You’ve probably used Speedtest at least once. When your internet feels slow, you open the site, tap the big “Go” button, and instantly see how fast your connection really is.
Now the company behind that tool, Ookla, is being acquired by Accenture in a deal worth $1.2 billion. The acquisition, announced on March 3, 2026, highlights how valuable internet performance data has become in an increasingly AI-driven world, according to an announcement from Accenture.
While Speedtest may look like a simple tool, the company behind it plays a much bigger role in understanding how networks perform across the globe.
What Is Ookla?
Most people recognize Ookla because of Speedtest, but the company actually operates several platforms that analyze internet and network performance.
Its tools include:
Speedtest
The world’s most widely used internet speed testing tool. It allows users to measure their download speed, upload speed, and latency in seconds.
Downdetector
A service that tracks outages for popular platforms and services like social media, streaming apps, and online games. It helps users determine whether a service is down globally or if the issue is local.
Ekahau
Software used by businesses and IT professionals to design and optimize Wi-Fi networks in large environments such as offices, hospitals, airports, and campuses.
RootMetrics
A mobile network testing platform that measures and ranks the performance of wireless carriers, including 4G and 5G networks.
Together, these services generate hundreds of millions of network tests every month, creating one of the largest datasets on global internet performance.
Why Accenture Is Buying Ookla
The acquisition is part of Accenture’s push to expand its network intelligence and AI capabilities.
Today, companies rely heavily on fast and reliable connectivity to run cloud systems, AI tools, remote collaboration platforms, and digital services. Even the most advanced software struggles if the underlying network is slow or unstable.
By acquiring Ookla, Accenture gains access to a massive pool of real-world network performance data. This information can help the company advise enterprises and telecom operators on how to:
- Improve network reliability
- Optimize 5G and broadband performance
- Identify connectivity bottlenecks
- Enhance digital user experiences
In other words, Accenture isn’t just buying a speed test website — it’s acquiring a global network intelligence platform.
The Business Behind the Deal
Ookla was previously owned by Ziff Davis, a digital media company known for brands like IGN, Mashable, and Everyday Health.
Ziff Davis originally acquired Ookla in 2014 for about $15 million. Selling the connectivity division to Accenture for $1.2 billion represents an enormous return on investment. The deal was also reported by Reuters, which noted that the sale includes Ziff Davis’ connectivity tools such as Ookla and Downdetector.
For Ziff Davis, the sale allows the company to focus more on its digital media, publishing, and online content platforms.
What This Means for Speedtest Users
For everyday users, Speedtest and Downdetector are expected to continue operating normally. The services are widely used by consumers, journalists, and IT professionals to measure internet speeds and monitor service outages.
However, some observers are curious about whether Speedtest will remain fully independent. In the past, it has been viewed as a neutral measurement tool. Now that it will be owned by a company that works closely with telecom providers and large enterprises, some industry watchers will be paying attention to how the platform evolves.
For now, though, users are unlikely to notice any immediate changes.
The Bigger Picture
The acquisition reflects a broader trend in the technology industry: network data is becoming incredibly valuable.
Modern technologies such as AI systems, cloud computing, remote work platforms, and streaming services all rely on fast, reliable connectivity. Understanding how networks perform — and where they fail — is critical for companies trying to deliver smooth digital experiences.
A tool that once helped people check their Wi-Fi speed has grown into a global intelligence platform worth over a billion dollars.
