Minister Solly Malatsi did not elaborate on Musk's Starlink satellite service, he told The Citizen at the Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town that getting South Africa connected requires a 'mixed tech' approach. 'Whether it be fibre, through broadband connectivity, or the current debate that is everywhere else in the world about how low-orbit satellites can play a role in this space that we are in.' With President Cyril Ramaphosa jetting off for a working visit to the United States from Monday, 19 May to meet US President Donald Trump and possibly Musk, it is likely that there will be discussions about bringing Starlink to South Africa. Starlink internet service is said to be a true paradigm shift in the world of connectivity. What is Starlink? Starlink operates thousands of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high-speed internet globally. With 4.6 million customers globally, the service targets expansion in underserved markets, such as Africa, to drive its growth. Since its launch in 2019, the network has expanded to more than 7,000 satellites, covering most of the globe. Starlink's rapid expansion across Africa began with Nigeria in February 2023 and Rwanda in March 2023. The service now reaches 18 countries, with plans to add at least 10 more by the end of the year. Speed It offers a speed advantage over fixed alternatives in many African countries, potentially offering great experiences in downloading files and livestreaming. However, its performance varies significantly. Using Speedtest Intelligence data, Ookla identified three countries' tiers based on median download speeds. However, 'this analysis does not include Benin, Cape Verde, and Liberia', Ookla said. 'We will revisit these markets as Starlink's service expands and more data becomes available'. ALSO READ: Malatsi takes action to lower smart devices and phone costs in SA
CNET
17-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
The Broadband Divide Worsened in 32 States in 2024, Ookla Reports
Ookla, one of the leading internet speed test sites, recently published its semiannual report on the state of internet connectivity in the US. The report, which encompasses the second half of 2024, reflects a growing broadband divide across 32 states. (Disclaimer: Ookla is owned by Ziff Davis, the same company that owns CNET.) To measure the digital divide, Ookla relies on Speedtest Intelligence data, crowdsourced from Speedtest users across all 50 states. Ookla then averages the number of users receiving the minimum standard for an internet connection, which the Federal Communications Commission defines as 100Mbps downstream and 20Mbps upstream. While 22 states saw improvements in the number of internet users receiving at least 100Mbps, most of that progress occurred in urban areas. Ookla's data reflects a particular struggle to connect rural households, as the states with the largest digital divide were the rural communities in Washington, Oregon, Illinois, Missouri and New Mexico. 'We suspect that some of this [broadband divide] was attributed to the ACP ending,' Sue Marek, editorial director at Ookla and author of the report, told CNET. 'We might see some more examples of that by the end of 2025.' The cancellation of the Affordable Connectivity Program, which ended in May 2024 due to Congressional funds expiring, affected approximately 23 million households that received financial aid with monthly internet bills. Locating local internet providers The Ookla data notes a significant increase in the number of houses with a fiber-to-the-home connection, a record 88.1 million homes, and Marek attributes this growth to broadband deployment funding. 'But I think a lot of that [fiber deployment] was driven by private equity funding or CapEx being spent by these big telcos,' said Marek. 'But does that really help the digital divide?' As the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program hasn't resulted in buildouts yet, the growth in internet connectivity in the second half of 2024 can also be attributed to the Digital Equity Capacity Grant program, the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program and the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. Marek notes that over $11 billion in government funding has been distributed by those programs since 2020. Ookla's report comes on the heels of the Digital Equity Act's cancellation by President Donald Trump, as it was deemed a 'racist' and 'unconstitutional' program. The National Telecommunications and Information Association, the organization responsible for administering Digital Equity Act funding, has since removed webpages related to the program. 'This administration's deranged obsession with forcing extremist right-wing culture wars on all of us is not an acceptable or legal reason to deny states access to these funds,' Sen. Patty Murray, a Washington Democrat who introduced the bill in 2019, said in a press conference about the Digital Equity Act. Marek says the effects of the decision to slash the Digital Equity Act will likely not be seen in Ookla reporting until the end of 2025. The BEAD program, meanwhile, is undergoing a structural review, with industry experts worried that the program will pivot from a 'fiber first' approach to a process that favors Elon Musk's Starlink, a satellite internet option that has raised the bar for getting internet access to rural areas, albeit with an expensive price tag. While disputes over funding distribution and the fate of the Digital Equity Act and BEAD hang in the air, the broadband divide continues to grow at the expense of the country's most marginalized communities. To get involved, Marek recommends contacting your state's broadband office to learn how it's approaching the digital divide. 'Every state has one,' Marek said. Additionally, the NTIA hosts a BEAD progress dashboard, so you can stay informed on the progress of BEAD-funded projects in your state. To directly express your concerns, you can also call your local representatives and government officials.
