These countries' mobile internet speeds are way faster than WiFi

The need for speed.
 By 
Johnny Lieu
 on 
These countries' mobile internet speeds are way faster than WiFi
The need for speed has mobile networks on top. Credit: Getty Images

Switched off your WiFi on your phone because of bad download speeds? You're not alone.

According to a study by OpenSignal, 33 countries have mobile network speeds that are faster on average than WiFi, which was the opposite ten years ago.

The largest discrepancy -- at 13 megabits -- belongs to Australia, where the average WiFi speed is 21.6 Mbps, while the mobile network speed is 34.6 Mbps.

Also featured in the top five countries with mobile networks that are much faster than WiFi are Lebanon, Qatar, Oman and Greece, in that order, where there is at least a 10-megabit gap.

It's the reverse in places like the U.S. and Hong Kong, where the average WiFi speed eclipses mobile networks. That will change, as the next generation of mobile network, 5G, begins to roll out widely in the coming years.

In four countries, you'll experience a "dead heat," where there are no significant differences between WiFi and mobile network speed: Hungary, Bangladesh, Belgium and Norway.

OpenSignal said the results of the study show that mobile operators and smartphone makers need to reevaluate the reliance on WiFi.

For the moment, WiFi still reigns supreme due to lower cost and more capacity than cell towers, but we'll see about that soon enough.

Mashable Image
Johnny Lieu

Mashable Australia's Web Culture Reporter.Reach out to me on Twitter at @Johnny_Lieu or via email at jlieu [at] mashable.com

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You

Done with Verizon? Here are the best new customer deals at Mint Mobile, AT&T, and T-Mobile
A colorful background with an iPad, Apple Watch, and iPhone on it

Turn ideas into a book faster with Aivolut AI Book Creator for $118.99
Laptop on desk

The Starlink Mini is down to under $200 at Best Buy — stay connected at all times
A lifestyle image of the Mini Kit AC Dual Band Wi-Fi System sitting on the grass.


Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 3, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!