In a highly connected world, strong broadband, fast downloads and reliable internet have become a vital part of our daily lives. Whether it’s for virtual business meetings, streaming TV or staying in touch with loved ones, having strong and reliable internet access has become a necessity.
In recent years, having fast connections has also become a big indicator of not only how digitally advanced a country can be, but also how economically strong too. Alongside the availability of Wi-Fi and 5G, its affordability for residents and how tech-savvy the population is, they have all become measures of how best a country is equipped for a digital future.
At Airgain, we already advocate for improving wireless connectivity to enhance the entire user journey – from the service provider to the customer. And we have made it our mission to connect the whole world through advanced and optimized wireless solutions.
Our recent research has highlighted the countries that are leading the way in 5G and best equipped to become digital powerhouses, with a more connected future. The Emerging Digital Powerhouse Index also shows how citizens in the top 10 countries are best placed to gain the most from the global economy thanks to their connectivity.
Unlocking digital potential
Countries with the most advanced broadband and mobile connectivity are typically the most ready to harness the booming knowledge economy, while also unlocking their greatest digital and economic potential.
The World Bank defines a knowledge economy as the most highly developed countries where knowledge is the main engine of economic growth. This is measured by having a good education system, a strong skilled labor sector, the level of entrepreneurship and innovation, access to ICT infrastructures and intellectual property. Essentially how knowledge is used among citizens.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the scale there is now a visible inequality and digital divide between these countries and those without wide access to computers, smartphones, the internet and digital literacy. A recent stat showed that only 36% of the population of the world’s least developed countries were connected online, showing there is still a lack of digital connectivity and transformation in some parts of the world.
The World Economic Forum’s EDISON Alliance, a global movement prioritizing digital inclusion to get millions of people online, believes access is no longer a luxury but a necessity. In making digital solutions available to all, it can not only improve the quality of life of a population in giving them access to critical services like healthcare and education but can also help reduce inequalities between richer and emerging countries.
Each of the countries featured in the top 10 of Airgain’s index demonstrates that having high quality mobile and broadband connections, can allow their citizens to harness the benefits of living in a digital economy. Meanwhile advanced technology and infrastructure brings added advantages of a robust market and strong economic growth.
The Emerging Digital Powerhouse Index
For this study, we evaluated a range of factors including average internet speeds, mobile penetration, digital skills and progress in deploying 5G, alongside affordability and educational indicators including enrollment in tertiary education.
We gathered data on the following areas for 37 countries tracked by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
- The highest enrollment for students in tertiary education using UNESCO data.
- Digital strength, resilience and responsiveness based on Wiley’s Digital Skills Gap Index.
- Mobile penetration per 100 residents from OECD data.
- The most and least affordable broadband, from Broadband Genie’s Affordability Index.
- Average mobile internet speeds using Ookla Speedtest Global Index data.
- Performance on the GSMA Intelligence 5G Connectivity Index (5GI).
The data was then normalized so that each country received a score out of 100 on each of those criteria. We then added all these scores together to create the index and league table ranking the countries with the greatest potential.
The Top 10 countries emerging as digital powerhouses
Our research shows the UAE leading the way in several factors that we analyzed – from digital readiness, the cost of broadband, average mobile internet speeds and educational indicators.
Finland and South Korea take second and third spots on the index, with the United States sitting in fourth.
The top 10 list is as follows:
The UAE ranked highest for its 5G connectivity and significantly leads the way for its average mobile download speeds at 360 mbps compared to 344 mpbs in Qatar and 232 mpbs in Kuwait.
The three Middle Eastern countries boast the fastest mobile internet in the world showing they are clearly doing something right. They are home to some of the largest network operators in the world, with millions of customers, but have also embraced innovation and investment to realize these positive results. They are paving the way for what can be achieved with mobile internet speeds.
In terms of affordability of broadband, Denmark and Singapore rate the highest on the index, followed closely by Finland and South Korea. All these countries are typically considered to have a high standard of living for citizens, showing that affordable and accessible internet can impact economic social factors.
Worst 10 countries for digital connectivity
Despite global technological progress, emerging economies across parts of Asia, Africa and South America still face challenges in digital infrastructure and education, placing them among the lowest-ranked countries on Airgain’s index.
At the bottom of the list from our sample are the countries that have the most work to do on building their digital connectivity including India, Indonesia, Brazil and Mexico – with Italy as the only European nation falling into the bottom 10.
The list is as follows:
Nigeria and South Africa, which fell into the bottom of the index were the only African countries analyzed as part of the data, despite the countries having opportunities for digital innovation and technical growth. While developments in education and digital literacy are being prioritized in these countries so that younger populations may rapidly embrace opportunities, the reality is they still experience some of the slowest global internet speeds.
Why is this research important?
The research proves that innovation and investment in wireless technology can boost a country’s standing in the global economy and its digital status.
Dr Ali Sadri, CTO at Airgain, said reliable connectivity is key for a modern world and countries who neglect their infrastructure and investments in technology risk being left behind.
He commented: “These findings underscore the Middle East’s rapid technological progress and its growing role in the global digital economy, fueled by the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.
“Access to fast, reliable internet is a game-changer for any population. It doesn’t just boost connectivity—it fuels the knowledge economy, which now accounts for roughly 50% of global economic activity. When people have the tools to access, share, and create knowledge quickly, innovation thrives. Entire industries, from healthcare to education to technology, are transformed, opening up opportunities that were previously unimaginable.
“We conducted this research not just to understand which countries have the fastest internet. Critically we wanted to assess which countries also deliver the best access, most affordably and have an educated population with strong digital skills primed to take full advantage.
“Change makers and leaders in the countries lowest on the index could look to those at the top and understand what they are doing differently to be leading the way as emerging digital powerhouses, and will find that adjustments to just one or two factors at a time could make a significant difference to not only their economy, but quality of life for citizens and also education and employment possibilities.”
Despite the considerable anticipation and a rollout that hasn’t been perfect thus far, 5G holds significant promise for reshaping numerous facets of our contemporary society. However, realizing this potential, hinges on equipping providers with the necessary tools and technologies that not only tackle the inherent drawbacks of 5G but also amplify its notable advantages. For a truly transformative impact, it’s crucial that 5G extends beyond major urban areas. At Airgain, our efforts are directed towards streamlining wireless experiences at every stage of the 5G customer journey, spanning from operators to end-users, and encompassing diverse global markets. These efforts prioritize innovation, cost-effectiveness, and pragmatic feasibility.
How can countries get better connected?
Research shows that factors like mobile internet speeds and 5G connectivity play a significant role in determining a country’s status as a digital leader and its strength in the knowledge economy. Countries aiming to enhance their digital positioning should focus on improving digital literacy, infrastructure, and mobile technology investments. However, this is often a complex and gradual process rather than a quick fix.
Readily available, easy-to-install technologies are crucial for boosting accessibility and promoting wireless growth. In some regions, starting with foundational education in digital skills could be an effective approach. As we look ahead to 6G, the demand for expertise in next-generation technologies and enhanced connectivity will only grow. While some nations may currently lag behind, emerging opportunities and resources present new avenues for them to close the gap, promising a more digitally inclusive future for citizens worldwide.
