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Sparklight® Ranks First in 86 Internet Performance Results, Delivers Speeds 50% Faster Than 5G Home Internet, According to Ookla® Data

  • Sparklight ranks first in 86 internet performance comparisons across 14 states
  • Sparklight internet speeds were 50% faster than 5G Home Internet
  • Recognitions span speed, responsiveness, network consistency, gaming and video performance
  • Findings are based on millions of consumer-initiated tests conducted during the first half of 2026

PHOENIX, Sept. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sparklight®, a leading internet and mobile provider, has ranked first in 86 internet performance comparisons across markets in 14 states during the first half of 2026, according to Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data.

A custom analysis of Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data across Sparklight’s service footprint also found that Sparklight delivered 50% faster download speeds and 73% faster upload speeds than 5G Home Internet.**

The findings are based on millions of consumer-initiated tests conducted from Jan. 1 through June 30, 2026, and reflect real-world network performance across download and upload speeds, responsiveness, network consistency, gaming experience and video experience.

“Our focus is on delivering fast, reliable internet that can keep up with how our customers live, work and connect every day,” said Jim Holanda, Chief Executive Officer of Cable One, Sparklight’s parent company. “These results reinforce the value of the investments we continue to make in our network to expand capacity, broaden Multi-Gig availability and deliver a strong, consistent experience across everything from streaming and gaming to work, entertainment and connected devices.”

KEY FACTS

  • Sparklight earned 86 recognitions across Arizona, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina and Texas for internet performance during the first half of 2026.*
  • Sparklight internet download speeds were 50% faster than 5G Home Internet across the company’s service footprint.**
  • Sparklight internet upload speeds were 73% faster than 5G Home Internet across the company’s service footprint.**
  • The results are from Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data from millions of consumer-initiated tests conducted Jan. 1 through June 30, 2026.
  • Sparklight received 33 recognitions for Fastest Download Speeds.
  • Sparklight received 27 recognitions for Most Responsive Internet Speeds and 16 for Most Reliable Internet Speeds.
  • The company also received eight recognitions for Fastest Upload Speeds, one for Best Fixed Gaming Experience and one for Best Fixed Video Experience.
  • Sparklight has invested nearly $1 billion over the past three years across its 24-state footprint to increase network capacity, expand Multi-Gig internet availability and enhance reliability.

Speedtest Intelligence data recognizes Sparklight for internet performance

Ookla® is a global leader in connectivity intelligence and the company behind Speedtest®. Speedtest Intelligence® data is derived from consumer-initiated testing and provides information about how internet connections perform in real-world use.

The recognitions evaluate multiple aspects of fixed internet performance rather than speed alone, including responsiveness, reliability, gaming experience and video experience.

In Arizona, Sparklight earned recognition for fastest download and upload speeds, responsiveness and reliability in the Show Low area; fastest upload speeds in Payson; and fastest download speeds and reliability in Prescott. In Idaho, the company received multiple recognitions for download speed, responsiveness and reliability in Boise, Lewiston and McCall. Fastest upload speed recognitions were also earned by Sparklight in Ontario, Oregon-Idaho and Sandoval County, New Mexico.

Reliable speeds, gaming and video results broaden performance signals

Overall speed is one measure of internet performance, but Speedtest Intelligence® results also assess other aspects of the connectivity experience.

Sparklight earned 16 recognitions for Most Reliable Internet Speeds. The company also received recognition for Best Fixed Gaming Experience in North Dakota and Best Fixed Video Experience in the Albuquerque, New Mexico, area.

Taken together, the categories provide six distinct internet performance measures: download speed, upload speed, responsiveness, reliability in speed, gaming experience and video experience. This gives consumers information beyond a single speed measurement when comparing how fixed internet services perform across different types of everyday use.

Network investment expands capacity and Multi-Gig internet availability

The Ookla results come as Sparklight continues to strengthen and expand its fiber-rich network across the communities it serves.

Over the past three years, the company has invested nearly $1 billion across its 24-state footprint to increase network capacity, expand Multi-Gig internet availability and enhance reliability.

Sparklight also offers Mobile service to its internet customers, providing connectivity at home and on the go.

More information about Sparklight’s high-speed internet services is available at Sparklight.com.

* Based on Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data for Q1–Q2 2026. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.

** Based on analysis of Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data, 1H 2026, in Sparklight service footprint. All rights reserved.

About Sparklight

Sparklight is a leading broadband communications provider delivering exceptional service and enabling approximately 1 million residential and business customers across 24 states to thrive and stay connected to what matters most. Through Sparklight®, the brand our customers know and trust, we’re not just shaping the future of connectivity – we’re transforming it with a commitment to innovation, reliability and customer experience at our core.

Our robust infrastructure and cutting-edge technology don’t just keep our customers connected; they help drive progress in education, business and everyday life. We’re dedicated to bridging the digital divide, empowering our communities and fostering a more connected world. When our customers choose Sparklight, they are choosing a team that is always working for them — one that believes in the relentless pursuit of reliability, because being a trusted neighbor isn’t just what we do — it’s who we are.

CONTACT:

Trish Niemann
Vice President, Communications Strategy
[email protected]

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Question: How did Sparklight perform in Ookla’s internet performance results during the first half of 2026?

Answer: Sparklight earned 86 Ookla recognitions across 14 states based on Speedtest Intelligence data for the first half of 2026. The largest categories were Fastest Download Speeds, with 33 recognitions, and Most Responsive Internet Speeds, with 27.

Question: What are Sparklight’s 86 Ookla recognitions for?

Answer: The recognitions span six internet performance categories: fastest download speeds, most responsive internet speeds, most reliable internet speeds, fastest upload speeds, best fixed gaming experience and best fixed video experience. The results are based on Speedtest Intelligence data from millions of consumer-initiated tests conducted between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2026.

Question: Which internet performance categories earned Sparklight the most recognition?

Answer: Fastest Download Speeds was Sparklight’s largest category with 33 recognitions. It was followed by Most Responsive Internet Speeds with 27 and Most Reliable Internet Speeds with 16. Together, those three categories accounted for 76 of the company’s 86 recognitions.

Question: Where did Sparklight receive Ookla internet performance recognitions?

Answer: The 86 recognitions span 14 states. The announcement identifies performance highlights in markets and areas across Arizona, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina and Texas.

Question: How do Sparklight’s internet speeds compare with 5G Home Internet?

Answer: Based on a custom analysis of Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data across Sparklight’s service footprint, Sparklight internet speeds were 50% faster than 5G Home Internet. Sparklight upload speeds were 73% faster than 5G Home Internet.

Question: Did Sparklight receive recognition for gaming and streaming performance?

Answer: Yes. Sparklight received Best Fixed Gaming Experience recognition in North Dakota and Best Fixed Video Experience recognition in the Albuquerque, New Mexico, area.

Question: Are the Sparklight Ookla results based on customer internet tests?

Answer: Yes. The recognitions are based on Speedtest Intelligence data drawn from millions of consumer-initiated tests conducted during the first half of 2026. The measurement period ran from Jan. 1 through June 30, 2026.

PUBLISHED RESEARCH & RESOURCES

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9121d1db-572b-4d3a-a899-5d798099ac94