Accenture to Buy Ookla and Downdetector from Ziff Davis in $1.2 Billion Deal

Accenture has signed an agreement to acquire Ookla, a global leader in network intelligence, benchmarking and connectivity analytics.  

The deal includes widely used platforms such as Speedtest, Downdetector, RootMetrics, and Ekahau, which provide insights into internet performance, network outages, and Wi-Fi optimisation.  

Strengthening Network Intelligence Capabilities 

The acquisition is expected to strengthen Accenture’s ability to support communications providers, hyperscalers and enterprises in managing advanced digital infrastructure. 

“Modern networks have evolved from simple infrastructure into business-critical platforms,” said Julie Sweet, chair and CEO, Accenture, as per news reports.  

“Without the ability to measure performance, organisations cannot optimise experience, revenue, or security. By acquiring Ookla, we will help our clients across business and government scale AI safely and build the trusted data foundations they need to deliver the reliable, seamless connectivity that creates value.” 

According to Accenture, integrating Ookla’s products will allow organisations to better optimise Wi-Fi and 5G networks that support their digital operations and technology platforms. 

Transaction Details and Business Background 

The acquisition forms part of a $1.2 billion all-cash agreement under which Ziff Davis will sell its Connectivity division to Accenture.  

This division includes Ookla along with Downdetector, RootMetrics, and Ekahau. Ziff Davis had originally acquired Ookla in 2014, while Ookla itself expanded its capabilities by purchasing Seattle-based network data company RootMetrics in 2021. 

In 2025, the Connectivity division generated approximately $231 million in revenue, accounting for nearly 16% of Ziff Davis’ total sales. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Seattle, Ookla employs around 430 specialists in software engineering, radio frequency engineering and data science. 

The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, while Accenture has stated that detailed financial terms beyond the headline value will not be disclosed. 

Strategic Importance of Network Data and AI Infrastructure 

Network data has increasingly become valuable across industries beyond telecommunications. Insights gathered from connectivity networks are now used to improve fraud prevention in banking, analyse smart home usage in utilities and optimise traffic and logistics systems in retail.  

Ookla’s platform captures more than 1,000 attributes during each performance test, enabling organisations to gain deeper operational insights. 

“Joining Accenture will allow us to scale our premiere network data business across the world’s largest enterprises and accelerate our goal of creating better connected experiences,” said Stephen Bye, CEO, Ookla.  

Read More: Accenture Links Senior Manager Promotions to AI Tool Usage! 

Conclusion  

The acquisition highlights the growing importance of network data in the AI era. By integrating Ookla’s platforms, Accenture aims to help telecom operators, cloud providers and enterprises enhance connectivity performance, improve user experience and build stronger digital infrastructure for future technologies such as AI, 5G networks and edge computing. 

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