The Internet's Hidden Profiteers: When You Check Your Speed, Another Company Might Be Making Money
The next time you check your internet speed or whether your favorite site is down, another company might be profiting. On Tuesday, Ziff Davis announced that it sold its Connectivity division, which includes Ookla's Speedtest and Downdetector, to Accenture for a staggering $1.2 billion in cash. This deal highlights the hidden business behind our online activities.
The Deal Unveiled
Ziff Davis, known for its media brands like IGN, Mashable, and Everyday Health, has decided to offload its Connectivity division. This division, which includes Speedtest and Downdetector, was acquired for a modest $15 million in 2014. However, the division's strategic move was to capitalize on the 5G rollout and the surge in bandwidth demand during the pandemic, resulting in a remarkable $231 million in revenue in 2025.
Accenture's Vision
Accenture, a global technology consulting firm, views this acquisition as a strategic move to enhance its network intelligence services. They aim to build 'end-to-end network intelligence services essential for AI-based transformation.' While this corporate jargon might sound impressive, it essentially means that Accenture wants to dominate the market in providing AI-driven network solutions.
A Shift in Focus
This sale allows Ziff Davis to concentrate on its core media brands, which have been through recent restructuring. The company recently laid off experienced editors and the entire video team at Eurogamer, reducing VG247 to a small, two-person gaming guides site. This consolidation strategy is a common trend in the media industry, where companies focus on their most profitable and popular brands.
The Takeaway
The acquisition of Speedtest and Downdetector by Accenture showcases the hidden business behind our online activities. While we check our internet speed or report website issues, companies like Accenture are profiting from our data and online behavior. This highlights the importance of understanding the business behind the technology we use daily.
