Ookla® Data Recognizes Sparklight® for Internet Performance in Payson and Gila County

•    Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data recognizes Sparklight for Fastest Upload Speeds and Most Responsive Internet Speeds
•    Ookla recognitions were based on consumer-initiated tests conducted through Ookla’s Speedtest® platform for the first half of 2026
•    Most Responsive Internet Speeds measure how quickly a network responds to data requests, making them key for streaming and gaming performance
•    Sparklight has invested more than $12 million in its Payson network over the past three years

PAYSON, Ariz. (Sept. 14, 2026) — Sparklight®, a provider of residential and business connectivity services, was recognized for Fastest Upload Speeds in Payson and Most Responsive Internet Speeds in both Payson and Gila County.

The recognitions were based on consumer-initiated tests conducted through Ookla’s Speedtest® platform from Jan. 1 through June 30, 2026.*

In data compiled from 1,508 tests, Sparklight delivered upload speeds 1,232.28% faster than its next closest competitor in Payson. Sparklight’s internet speeds were also 64.74% more responsive than its closest competitor based on 1,482 tests in Payson and 27.09% more responsive based on 4,200 tests across Gila County.* 

KEY FACTS

•    Sparklight was recognized by Ookla for Fastest Upload Speeds in Payson based on consumer-initiated Speedtest data collected from Jan. 1 through June 30, 2026.*
•    Based on 1,508 tests, Sparklight delivered upload speeds 1,232.28% faster than its closest competitor in Payson.*
•    Based on 1,482 tests, Sparklight’s internet speeds were 64.74% more responsive than its closest competitor in Payson.*
•    Based on 4,200 tests, Sparklight’s internet speeds were 27.09% more responsive than its closest competitor across Gila County.*
•    Sparklight provides Payson residential customers with internet speeds up to 6 Gig.
•    Sparklight Business provides local businesses with fiber-powered internet speeds up to 10 Gig.
•    Sparklight has invested more than $12 million in Payson over the past three years, part of approximately $1 billion invested across the company’s footprint during the same period.

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

Upload speed and responsiveness provide meaningful measures of internet performance

Upload speed measures how quickly data moves from a connected device to the internet. Responsiveness reflects how quickly a network reacts to data requests and can be important during interactive activities such as online gaming and video conferencing.

“As customers conduct more bandwidth-intensive activities online, speed and responsiveness are more important than ever,” said Jay Macleod, Sparklight Senior Regional Director. “Ookla’s recognitions underscore the strength of our network and the fast, reliable connectivity we continue to provide for our customers.”

Payson network supports residential and business connectivity

Sparklight provides Payson residential customers with internet speeds up to 6 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.

For businesses, 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 more than $12 million in its Payson network

Over the past three years, Sparklight has invested more than $12 million in Payson as part of the company’s broader commitment to strengthening its network, increasing capacity and preparing local communities for future connectivity needs.

Across its footprint, Sparklight has invested approximately $1 billion during the same period.

To learn more about Sparklight’s high-speed internet services, visit www.sparklight.com and business.sparklight.com.  

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Question: What do Ookla’s internet speed results show for Payson, Arizona?
Answer: Sparklight was recognized for Fastest Upload Speeds and Most Responsive Internet Speeds in Payson based on consumer-initiated Ookla Speedtest data from Jan. 1 through June 30, 2026.* Its upload speeds measured 1,232.28% faster and its internet speeds 64.74% more responsive than its closest competitor.

Question: How much faster were Sparklight’s upload speeds in Payson?
Answer: Based on 1,508 consumer-initiated tests, Sparklight upload speeds measured 1,232.28% faster than its closest competitor in Payson.*

Question: What do Ookla’s results show for internet responsiveness in Gila County?
Answer: Based on 4,200 consumer-initiated tests, Sparklight internet speeds measured 27.09% more responsive than its closest competitor across Gila County.*

Question: What does internet responsiveness mean?
Answer: Responsiveness reflects how quickly a network reacts to data requests. It is a relevant performance measure for interactive activities such as online gaming and video conferencing.

Question: What internet speeds does Sparklight offer in Payson?
Answer: Sparklight provides residential internet speeds up to 6 Gig in Payson. Sparklight Business provides local businesses with fiber-powered internet speeds up to 10 Gig.

PUBLISHED RESEARCH & RESOURCES

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