Ookla Data Recognizes Sparklight for Fastest Download Speeds in Gem County

KEY FACTS

•    Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data recognizes Sparklight for Fastest Download Speeds in Gem County
•    Sparklight’s download speeds also ranked first in a six-county western Idaho area
•    Results show Sparklight download speeds ranging from 103.16% to 175.62% faster than its next closest competitor
•    Sparklight has invested approximately $1 billion across its 24-state footprint over the past three years to strengthen its network

EMMETT, Idaho (Sept. 22, 2026) — Sparklight®, a leading internet and mobile service provider, was recognized for Fastest Download Speeds in Gem County, Idaho, based on Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data. 

Based on 901 tests, Sparklight delivered download speeds 175.62% faster than its next closest competitor in Gem County. In a separate analysis comprising 4,856 tests across a six-county western Idaho area, Sparklight ranked first for download speeds delivering speeds 103.16% faster than its next closest competitor.*
 

Download speed is a key measure of everyday internet performance

Download speed measures how quickly data travels from the internet to a connected device. It affects many common online activities, including streaming, downloading files, browsing and using cloud-based applications.

The Ookla data provides a view of comparative download performance in Gem County and across a six-county western Idaho area comprising Adams, Gem, Idaho, Payette, Valley and Washington counties. 

“This recognition is especially meaningful because it’s based on tests initiated by customers,” said Ben Burchill, Sparklight Senior Regional Director. “The results reflect the strength of our network and our focus on delivering the fast, reliable connectivity customers need now and in the future.”
 

Gem County network supports residential and business connectivity

In Gem County, Sparklight provides residential customers in Emmett with internet speeds up to 1 Gig, delivering the speed and capacity needed for streaming, gaming, remote work, smart home technology and connecting the increasing number of devices on today’s home networks. Sparklight also offers Mobile service in Emmett, allowing customers to connect at home and on the go.

Sparklight Business provides fiber-powered internet speeds up to 10 Gig and tailored connectivity solutions for industries including education, healthcare, government, financial services and hospitality.
 

Sparklight has invested approximately $1 billion across its network

Over the past three years, Sparklight has invested approximately $1 billion across its 24-state footprint as part of the company’s commitment to strengthening its network, increasing capacity and preparing local communities for future connectivity needs.
To learn more about Sparklight’s high-speed internet services, visit www.sparklight.com and business.sparklight.com.  
 

*Based on Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data for 1H 2026. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.
 

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Question: What Ookla recognition did Sparklight receive in Gem County?
Answer: Sparklight was recognized for Fastest Download Speeds in Gem County based on Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data for the first half of 2026. 

Question: How much faster were Sparklight’s download speeds in Gem County?
Answer: Based on 901 consumer-initiated tests run on the Ookla Speedtest platform, Sparklight delivered download speeds 175.62% faster than its next closest competitor in Gem County.

Sparklight also ranked first in an analysis of 4,856 consumer-initiated tests across a six-county western Idaho area, delivering download speeds 103.16% faster than its next closest competitor.

Question: What is Ookla Speedtest Intelligence?
Answer: Ookla Speedtest Intelligence provides connectivity performance data based on consumer-initiated tests conducted through the Speedtest® platform. Sparklight’s recognition is based on test data collected from Jan. 1 through June 30, 2026.

Question: Why is download speed important?
Answer: Download speed measures how quickly data travels from the internet to a connected device. Faster download speeds support activities such as streaming, gaming, browsing, downloading files, remote work and using cloud-based applications.

Question: What internet speeds does Sparklight offer residential customers in Gem County?
Answer: Sparklight serves Emmett, providing residential customers with internet speeds up to 1 Gig. 

Question: Where can customers learn more about Sparklight internet service?
Answer: Residential customers can visit www.sparklight.com. Businesses can learn more at business.sparklight.com.

RESOURCES

•    Sparklight residential internet services — company service information.
•    Sparklight Business — business connectivity and fiber-powered internet information.