Ookla Launches Initiative to Boost Hospitality Connectivity in Azerbaijan

Ookla®, the global leader in internet speed and network quality measurement, has held the first presentation of its new product, Speedtest Certified™ for the Hospitality Sector, in Baku. The primary objective of Ookla’s new solution is to assess and certify the internet infrastructure of businesses operating in the hospitality sector, thereby improving internet quality and enabling them to deliver world-class digital experiences to their guests.

The event was held in Baku and jointly organized by the Information and Communication Technologies Agency (ICTA), the Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB), and the Azerbaijan Hotel Association (AHA). More than 100 senior representatives from the tourism, telecommunications, and infrastructure sectors attended the event, where expectations regarding indoor internet connectivity experiences were discussed.

“High-quality, reliable, and resilient connectivity is no longer a luxury; it has become an expectation for every guest and a core element of a competitive, high-end hospitality experience,” said Stephen Bye, President and CEO of Ookla.

“By launching this pilot program, we are helping Azerbaijan set a new global benchmark for defining, validating, and delivering high-quality internet connectivity in the hospitality sector. We are proud to partner with ICTA, ATB, and AHA to provide world-class digital experiences across the hospitality industry.”

Samaddin Asadov, Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport, noted that platforms such as today’s summit are important not only for sharing information and analytical insights, but also for shaping a unified vision for Azerbaijan’s digital future.

Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB), emphasized that in the modern era, digital connectivity serves as one of the strategic factors ensuring competitiveness and sustainable growth in tourism, while also encouraging the strengthening of public–private partnerships in the sector. He noted that the achievements made in recent years in Azerbaijan’s digital infrastructure have created a solid foundation for supporting year-round tourism development and positioning the country as a reliable host for large-scale international events.

As part of the event, a live demonstration of the certification process was also conducted. This process includes on-site evaluation of radio frequency (RF) quality, real-world performance testing, and assessments of infrastructure resilience. Case studies presented at the event — such as MEO Arena[i] and The Social Hub Rome[ii] — demonstrated that third-party–verified assessments help leading venues attract sponsors and strengthen guest trust.

Leveraging Speedtest’s globally trusted testing methodology and strong brand recognition, the Speedtest Certified™ program delivers clear benefits for all stakeholders across the hospitality ecosystem. This initiative further strengthens Azerbaijan’s position in the Speedtest Global Index™ and enhances the country’s reputation as a digitally advanced tourism destination.

About Ookla®

Ookla is a global leader in internet speed and network quality measurement, combining the expertise of the Speedtest®, Downdetector®, Ekahau®, and RootMetrics® to deliver unmatched network and connectivity insights. By combining multi-source data with industry-leading expertise, Ookla transforms network performance metrics into strategic, actionable insights.

The company’s solutions provide service providers, enterprises, and governments with critical data and insights needed to optimize networks, enhance digital experiences, and help close the digital divide. At the same time, Ookla highlights the real-world experiences of individuals and businesses that rely on connectivity to work, learn, and communicate. From measuring and analyzing connectivity to driving industry innovation, Ookla helps the world stay connected.

Ookla is a division of Ziff Davis (NASDAQ: ZD), a vertically focused digital media and internet company whose portfolio includes leading brands in technology, entertainment, shopping, health, cybersecurity, and martech.

[i] MEO Arena – a large concert and sports arena located in Lisbon, Portugal, used for concerts, sporting events, and major international gatherings.

[ii] The Social Hub Rome – a co-working and social events venue based in Rome, Italy, designed for startups, business events, and networking.