Ookla on the network trends shaping 2026

Ookla expects mobile and fixed networks in 2026 to be shaped less by marketing promises and more by how people actually use them. Higher data consumption, more connected devices and new types of applications are pushing operators to focus on reliability, consistency and smarter use of existing spectrum, not just headline speed.

In a discussion with RCR Wireless News, Kerry Baker, who leads Ookla’s research and content work in North America, points to continued evolution rather than a sudden shift: operators will tune networks to handle denser traffic, manage congestion better and support a wider mix of devices and services. The direction of travel is clear — networks will be judged on how well they handle real-world load and new usage patterns, not on theoretical peak performance.