Slow Wi-Fi is the fastest way to ruin a hotel stay, derail a business meeting, or frustrate fans at a stadium. Ookla, the Ziff Davis subsidiary behind the ubiquitous Speedtest app, wants to end that gamble with the launch of Speedtest Certified™, a new program that verifies a property’s network performance against rigorous standards.

For years, consumers have turned to Speedtest to check their own connections. Now Ookla is extending that trust to physical spaces—think hotels, airports, office buildings, and sports arenas—where reliable connectivity is often more important than the minibar.

The Gold Seal of Connectivity

Speedtest Certified isn’t just a marketing badge. Properties must undergo a comprehensive, data-driven assessment of their enterprise network deployments. The process evaluates:

• Wi-Fi radio frequency (RF) quality

• Network configuration and security

• Performance metrics across multiple devices

• ISP backhaul quality

Those that meet the standards earn a certification backed by one of the most recognizable names in connectivity testing. Certified properties also gain access to a digital platform for benchmarking, insights, and recommendations to keep their networks competitive.

“Today, Ookla is introducing a solution,” said Stephen Bye, CEO of Ookla. “For years, you’ve trusted Speedtest for your own connectivity. Now, with Speedtest Certified, we’re extending that trust to the places you visit.”

Why It Matters

Connectivity is now a core amenity for tenants, guests, and employees. Poor internet isn’t just an inconvenience—it can sink customer satisfaction scores and revenue. By offering a trusted verification system, Ookla is effectively creating a “Good Housekeeping Seal” for Wi-Fi and broadband.

That could prove especially valuable for property owners competing in crowded sectors like hospitality and commercial real estate, where customer expectations around seamless digital experiences are higher than ever.

Hamdy Farid, SVP of Product at Ookla, framed it this way: “Speedtest Certified is the gold standard in network verification. It provides objective metrics to validate investments and stand out in a crowded market. For the rest of us, it simply eliminates the guesswork.”

Industry Context

The launch comes as connectivity becomes a make-or-break factor in real estate and events. Marriott and Hilton, for example, already advertise upgraded Wi-Fi as a differentiator. Tech-forward venues like Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas are investing heavily in network infrastructure to support streaming-hungry fans. Ookla’s program could push the industry toward greater transparency and accountability in connectivity standards.

For property owners, the certification offers both a competitive edge and a defensive play: in a world where bad reviews often start with “the Wi-Fi was terrible,” Speedtest Certified could be the digital badge that saves them from public shaming.

Get in touch with our MarTech Experts.