Mobile broadband is faster than Wi-Fi in 33 countries

Generally, it is accepted that Internet access from a Wi-Fi access point will be faster than a mobile broadband connection. Most of the most popular smartphones, such as iPhones, automatically join the nearest Wi-Fi network, because of this belief. But according to a new study, this assumption is not true in many parts of the world.

Open Signal, a company specializing in wireless coverage mapping, conducted a study in 80 countries that showed that the mobile Internet is faster than the average public Wi-Fi access point in 33 country. The list does not only include developing markets. In countries such as Australia, Lebanon, Greece and Myanmar, mobile broadband is generally 10 to 13 Mbps faster than the average Wi-Fi access point. The report highlights various reasons for faster mobile speeds, such as the ease of deploying cells on laying cables.

In places where mobile broadband is faster and more available, such as in the United States, Singapore and Hong Kong, Wi-Fi still leads mobile networks.

Image: Open Signal

Several years ago, the assumption that Wi-Fi was faster and an overall better experience for the user was justified. Most data plans charge more if users exceed their monthly limits, and 2G and 3G networks are significantly slower than current LTE networks.

As discussions on the deployment of 5G have begun, it may be time for appliance manufacturers to rethink that assumption. The new 5G networks will be even faster than LTE and could ensure that mobile broadband speeds optimize Wi-Fi in countries like the United States.

"Wi-Fi has no more advantage over the mobile in the speed it offers to smartphone users," says the report. "Operators, device makers and consumers need to change their relationship with Wi-Fi and mobile to reflect the improvements made to the mobile experience now and in the immediate future of 5G."