The index, published annually by Saily — the travel eSIM app from the team behind NordVPN — ranks countries on four equally weighted dimensions: internet quality, cybersecurity, affordability, and freedom. In the latest edition, the UK's 4th-place score on internet freedom was the single biggest factor behind its climb from 27th a year ago.
Internet quality is where headroom remains. The UK sits 49th globally on that dimension, well below its freedom ranking, with speed, coverage, and stability identified as areas where performance lags the country's otherwise strong showing. Cybersecurity came in at 36th; affordability at 65th.
"The UK's climb this year was driven by one of the most open internets in the world. Speed and coverage still have room to grow, but overall, Britain is a strong place to be connected," said Vykintas Maknickas, CEO of Saily.
Europe dominates the top of the rankings. Thirteen of the fifteen best-connected countries are European, with Estonia, Lithuania, and Denmark taking the top three positions — each scoring well across all four dimensions rather than excelling in one while faltering in others.
Moldova is the edition's most unexpected result. Previously outside the top 60, it vaulted to 8th place globally — the biggest single-year climb in the dataset — on the back of a sharp expansion in internet freedom. Chile rounds out the top 15 as Latin America's sole entry, performing at near-European standards.
For Saily, whose business depends on people having reliable connectivity abroad, the index serves a specific purpose: helping travellers assess where their data plan might fail them. "When something goes wrong abroad, for example, if you miss a flight or need medical attention, the first thing you reach for is your phone. Knowing if it will actually work is one of the most important things on the trip," said Maknickas. The company drew on established sources including the Global Cybersecurity Index and the GSMA Mobile Connectivity Index; the full methodology is available from Saily's site.
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