Qatar has secured the second position globally for mobile internet speeds, according to the latest data from the Speedtest Global Index by Ookla. With a median mobile download speed of 517.44 Mbps and upload speed of 32.95 Mbps, the Gulf state continues to assert itself as a leader in telecommunications infrastructure and digital connectivity.
The Speedtest Global Index compiles data from millions of user-initiated tests worldwide, offering a monthly snapshot of internet performance across countries. Qatar’s mobile latency was recorded at 18 milliseconds in the latest update.
This strong performance reflects Qatar’s sustained investment in 5G deployment through national operators such as Ooredoo and Vodafone. Ooredoo, which launched 5G services in 2018, has played a critical role in expanding network capacity across the country.
During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar’s mobile infrastructure demonstrated its ability to handle high-traffic demands, with stadiums like Al Janoub reporting 5G median download speeds as high as 757.77 Mbps. Complimentary local SIM packages, offering 2022 MB and 3GB of free data from Ooredoo and Vodafone, respectively, further supported seamless connectivity for millions of visitors.
In addition to mobile, Qatar’s fixed broadband performance continues to improve, with a median download speed of 206.07 Mbps. While this places Qatar behind regional leaders such as the UAE (546.14 Mbps) and Kuwait (378.45 Mbps), it contributes to the country’s high overall internet penetration rate.
Qatar’s ranking bolsters its ambition to position itself as a regional digital hub, aligned with its Qatar National Vision 2030. Enhanced connectivity is supporting economic diversification efforts and driving growth across key sectors, including finance, education, tourism and transport.
Mobile performance in key travel hubs also saw a boost in 2024, reinforcing Qatar’s appeal for both tourists and business travellers. Its 5G rollout is now considered a regional benchmark, with the potential to shape network strategies among neighbouring countries.