The Fastest Internet Connection Speeds In The World

The race for the fastest Internet connection speeds in the world has been driven by Government investment, efforts to bridge rural and urban areas, and the increasing capacity of fibre optic cables and 4G mobile networks to improve average download and upload speeds. Bodies like the International Telecommunications Union have also pushed to widen the broadband spectrum, while research and development continues into improving Wi Fi services and general access in developing countries. 

The top nine Internet connections speeds in the world are typically ranked in terms of average speeds per connection, meaning that countries like the US (5.8 Mbps) and the UK (4 Mbps) are currently exempted. Notable countries include:

9 - Romania

Tech Investment in this Eastern European country has increased over the past ten or so years since telecommunication services were deregulated. Cable wiring and standards, many of which are organised around micro ISPs and local networks, means that Romania has an advanced fibre system. Most users receive speeds of about 6.4 Mbps, and use mobile 3G through providers like Orange.

8 - Czech Republic

Another Eastern European country that has expanded its broadband range since a deregulation of its tech market occurred in the early 2000s, the Czech Republic currently averages speeds of around 6.7 Mbps. Most connections are achieved through fixed line ADSL, and by a growing mobile market.

7 - Ireland

Ireland have suffered some recent slow downs in its broadband scale out, but still manages around 6.8 Mbps, with Dublin achieving about 10.57 Mbps on average. Broadband quality is still split between urban and rural areas, with major suppliers like Eircom and UPC under pressure to improve the country’s network.

6 - Switzerland

Switzerland remains one of the most comprehensively wired broadband areas in Western Europe, with most connections coming through DSL and ADSL and VDSL. Swisscom are responsible for most fixed network lines, while Orange also invests in mobile networks. Speeds are around 7.3 Mbps.

5 - Latvia

One of the fastest broadband countries in Europe, Latvia achieves 7.8 Mbps on average, and like its Eastern European counterparts saw a tech economy boost as the result of deregulation in 2003. Download speeds are also tied to high definition tech services. However, and like other countries in Europe, there remains a divide between major cities and rural areas in terms of Internet access and speeds.

4 - Netherlands

The Netherlands can currently claim to be the best country in Europe for Internet connectivity, achieving average speeds of 8.2 mbps. Cable is the most popular form of Internet, and accounts for 41% of connections. The Netherlands is also notable for its general resistance to bandwidth caps.

3 - Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s mix of private and state financed broadband systems have achieved 9.1 Mbps average speeds, and options for superfast broadband of up to 1000 Mbps from some providers. Also has an advanced capacity for 4G mobile networks.

2 - Japan

Japan also averages about 9.1 Mbps for a normal broadband connection, and offers superfast broadband networks in Tokyo and other larger cities. The country’s general broadband development was, however, hit by the recent earthquakes and natural disasters, which damaged cables and wiring systems.

1 - South Korea

Long an innovator in terms of broadband speeds, South Korea’s Internet users have access to an average 17.5 Mbps connections. South Korea has also had superfast fibre optic broadband as standard for many years, and features extensive fibre to the cabinet systems, as well as 47.9 Mbps averages for Seoul and other cities. The country also has an advanced WiBro and WiMax 4G network.

Author Bio: Seb currently recommends that if you're searching for a broadband and TV package that you visit cable.co.uk. They compare all the leading providers in the UK and return the best deals for all budgets.