Nepal Tops South Asia in Broadband Speed, Ranks 89th Globally
Nepal has made a significant leap in fixed broadband internet performance, emerging as the fastest in South Asia, according to the latest global rankings released by Ookla. The report highlights Nepal’s steady progress in digital infrastructure and growing internet demand.
As per Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index for January 2026, Nepal recorded an average fixed broadband speed of 84.38 Mbps, placing the country 89th globally. The latest figures show an improvement of nearly four percent in Nepal’s ranking compared to previous months, reflecting consistent growth in internet performance.
Globally, Singapore secured the top position with an impressive average internet speed of 416.10 Mbps. It was followed by the United Arab Emirates at 387.41 Mbps and France at 348.02 Mbps. These countries maintain high-speed connectivity due to advanced fiber-optic infrastructure, robust data capacity, and widespread digital adoption.
Within the SAARC region, Nepal has outperformed all member countries, including larger economies.
1. Bangladesh ranked 96th globally with 64.37 Mbps
2. India stood at 98th with 61.67 Mbps
3. Sri Lanka ranked 126th with 35.79 Mbps
4. Maldives placed 139th with 20.30 Mbps
5. Pakistan ranked 145th with 18.06 Mbps
6. Afghanistan stood at 150th with 4.79 Mbps
7. Bhutan was not included in the ranking.
Experts attribute Nepal’s improved internet performance to the rapid expansion of fiber broadband services, increased competition among private internet service providers, and rising demand for digital services. The growth of online education, video streaming, digital payments, and telecommunications services has significantly contributed to the demand for high-speed internet.
Particularly in urban areas, the expansion of high-capacity fiber networks has led to noticeable improvements in average internet speeds.
Information technology specialists note that increased investment in international bandwidth, data centers, and network infrastructure has enhanced service quality. Service providers are focusing on expanding fiber networks and adopting modern technologies to meet growing user demand.
Founded in 2006, Ookla uses a scientific and user-centric methodology to measure internet performance. Its rankings are based on real-world data collected from millions of users worldwide through the Speedtest platform.
Unlike controlled lab tests, Ookla’s analysis reflects actual user experience in homes and offices. The company operates a global network of test servers, analyzing factors such as distance, latency, and network capacity to determine real internet speeds.
Beyond download and upload speeds, Ookla also evaluates indicators crucial for modern digital usage, including video streaming quality, online gaming latency, and video conferencing stability.
Technology experts view Nepal’s leadership in South Asia as a positive indicator of progress in digital infrastructure development. With continued investment in fiber expansion, adoption of new technologies, and increasing digital service usage, Nepal’s internet speed and quality are expected to improve further in the coming years.
