Internet speed - Cities and FUAs

This dataset provides an indicator of internet speed (downloading and uploading speeds) in FUAs and cities compared to the national values.

Data sources and methodology

The indicator uses quarterly data from Speedtest® by Ookla® Global Fixed and Mobile Network Performance Maps, based on analysis by Ookla of Speedtest Intelligence® data for 2019-2024. The indicator is derived from internet speed tests taken from mobile devices with GPS-quality location and a non-cellular connection type (e.g. WiFi, ethernet). Yearly values are based on the weighted average of quarterly values, using the number of speed tests performed.

Defining FUAs and cities

The OECD, in cooperation with the EU, has developed a harmonised definition of functional urban areas (FUAs) to capture the economic and functional reach of cities based on daily commuting patterns (OECD, 2012). FUAs consist of:

1. A city – defined by urban centres in the degree of urbanisation, adapted to the closest local administrative units to define a city.


2. A commuting zone – including all local areas where at least 15% of employed residents work in the city.

The delineation process includes:

• Assigning municipalities surrounded by a single FUA to that FUA.


• Excluding non-contiguous municipalities.

The definition identifies 1 272 FUAs and 1 269 cities in all OECD member countries except Costa Rica and three accession countries.

Cite this dataset

OECD Regions, cities and local areas database (Internet speed - Cities and FUAs), http://oe.cd/geostats

Further information

• OECD Local Data Portal


• OECD Regions and Cities at a Glance

For questions and/or comments, please email [email protected]