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New pilot program introduces Speedtest Certified™ framework to help local hotels meet global digital expectations
Ookla®, a global leader in connectivity intelligence, announced the launch of a pilot program for the hospitality sector in Azerbaijan, based on the Speedtest Certified™ framework. The initiative aims to support the industry’s goal of accelerating connectivity and providing guests with world-class digital experiences, providing a fast-tracked path for properties to verifiably demonstrate their network and connectivity excellence through a rigorous and thorough certification process.
This announcement was made during the Azerbaijan Hospitality Connectivity Summit held in Baku, hosted in collaboration with the Information and Communication Technologies Agency (ICTA), Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB), and Azerbaijan Hotel Association (AHA). The event brought together over 100 high-level decision-makers from the tourism, telecommunications, and infrastructure sectors to discuss the users' expectations of their indoor connectivity experience.
“High-quality, reliable and consistent connectivity is no longer a luxury; it has become an expectation of any guest, and it is fundamental to providing a competitive and high-quality guest experience,” said Stephen Bye, President and CEO of Ookla, a division of Ziff Davis. “By establishing this pilot, we are helping Azerbaijan set a new global benchmark for how destinations define, verify, and communicate the quality of guest connectivity. We are proud to partner with ICTA, ATB, and AHA to provide a solution to enable the hospitality industry to deliver a world-class digital experience to their guests."
Sameddin Asadov, Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport emphasized that platforms like today’s summit are valuable not only for sharing data and insights, but also for shaping a common vision for Azerbaijan’s digital future.
Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of ATB highlighted that connectivity is a strategic driver of destination competitiveness and sustainable growth, enabled through strong public–private cooperation. For Azerbaijan, recent advances in digital infrastructure provide a solid foundation to support year-round tourism and position the country as a reliable host for major international events.
The event also featured a live demonstration of the certification process, which evaluates on-site RF quality, real-world performance testing, and infrastructure resilience. Case studies presented at the event, including the MEO Arena and The Social Hub Rome, showcased how third-party validation helps premier venues attract sponsors and build trust with guests.
Leveraging Speedtest’s globally trusted testing methodology and unrivaled brand recognition, the Speedtest Certified™ program offers clear advantages across the hospitality ecosystem, empowering properties with a connectivity seal of approval, IT providers with performance verification, and guests with reliable digital experiences. This initiative further strengthens Azerbaijan’s position in the Speedtest Global Index™ and bolsters its reputation as a digitally advanced destination.
About Ookla®
Ookla, a global leader in connectivity intelligence, brings together the trusted expertise of Speedtest®, Downdetector®, Ekahau®, and RootMetrics® to deliver unmatched network and connectivity insights. By combining multi-source data with industry-leading expertise, we transform network performance metrics into strategic, actionable insights.
Our solutions empower service providers, enterprises, and governments with the critical data and insights needed to optimize networks, enhance digital experiences, and help close the digital divide. At the same time, we amplify 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.
