Ziff Davis Sells Ookla to Accenture for $1.2 Billion in Major Connectivity Play

In a seismic shift within the tech and telecom analytics landscape, Ziff Davis has officially agreed to sell its Connectivity division—anchored by Ookla, the Seattle-born powerhouse behind the ubiquitous Speedtest app—to global consulting giant Accenture for a staggering $1.2 billion. The deal, announced Tuesday, marks one of the most significant acquisitions in the network intelligence space in recent years and signals a bold move by Accenture to deepen its foothold in the digital transformation arena.

The Connectivity division, which Ziff Davis acquired in 2014, generated $231 million in revenue in 2025, representing roughly 16% of the company’s total sales. Beyond Ookla, the sale includes a portfolio of high-profile assets such as Downdetector, RootMetrics, and Ekahau—each a leader in its respective niche of network performance, outage detection, and wireless analytics.

Ookla, founded in 2006 and headquartered in Seattle, has grown from a simple internet speed testing tool into a global authority on network performance data. With a workforce of approximately 430 employees, the company has become synonymous with internet transparency, empowering consumers and enterprises alike to measure, compare, and understand connectivity quality across the globe. Its 2021 acquisition of RootMetrics, another Seattle-area analytics firm, further cemented its dominance in the wireless performance measurement sector.

Accenture’s move is not just about acquiring data—it’s about acquiring insight. In a world where networks have evolved into “business-critical platforms,” as Accenture chair and CEO Julie Sweet put it, the ability to measure, analyze, and optimize network performance is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Sweet emphasized that organizations across industries—from communications providers and hyperscalers to large enterprises—are increasingly reliant on robust network intelligence to drive customer experience, revenue growth, and security.

This acquisition aligns perfectly with Accenture’s broader strategy to expand its technology and operations capabilities. By integrating Ookla’s vast trove of real-world network performance data with its own consulting and digital transformation services, Accenture aims to offer clients unparalleled visibility into their network ecosystems. The move also positions the firm to capitalize on the accelerating demand for 5G, edge computing, and next-generation connectivity solutions.

For Ziff Davis, the sale represents a strategic pivot. While the Connectivity division has been a steady performer, the company appears to be doubling down on its core strengths in digital media, technology reviews, and e-commerce. The $1.2 billion infusion from the sale will likely fuel further investments in these areas, as well as potential new acquisitions that align with its long-term vision.

The deal also raises intriguing questions about the future of network analytics. With Accenture now at the helm of Ookla and its sister brands, the potential for innovation is immense. Imagine a world where network performance data is seamlessly integrated with AI-driven insights, predictive analytics, and real-time optimization—all delivered through Accenture’s global client network. The possibilities are as vast as the internet itself.

As the dust settles on this landmark deal, one thing is clear: the race to own the future of connectivity is heating up. And with Accenture’s acquisition of Ookla, the consulting giant has just taken a giant leap forward.

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