Summary:
Ookla, the company behind Speedtest and Downdetector, has launched a new device called Speedtest Pulse, designed to help ISPs improve Wi-Fi performance and customer satisfaction. The handheld device enables technicians to test, diagnose, and optimize Wi-Fi installations more efficiently — helping ensure a “right first-time install.”
Ookla Launches Speedtest Pulse to Help ISPs Improve Wi-Fi Quality and Customer Experience
In a move to redefine how Internet Service Providers (ISPs) manage Wi-Fi performance, Ookla has introduced Speedtest Pulse, a compact diagnostic tool that allows field technicians to quickly test and troubleshoot Wi-Fi issues during installations and service calls. The new device reflects the growing industry trend where ISPs are prioritizing better, more reliable Wi-Fi experiences over just higher broadband speeds.
The Speedtest Pulse device plugs directly into a router via an Ethernet port and collects detailed performance data, which is then analyzed through a mobile app. The app generates comprehensive reports highlighting potential issues, bottlenecks, and even recommends fixes allowing technicians to enhance Wi-Fi performance on the spot.
“It’s designed to deliver that right, first-time install,” said Mark Giles, lead analyst at Ookla.
Ookla believes the tool will also create opportunities for upselling mesh systems or additional access points in large homes and offices that require stronger Wi-Fi coverage.
Why Speedtest Pulse Matters for ISPs
Wi-Fi reliability is a key factor in customer satisfaction. According to a 2025 Techsee survey, 68% of households experienced Wi-Fi issues in the past year, and over 51% said they’d switch providers if those issues weren’t resolved quickly. Speedtest Pulse addresses this by enabling faster diagnosis and proactive maintenance to reduce churn and boost customer trust.
Business Model and Future Roadmap
Ookla plans to sell Speedtest Pulse directly to major broadband operators under a hardware-plus-subscription model, which includes an upfront cost for the device and a recurring fee for analytics and software services.
A future version, called “Continuous Pulse”, expected in 2026, will allow constant monitoring to detect intermittent issues even before customers notice them — helping ISPs enforce service-level agreements (SLAs) and maintain top-tier network quality. Additionally, Ookla continues to serve advanced Wi-Fi professionals with its Ekahau Sidekick 2 testing device, a product from its 2018 acquisition of Ekahau.
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With Speedtest Pulse, Ookla is set to transform how ISPs handle Wi-Fi quality and customer satisfaction. By offering a data-driven, real-time diagnostic solution, Ookla empowers broadband providers to deliver faster, more consistent, and more reliable Wi-Fi experiences — a vital step toward improving customer retention in a highly competitive broadband market.
