Accenture Moves to Buy Ookla and Connectivity Assets from Ziff Davis in $1.2 Billion Deal

Global consulting powerhouse Accenture is set to significantly expand its reach into the world of network intelligence through a $1.2 billion agreement to acquire the Connectivity division of Ziff Davis. The transaction includes well-known internet performance brands such as Ookla, along with its platforms Speedtest, Downdetector, Ekahau, and RootMetrics.

The proposed acquisition reflects a broader shift in how businesses view digital infrastructure. What was once considered background technology — Wi-Fi networks, mobile connections, and broadband performance — has become central to revenue generation, customer experience, and operational stability. By adding Ookla and its related services to its portfolio, Accenture is positioning itself to play a larger role in how enterprises and telecom providers measure and optimize connectivity.

The agreement remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Both companies expect the transaction to be completed in the coming months.

Why Ookla Matters in Today’s Digital Economy

At the center of the deal is Ookla, widely recognized for its Speedtest platform. Speedtest allows consumers and businesses to check the speed and quality of their internet connections, and it processes millions of tests every day across the globe. Over time, it has become one of the most trusted benchmarks for broadband and mobile network performance.

Ookla also operates Downdetector, a popular outage-monitoring service that tracks disruptions across digital platforms, streaming services, telecom providers, and online applications. When users experience issues accessing websites or apps, Downdetector often serves as an early signal of widespread technical problems.

In addition, Ekahau specializes in designing and optimizing Wi-Fi networks, helping organizations ensure strong indoor connectivity. RootMetrics focuses on independently testing and ranking mobile network performance, providing data that telecom operators and regulators frequently rely on.

By combining these tools with its consulting expertise, Accenture aims to offer clients a more comprehensive understanding of how data travels across networks — from individual devices to large-scale infrastructure. This kind of end-to-end visibility is becoming increasingly valuable as companies adopt cloud computing, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things systems, and hybrid work models.

Turning Raw Data into Strategic Advantage

One of the key attractions in the acquisition is the depth of data generated by Speedtest and related platforms. Each Speedtest measurement captures extensive technical details about network conditions, device performance, latency, and other connectivity metrics. Aggregated across millions of daily tests, this information creates a vast pool of real-world performance insights.

For enterprises, such intelligence can be transformative. Financial institutions can use connectivity analytics to strengthen fraud detection systems by identifying unusual traffic patterns. Retailers can analyze network data to improve in-store technology performance. Telecom operators can fine-tune 5G deployments and troubleshoot weak coverage areas more efficiently.

As digital systems become more interconnected, network performance is no longer just an IT concern. It directly impacts customer satisfaction, employee productivity, and even cybersecurity resilience. Accenture’s strategy suggests it sees connectivity analytics as an essential building block in digital transformation initiatives.

Part of a Broader Expansion Strategy

The acquisition of Ookla is not an isolated move. In recent months, Accenture has been steadily expanding its technology and advisory capabilities through targeted purchases.

Earlier this year, the firm announced plans to acquire Faculty, a United Kingdom–based artificial intelligence company founded by physicist Marc Warner. Faculty has been described as a competitor to data analytics specialist Palantir Technologies. Following the deal announcement, Warner stepped into the role of chief technology officer at Accenture, reinforcing the company’s push into AI-driven services.

In a separate move, Accenture also revealed plans to acquire Verum Partners, an infrastructure and capital projects advisory firm with expertise across mining, transportation, logistics, chemicals, and energy sectors.

Taken together, these acquisitions highlight a consistent theme: building a portfolio that spans artificial intelligence, infrastructure consulting, and now deep connectivity analytics. The strategy points toward offering clients integrated services that combine data insights, operational expertise, and advanced technology solutions under one umbrella.

Financial Impact on Ziff Davis

For Ziff Davis, selling its Connectivity division represents a significant strategic shift. The division, which includes Ookla, generated $231 million in revenue last year — roughly 16 percent of the company’s overall sales, according to CEO Vivek Shah.

The company has indicated that proceeds from the $1.2 billion sale will primarily be used to reduce debt. During a recent earnings call, Ziff Davis disclosed approximately $872 million in outstanding debt, making the transaction a meaningful step toward strengthening its balance sheet.

Investors reacted strongly to the announcement. Ziff Davis shares surged sharply following news of the deal, adding hundreds of millions of dollars to the company’s market capitalization and pushing its valuation close to $1.9 billion. In contrast, Accenture’s stock showed little immediate movement, reflecting its much larger size and diversified global operations.