Based on Ookla’s Speedtest Connectivity Report for the first half of 2024, there was no top rated mobile provider by Speedtest users in Canada, with Rogers, TELUS and Bell due to close scoring as per consumer sentiment.
In terms of market performance, the recent allocation of additional C-band spectrum in late 2023 is expected to improve performance for users as it gets widely deployed in 2024. Newfoundland and Labrador had the fastest median mobile download speed among provinces at 118.17 Mbps, while St. John’s led among major cities at 219.92 Mbps.
Operators’ Momentum
Bell Mobility and TELUS' network sharing agreement appears to be paying off, allowing them to outperform their rivals. According to Ookla’s Speedtest Intelligence® data, there was no clear winner for the fastest 5G network in Canada, as both TELUS and Bell Mobility achieved similar performance levels.
Notably, TELUS was the fastest provider in Canada across all technologies combined, with a Speed Score of 125.82. Its median download speed was 137.37 Mbps, median upload speed was 14.07 Mbps, and latency peaked at 42 ms.
On the other hand, Bell excelled in providing the best gaming experience over 5G in Canada, achieving a 5G Game Score of 90.21 and a median game latency of 48 ms to key gaming server locations.
In terms of 5G Availability, Rogers was the market leader with 82.3% of its 5G users accessing its 5G network majority of the time.
Ookla noted that Vidéotron's acquisition of Freedom Mobile, along with the 5G spectrum it secured at auction, will boost competition in the market.
Fixed Broadband Surge
In the fixed broadband market, the continued rise of fiber ISPs, particularly Bell and TELUS, offer strong performance for video and gaming experiences apart from providing faster broadband services.
According to Ookla’s Speedtest Intelligence® data, Bell pure fibre was the fastest ISP in Canada with a Speed Score of 353.71, a median download speed of 329.28 Mbps, and the fastest median upload speed at 282.10 Mbps. It also had the lowest latency at 9 ms.
Despite this, Speedtest users rated SpaceX's Starlink service as the top ISP in Canada with a score of 3.93 out of 5. Starlink is primarily used in remote areas, achieving the fastest median download speeds in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
Canada's Connectivity Landscape in 2024
Canada's connectivity landscape in 2024 shows significant strides and promising developments across both mobile and fixed broadband sectors. Despite the absence of a clear top-rated mobile provider by Speedtest users, the competitive scoring between Rogers, TELUS, and Bell reflects healthy market dynamics driven by consumer sentiment.
Overall, Canada's connectivity outlook for 2024 is characterized by competitive diversity, technological advancement through spectrum allocations, and a commitment to enhancing both mobile and fixed broadband experiences nationwide. These factors collectively contribute to a positive trajectory for Canadian consumers and businesses reliant on robust digital infrastructure.
