In 2024, countries with the fastest internet in the world are scattered across all continents. Notably, city-nations and countries with competitive ISP markets are at the forefront, thanks to advanced fiber optics and emerging 10G networks. These technologies are changing internet connectivity, offering unprecedented speeds that enhance everything from streaming to cloud computing.

City nations excel due to their modern infrastructure and tech-driven environments, while healthy ISP competition in other countries fuels faster, more reliable services.

Below, we explore the top countries for internet speed in 2024 according to the Speedtest Global Index by Ookla and provide some context for each.

Singapore

Singapore’s average internet speed is 286.66 Mbps. This achievement stems from Singapore’s unique status as a city-state, where the compact size, like NYC, significantly simplifies the logistics of managing a telecommunications infrastructure. For reference, you can travel from the east to the west in about 90 minutes.

The transition to high-speed internet in Singapore was marked by a decisive move away from older technologies. By June 2016, they officially withdrew cable and ADSL services. Singtel and StarHub, two of the country’s leading providers, announced the complete shutdown and transfer of their ADSL and cable customers by April 2018 and June 2019, respectively.

Chile

In 2022, Chile topped the list of the countries with the fastest internet in the world. Currently, Chile ranks #2, with an average speed of 272.01 Mbps, and it’s far ahead of the rest of Latin America.

The backbone of Chile’s exceptional fixed broadband performance is the fierce competition among its Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Unlike many other countries where one or two ISPs dominate the market, Chile has six, each holding more than 5% of the market share. This competitive environment has spurred ISPs to prioritize the migration of customers to fiber networks.

Chile’s leadership in internet speed and neutrality is further cemented by its legal framework. On 13 June 2010, the National Congress of Chile amended its telecommunications law to enshrine network neutrality, making Chile the first country globally to take such a step. This legislation prohibits ISPs from blocking, interfering with, discriminating against, or restricting users’ rights to use, send, receive, or offer any legal content, application, or service through the internet.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s remarkable average internet speed of 270.72 Mbps is significantly bolstered by the Hong Kong Internet eXchange (HKIX). As the largest internet exchange point in Asia, HKIX facilitates nearly all of Hong Kong’s internet traffic.

Efficient local routing of data minimizes latency and boosts speed, setting Hong Kong apart in global internet performance rankings. HKIX’s direct interconnection among local ISPs reduces reliance on international servers, directly contributing to the region’s impressive internet speed.

countries with the fastest internet in the world

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) boasts an impressive average internet speed of 257.14 Mbps. With 10.14 million internet users in 2024 (99% of the total population), the UAE’s digital infrastructure supports its vibrant economy and societal connectivity.

This digital prowess is part of a broader strategy to position the UAE, particularly Dubai, as a leading global digital hub, rivaling cities like Frankfurt, Amsterdam, London, and New York.

Dubai’s evolution is especially noteworthy. Internet traffic delays have plummeted from 200 milliseconds in 2012 to under 3 milliseconds in 2022. Consequently, many international businesses and professionals have decided to move there.

Romania

Introduced to the internet in the mid-1990s, Romania lacked the burden of outdated infrastructure that many Western countries grappled with. This blank slate allowed for the direct implementation of state-of-the-art technologies.

The country’s early internet architecture consisted of local neighborhood networks. When Internet Service Providers (ISPs) began consolidating these networks, they opted for fiber optics. This way, they bypassed the older copper-based infrastructures that many countries, including the USA, are still transitioning away from.

Today, Bucharest’s average internet speed is 251.89 Mbps, surpassing the national average of 212.53 Mbps. In 2021, they rolled out DIGI’s Fiberlink 10G service, which offers up to 10Gbps speeds for $10/mo.

United States

The United States has ramped up its internet infrastructure, hitting a median download speed of 242.38 Mbps by February 2024. This achievement places it 6th globally.

A 2022 survey conducted by a research firm for the Fiber Broadband Association highlighted a key development: the U.S. now boasts about 68 million fiber broadband connections. This expansion reflects the country’s strides toward faster and more reliable internet access.

By providing 10Gbps fiber internet, ISPs like Race Communications cater to the growing need for high-speed connections. Their efforts are central to meeting the demand for quick and dependable internet, driving forward innovations that benefit both businesses and consumers.

Monaco

Monaco shines in the global internet arena, with its fixed broadband speeds ranking 9th worldwide as of February 2024.

The dedication to maintaining and upgrading its digital infrastructure has made Monaco a model of internet efficiency, with speeds that support a range of online activities, from business operations to streaming high-definition content.

Iceland

Iceland has internet speeds averaging 249.32 Mbps. But even more impressive is how connected the country is – about 90% of its people have access to full-fiber networks. This means they can enjoy speeds of at least 1 Gbps, and many can even reach up to 10 Gbps.

Additionally, Iceland is a champion of internet freedom, ranked as the world’s best protector. Nearly everyone can enjoy the internet without heavy restrictions, thanks to a government program from 2016 to 2022, aiming to connect even the most rural locations. Today, only a tiny fraction, about 1.5%, of connections are still on the slower ADSL service.

Denmark

In Denmark, the average internet speed is 225.81 Mbps. Denmark’s approach to internet infrastructure is unique due to a somewhat monopolized landscape, with the former state-owned company TDC owning most of the last-mile infrastructure. Despite this, Danes enjoy fair prices and widespread availability of high-speed internet connections, rivaling other EU countries.

The competition has been heating up, though, especially with regional power companies pushing to roll out Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) networks for both private and business users.

Thailand

Thailand’s internet landscape has seen significant improvements, particularly in urban centers. With a notable average speed of 226.36 Mbps and a thriving digital ecosystem, cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok are ideal for those working remotely.

This connectivity enhancement caters to locals and the growing community of digital nomads seeking reliable internet for work and leisure. However, the quality of Wi-Fi can vary, especially in condominiums and remote islands, where infrastructure challenges persist.

Countries with the Fastest Internet in the World: Recap

In conclusion, the United States is one of the countries with the fastest internet in the world. It made the list due to its swift transition to fiber optics, allowing speeds up to 10Gbps.

Race Communications offers some of the fastest residential internet speeds in the country. Explore our services and join us in this exciting era of high-speed internet!