The era of simply using our mobile phones for calls is a thing of the past. These pocket-sized devices now possess PC-like power and provide a comprehensive entertainment experience. Watching movies and streaming TV series has become a prominent feature of these smartphones, especially with models like Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Fold7, which boast large displays.
For seamless on-the-go streaming, a fast mobile network is essential, and one provider stands out as a leader in this area. Vodafone has emerged victorious in the recent awards by Ookla’s speed-testing team, narrowly surpassing competitors such as EE, Three, and O2 to secure the top position overall.
The study, based on millions of download tests, identified Vodafone as the leader in several categories, including the overall Video Streaming Score, Acceptable Video Start Time, and streaming videos in full HD resolution. Although Three and O2 edged out Vodafone in the Uninterrupted Playback tests, Vodafone was recognized by Ookla as the Best 5G Video Experience in the United Kingdom for Q1–Q2 2025.
Ookla explained that the Speedtest Award for Mobile Video Experience is determined by the Video Streaming Score, which assesses various performance indicators during high-resolution video playback.
Here are the detailed results:
– Video Streaming Score: Vodafone • 85.29, Three • 84.33, EE • 82.64, O2 • 81.67
– Uninterrupted Playback: Vodafone • 98.05, Three • 98.37, EE • 98.19, O2 • 98.15
– Acceptable Video Start Time: Vodafone • 65.01, Three • 62.61, EE • 60.96, O2 • 55.43
– Full HD Resolution: Vodafone • 92.32, Three • 91.99, O2 • 91.42, EE • 88.75
With the increasing trend of streaming movies, live sports, and binge-watching TV shows, the quality of mobile network performance becomes crucial to avoid buffering interruptions. Upgrading to 5G from older 4G technology can enhance speed and accommodate more connected devices simultaneously, making it more resilient in crowded places like stadiums and train stations.
Most new smartphones are 5G-enabled, so ensuring your SIM has 5G activated can significantly boost your internet speeds.