Azerbaijan’s regulatory authority called Information Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) has implemented a data-driven National ISP Performance Monitoring framework that integrates independent, real-world testing data from Ookla Speedtest Intelligence with official ISP declarations collected via its Data Collection System (DCS).
This hybrid model ensures that both reported and actual internet performance data are aligned, creating a transparent, evidence-based regulatory environment for ensuring reliable and competitive broadband performance across Azerbaijan, Ookla Speedtest Intelligence said in a case study.
Leading telecom operators such as Azercell and Bakcell, and regional ISPs such as Aztelekom and Baktelecom play key roles in fixed broadband and fiber backbone.
Tackling Core Challenges in ISP Regulation
While ISP-reported figures serve as a foundation for oversight, they may not always reflect true on-the-ground service quality—particularly in rural or underserved regions. ICTA recognized four main challenges in ensuring fair and effective monitoring:
Objective ISP Performance Monitoring:
Traditional ISP-reported quality metrics lacked independent verification. ICTA needed a consistent, reliable way to track performance trends, identify underperformers, and promote continuous quality of service (QoS) improvements.
Validating Regional Coverage Declarations:
ISPs in Azerbaijan report their regional subscriber bases via DCS. Without external validation, these declarations could misrepresent service availability, leading to skewed infrastructure planning and policy decisions.
Prioritizing Impactful Improvements:
With dozens of ISPs operating across the country, ICTA required a scalable, data-based framework to identify which providers could most significantly influence nationwide broadband speed and reliability.
Road-Level Signal Monitoring:
Mobile coverage often fluctuates along highways and transit routes. Manual drive tests are costly and limited in scope. ICTA sought a more efficient solution to assess real-world connectivity and guide network expansion.
ICTA’s Solution: Data-Powered Oversight Using Ookla Insights
To address these challenges, ICTA developed a unified monitoring system combining Ookla Speedtest data with custom Power BI dashboards designed to support real-time, evidence-based regulatory action in Azerbaijan.
Monitoring ISP Performance Over Time
ICTA uses Ookla data to measure:
Monthly average download speeds by provider
Performance trends and national averages
Provider-specific progress over time
Interactive dashboards allow regulators to filter by provider, date, and location, enabling precise tracking of quality metrics and sector-wide improvements.
Validating Regional Declarations
ICTA cross-verifies declared subscriber data from DCS with real-world Ookla test data. This comparison helps uncover discrepancies in reported versus actual service presence — ensuring more accurate coverage assessments and promoting accountability among ISPs.
Targeted Improvement Simulations
To maximize impact, ICTA’s simulation dashboard models how increasing speeds for specific ISPs would affect overall national performance.
By identifying and engaging the top 5–10 providers with the most significant market presence, ICTA can strategically focus regulatory resources for measurable national-level improvement.
Road-Level Connectivity Insights
Through Ookla Cell Analytics, ICTA continuously monitors mobile signal strength along key roads and highways, replacing manual drive tests with GPS-tagged, real-world results. This allows the agency to detect coverage gaps, compare providers, and track improvements over time — ensuring reliable connectivity for commuters, businesses, and public services.
Tangible Outcomes for Azerbaijan’s Digital Ecosystem
The National ISP Performance Monitoring framework has transformed how ICTA manages broadband oversight and infrastructure development.
Key Results:
Enhanced Transparency and Accountability: Discrepancies between ISP-reported and real-world data are now quickly identified, ensuring fair competition and accurate audits.
Improved Regulatory Oversight: Monthly ISP speed tracking enables ICTA to monitor market trends, assess policy impacts, and drive continuous service improvement.
Data-Backed Decision-Making: ICTA’s simulation tools help prioritize high-impact ISPs for targeted interventions, optimizing resource allocation and boosting national connectivity standards.
Stronger Geographic Coverage: Continuous road-level monitoring ensures consistent connectivity across major transport routes — vital for economic growth, mobility, and safety.
In 2024, the number of fixed broadband subscribers in Azerbaijan reportedly grew from 1.97 million to 2.32 million, a year-on-year increase of ~17.8 percent.
In 2025, official reports stated that around 3 million households in Azerbaijan now have access to high-speed fixed broadband.
As of June 2025, Azerbaijan’s fixed broadband download speed was about 81.36 Mbps, which marked a roughly two-fold increase over the prior year.
Azerbaijan rose to 83rd place globally in fixed broadband speeds (among 152 countries) and saw gains in mobile ranking, with average mobile download speed reaching ~72.52 Mbps in mid-2025.
Conclusion
By combining Ookla’s global testing intelligence with custom-built analytics tools, ICTA has redefined broadband regulation in Azerbaijan. This data-driven approach empowers the agency to make informed decisions, ensure fair market practices, and drive continuous improvement in internet quality nationwide.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
