Moldova Speed Test - Fast Internet in Eastern Europe
Test your internet speed in Moldova
Moldova ranks 3rd globally for gigabit internet coverage with 90% of the population able to subscribe to gigabit plans in 2026. The country averages 158 Mbps download and 85 Mbps upload on fixed broadband connections. Moldtelecom and StarNet control 88% of the fixed broadband market with extensive fiber infrastructure. Over 83% of subscribers connect via fiber-to-the-home technology. Mobile internet averages 35 Mbps across networks with 98% 4G coverage. Chisinau leads at 234 Mbps from StarNet while rural areas rely on 4G or fiber expansion. Internet costs average USD 9 monthly, making Moldova the 3rd most affordable in Europe.
Internet in Moldova
Moldova operates one of Eastern Europe's fastest and most affordable internet markets with extensive fiber coverage reaching 83.8% of subscribers through FTTH technology.
Moldtelecom and StarNet dominate the fixed broadband sector with 88% combined market share, while the remaining 12% is shared by providers like SunCommunications and Arax Communications. Orange Moldova, Moldcell, and Moldtelecom lead mobile internet with 98% 4G coverage nationwide.
The country ranks 3rd globally by gigabit coverage with 90% population access to gigabit plans. Fixed broadband averages 158 Mbps download and 85 Mbps upload in 2026, up from 106 Mbps in 2023. Mobile speeds average 35 Mbps across all networks with continued growth.
Moldova's internet success began in the early 2000s when local ISPs deployed fiber-to-the-home networks in Chisinau and major cities. StarNet pioneered FTTH deployment, followed by Moldtelecom in 2008. Arax Communications became the first to offer triple-play services over fiber.
Competition between providers kept prices low while driving speed increases. The National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and IT (ANRCETI) enforces infrastructure sharing and prevents monopoly formation. Monthly broadband costs average USD 9 (162 MDL), placing Moldova 3rd in Europe and 9th worldwide for affordability.
The government targets universal gigabit coverage by 2030 through subsidies covering 70% of civil works costs in rural areas. Operators must deliver 100 Mbps minimum speeds and maintain urban-equivalent pricing in subsidized zones.
Internet Infrastructure in Moldova
Fiber Broadband
Fiber-to-the-Home and Fiber-to-the-Building technologies serve 83.8% of Moldova's internet subscribers as of 2025, representing the highest FTTH penetration in Eastern Europe outside Romania. StarNet leads fiber deployment with networks covering Chisinau and major cities at speeds up to 1 Gbps.
Moldtelecom operates the second-largest fiber network with FTTH launched in 2008 and now reaching over 80% of urban areas.
Cable Broadband
Orange Moldova expanded its fiber network to 430,000 households across Chisinau, suburbs, and regional centers in 2024. The remaining subscribers connect via xDSL at 12%, coaxial cable at 3.9%, and other technologies at 0.3%. DSL serves smaller towns and rural areas where fiber has not yet reached. Cable networks provide backup connectivity in areas with multiple technology options.
Fiber Broadband
Chisinau has near-universal fiber coverage with all major providers competing. StarNet delivers average speeds of 234 Mbps download and 195 Mbps upload, the fastest in Moldova. Orange fiber reaches 430,000 households at speeds up to 1 Gbps.
Moldtelecom serves the capital with gigabit fiber across most neighborhoods. Regional cities including Balti, Tiraspol, Bender, and Cahul have fiber coverage from multiple providers. Fiber deployment follows population density with towns above 5,000 residents typically having at least one fiber provider. Villages near existing fiber routes receive connections through network expansion programs.
Mobile Networks
4G LTE covers 98% of Moldova's population through Orange Moldova, Moldcell, and Moldtelecom networks. Moldcell leads 4G coverage nationally. Orange Moldova and Moldcell each serve major portions of mobile subscribers with expanding networks.
Mobile speeds average 35 Mbps on 4G, up 8.7% from 2024. Orange Moldova launched limited 5G trials in Chisinau in June 2024 with speeds up to 2 Gbps in select locations.
Moldcell started 5G testing in April 2024. In January 2025, ANRCETI awarded spectrum licenses in 700 MHz, 900 MHz, 1500 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, 3600 MHz, and 26 GHz bands to all three operators for 5G expansion.
Satellite Internet
All operators now have isolated 5G coverage pockets with nationwide rollout planned for 2026-2027. 3G remains active in remote rural areas. Satellite internet from Starlink began operations in Moldova in 2023, serving villages without fiber or mobile coverage.
Internet Speed: Urban vs Rural Moldova
Urban Areas
Urban Moldova has fast fiber internet with multiple provider choices and competitive pricing. Chisinau averages 234 Mbps download from StarNet and has gigabit fiber available from all major providers. Orange serves 430,000 households in the capital with 1 Gbps plans.
Moldtelecom offers gigabit connections across most urban neighborhoods. Monthly costs range from 100-200 MDL (USD 6-11) for gigabit service. Cities above 20,000 residents including Balti, Tiraspol, Bender, Cahul, and Ungheni have fiber from multiple providers.
Towns with 5,000-20,000 residents typically have at least one fiber ISP. Apartment buildings constructed after 2010 often have pre-installed fiber infrastructure. Urban areas have 2-3 ISP options with fiber technology dominant.
Rural Areas
Rural Moldova relies on mixed technologies with fiber expanding to villages near existing routes. The government broadband fund subsidizes 70% of civil works costs for rural fiber deployment, requiring operators to deliver 100 Mbps minimum speeds at urban-equivalent pricing. Moldtelecom and StarNet prioritize villages along existing fiber paths.
Northern districts face challenges with villages of 500 residents spaced 6 kilometers apart. These areas use 4G mobile internet as primary connectivity. Mobile coverage reaches 98% of the population through Orange, Moldcell, and Moldtelecom networks.
Rural mobile speeds average 25-30 Mbps on 4G. Villages without fiber or strong mobile signal use DSL at 5-15 Mbps where telephone lines exist. Remote hamlets may use wireless links to nearby fiber points. Starlink satellite service provides alternative connectivity at EUR 50-60 monthly for 50-150 Mbps in areas beyond terrestrial infrastructure.
Internet Providers & Speed in Moldova
Moldtelecom and StarNet control 88% of Moldova's fixed broadband market as the country's two dominant wired ISPs. Moldtelecom operates as the historical incumbent provider with the largest network footprint covering urban and rural areas. The company offers fiber plans from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps at 100-180 MDL (USD 6-10) monthly.
Moldtelecom deployed FTTH starting in 2008 and now reaches over 80% of urban subscribers. The company also operates the Unité mobile brand competing with Orange and Moldcell. Moldtelecom serves areas other providers avoid due to lower population density.
StarNet pioneered fiber deployment in Moldova
StarNet pioneered fiber deployment in Moldova and leads technical performance. The company delivers average speeds of 234 Mbps download and 195 Mbps upload, the fastest in Moldova. StarNet focuses on urban markets with fiber coverage in Chisinau and major cities.
Plans range from 100 Mbps at 100 MDL (USD 6) to 1 Gbps at 180 MDL (USD 10) monthly. StarNet targets tech-savvy users and businesses with premium network quality. The company introduced FTTH before competitors, building early market share.
Orange Moldova expanded into fixed broadband with fiber reaching 430,000 households as of 2024. The company offers gigabit fiber in covered areas at 150-200 MDL (USD 8-11) monthly. Orange leads mobile internet with 34% market share and launched 5G trials in Chisinau in June 2024 with speeds up to 2 Gbps. The company invests in expanding fiber coverage to compete with Moldtelecom and StarNet.
Moldcell dominates 4G mobile coverage
Moldcell dominates 4G mobile coverage and launched Moldova's first 5G trials in April 2024. The company serves major portions of mobile subscribers with strong rural coverage.
SunCommunications, Arax Communications, and other regional ISPs share the remaining 12% of fixed broadband, serving specific cities or districts. Competition between providers keeps prices low with all offering gigabit plans under USD 11 monthly.
Internet Speed by Region in Moldova
Chisinau and Surrounding Districts
Chisinau averages 234 Mbps download from StarNet, the highest in Moldova. The capital has near-universal fiber coverage with all major providers competing. Orange serves 430,000 households with 1 Gbps plans at 150-200 MDL monthly. Moldtelecom offers gigabit connections across most neighborhoods at 150-180 MDL. StarNet delivers the fastest speeds at 234 Mbps download and 195 Mbps upload. Residents have 3-4 ISP options with fiber technology. 5G trials from Orange and Moldcell cover select areas with speeds up to 2 Gbps. Monthly costs range from 100-200 MDL for gigabit service. Surrounding districts including Anenii Noi, Ialoveni, and Straseni have fiber from multiple providers.
Northern Moldova (Balti, Edinet, Soroca)
Balti serves as the second-largest city with fiber from Moldtelecom, StarNet, and regional providers. Average speeds reach 100-150 Mbps with gigabit plans available. Smaller towns like Edinet and Soroca have fiber from Moldtelecom and at least one competitor. Villages between towns rely on 4G mobile or DSL. Northern districts face challenges with dispersed villages of 500 residents spaced 6 kilometers apart. Government subsidies target fiber expansion along main routes. Mobile coverage from all three operators provides backup connectivity. Monthly fiber costs match Chisinau at 100-180 MDL.
Central Moldova (Ungheni, Orhei, Calarasi)
Central Moldova cities have fiber coverage from multiple providers. Ungheni benefits from proximity to Romanian border with strong infrastructure. Orhei and Calarasi have fiber from Moldtelecom and regional ISPs. Average speeds reach 100-120 Mbps with gigabit plans available in larger towns. Villages use 4G mobile as primary internet in areas without fiber. Mobile coverage reaches 98% of the region. Fiber expansion follows population density with towns above 5,000 residents typically having service.
Southern Moldova (Cahul, Comrat, Vulcanesti)
Cahul has fiber from multiple providers with speeds similar to other regional cities at 100-150 Mbps. Comrat serves as the capital of Gagauzia autonomous region with developing fiber infrastructure. Moldtelecom dominates southern coverage due to lower competition. Vulcanesti and border towns have fiber along main routes. Rural areas rely on mobile internet or DSL. Monthly costs range from 100-150 MDL for fiber. 4G coverage reaches most populated areas. Southern expansion benefits from government subsidies for rural connectivity.
Internet Pricing in Moldova
Fixed Broadband Pricing
Moldova ranks 3rd in Europe and 9th worldwide for internet affordability with average monthly costs of USD 9 (162 MDL) for fixed broadband as of 2026. Gigabit fiber plans cost 150-200 MDL (USD 8-11) monthly from all major providers. Entry-level 100 Mbps fiber starts at 100 MDL (USD 6) from Moldtelecom and StarNet.
Standard 300-500 Mbps plans run 120-150 MDL (USD 7-8). Premium 1 Gbps service costs 150-200 MDL with no significant price differences between providers. All fixed broadband plans include unlimited data with no caps or throttling.
Mobile Data Pricing
Mobile data plans offer strong value with 20 GB costing 29 MDL (USD 2) from Moldcell and 100 GB at 49 MDL (USD 3). Orange sells prepaid SIM cards at 29 MDL with 10 GB data and 250 local minutes valid 15 days. Moldtelecom's Unité brand offers 5 GB and 100 minutes for 30 MDL. Unlimited mobile data plans cost 200-300 MDL (USD 11-17) monthly.
No price differences exist between urban and rural areas thanks to ANRCETI regulations requiring operators to maintain urban-equivalent pricing in subsidized zones.
Affordability
At median household income of roughly 8,000 MDL (USD 450) monthly, a 150 MDL broadband plan represents 1.9% of income. This makes Moldovan internet among the most affordable relative to earnings in Europe. Installation typically costs 100-200 MDL with free installation common on 12-month contracts.
Contract and Fees
Router rental adds 20-30 MDL monthly or customers can use their own equipment. No additional taxes or line rental fees apply beyond listed prices. Competition between Moldtelecom, StarNet, and Orange keeps prices competitive. The government through ANRCETI prevents monopoly pricing and enforces service quality standards.
Network Technology in Moldova
Fiber Deployment
FTTH and FTTB coverage reaches 83.8% of Moldova's internet subscribers as of 2025, the highest fiber penetration in Eastern Europe outside Romania. Moldova ranks 3rd globally by gigabit coverage with 90% of the population able to subscribe to gigabit plans.
Fiber adoption grew from 60% coverage in 2015 to over 83% in 2025. The government targets universal gigabit access by 2030 through ANRCETI infrastructure programs. StarNet pioneered FTTH deployment in the early 2000s, followed by Moldtelecom in 2008. Orange Moldova expanded fiber to 430,000 households by 2024.
Legacy Technologies
DSL serves 12% of subscribers in smaller towns and rural areas without fiber. xDSL technology delivers 5-20 Mbps where telephone infrastructure exists. DSL phase-out will accelerate as fiber reaches remaining localities. Coaxial cable serves 3.9% of subscribers through legacy networks. Other technologies including fixed wireless account for 0.3% in remote areas.
4G LTE covers 98% of Moldova's population with average speeds of 35 Mbps in 2026. Moldcell leads 4G coverage nationally with strong rural presence. Orange and Moldtelecom follow with expanding networks. Mobile speeds increased 8.7% year-over-year.
5G Rollout
5G trials launched in 2024 with Moldcell starting in April and Orange in June. Orange's 5G trial in Chisinau delivers speeds up to 2 Gbps in select locations. In January 2025, ANRCETI awarded 5G spectrum licenses to all three operators in 700 MHz, 900 MHz, 1500 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, 3600 MHz, and 26 GHz bands.
Satellite and Emerging
Nationwide 5G rollout is planned for 2026-2027. 3G networks remain active in remote rural areas where 4G has not reached. Satellite internet from Starlink operates in Moldova since 2023, serving remote villages at EUR 50-60 monthly.
How to Choose an ISP in Moldova
Several factors determine the best provider at your address in Moldova. Check coverage, compare pricing, and test speeds before signing a contract.
Check fiber availability at your address
Visit Moldtelecom, StarNet, and Orange websites. Enter your address to see available technologies. Over 83% of subscribers have fiber access with speeds from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps. Chisinau and major cities have multiple fiber providers. Rural areas may have one provider or rely on mobile internet.
Compare speeds and pricing
StarNet delivers the fastest speeds at 234 Mbps average with plans from 100 MDL (USD 6) for 100 Mbps to 180 MDL (USD 10) for 1 Gbps. Moldtelecom offers similar pricing at 100-180 MDL for 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps plans with broader coverage.
Consider mobile coverage if you need both fixed and mobile service
Orange leads mobile with 34% market share and 5G trials in Chisinau. Moldcell dominates 4G coverage nationally with strong rural presence. Moldtelecom operates Unité mobile brand. Bundle discounts of 20-50 MDL monthly apply when combining fixed and mobile. Mobile data plans cost 29 MDL for 20 GB or 49 MDL for 100 GB.
Check contract terms
Most plans require 12-month contracts with free or discounted installation. Month-to-month options cost 20-30 MDL more monthly. All plans include unlimited data. Router rental adds 20-30 MDL or bring your own equipment. Verify installation costs, typically 100-200 MDL or free with contract. Check if equipment purchase is required or optional.
Test before committing
Most providers offer 14-30 day trial periods. Run speed tests during peak evening hours between 19:00-22:00 when network load is highest.
Orange provides 1 Gbps fiber at 150-200 MDL in covered areas. All providers include unlimited data with no caps. Check current promotions as first-year discounts are common.
For remote work, check upload speeds. Fiber provides symmetrical or near-symmetrical upload while DSL has limited upload. In rural areas without fiber, compare 4G speeds from Orange, Moldcell, and Moldtelecom. Consider Starlink satellite at EUR 50-60 monthly for 50-150 Mbps in areas beyond terrestrial coverage.
Compare Internet Providers in Moldova
The table below shows top providers by connection type and maximum advertised speed.
| Provider | Type | Max Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Moldtelecom | fiber | 2100 Mbps |
| StarNet | fiber | 1000 Mbps |
Test Your Connection Speed
Run a speed test to verify your Moldova provider delivers advertised speeds. Test during peak evening hours for the most accurate results.
Internet Providers in Moldova
Compare internet speeds across major providers in Moldova. Click on a provider to test your connection.
Moldova Speed Test FAQ
How do I test my internet speed in Moldova?
Click the Start Test button on this page to measure your download speed, upload speed, and ping latency. The test connects to a nearby Moldovan server and takes about 30 seconds. For accurate results, connect your computer directly to your router with an ethernet cable instead of using WiFi. Close all applications and browser tabs during the test. Run the test multiple times during different hours, since speeds can drop during peak evening hours between 19:00 and 22:00. Compare your results against the speed your ISP contract promises. Moldovan law through ANRCETI requires providers to deliver minimum percentages of advertised speeds. If your results consistently fall below contractual minimums, document the tests and contact your provider for resolution or contract termination without penalty under consumer protection regulations.
What is the average internet speed in Moldova?
Moldova averages 158 Mbps download and 85 Mbps upload on fixed broadband connections in 2026. This represents an increase from 106 Mbps in 2023. Mobile internet averages 35 Mbps across all networks with 98% 4G coverage. Speeds vary by connection type and provider. Fiber connections deliver 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps with near-symmetrical upload matching download. StarNet leads at 234 Mbps download and 195 Mbps upload average. DSL provides 5-20 Mbps in rural areas without fiber. 4G mobile reaches 35 Mbps nationally with higher speeds in urban areas. Orange and Moldcell 5G trials in Chisinau deliver speeds up to 2 Gbps in select locations. Chisinau leads regionally at 234 Mbps average while rural areas range from 25-100 Mbps depending on technology. Over 83% of subscribers connect via fiber technology.
Why is Moldova's internet so fast and affordable?
Moldova's internet success stems from early fiber-to-the-home deployment by competitive ISPs in the 2000s. StarNet pioneered FTTH technology before other Eastern European countries, followed by Moldtelecom in 2008. Competition between providers kept prices low while driving speed increases. Unlike countries with telecom monopolies, Moldova had multiple ISPs building networks simultaneously in major cities. The National Regulatory Agency ANRCETI enforced infrastructure sharing and prevented monopoly formation. This created dense fiber coverage in urban areas with 83.8% of subscribers on FTTH technology. Moldova now ranks 3rd globally by gigabit coverage with 90% population access. Monthly costs average USD 9 for fixed broadband, placing Moldova 3rd in Europe and 9th worldwide for affordability. Government subsidies cover 70% of civil works costs for rural fiber expansion, requiring providers to maintain urban-equivalent pricing in subsidized zones.
Which ISP has the fastest internet in Moldova?
StarNet offers the fastest speeds in Moldova with average download at 234 Mbps and upload at 195 Mbps. StarNet pioneered fiber-to-the-home deployment and maintains technical leadership. The company offers plans from 100 Mbps at 100 MDL (USD 6) monthly to 1 Gbps at 180 MDL (USD 10) in covered areas. Moldtelecom follows with widespread fiber coverage and similar speed tiers at 100-180 MDL for 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps. Orange Moldova provides 1 Gbps fiber at 150-200 MDL with expanding coverage to 430,000 households. For mobile internet, Orange leads with 5G trials in Chisinau delivering speeds up to 2 Gbps in select locations. Moldcell dominates 4G coverage nationally with strong performance in rural areas. The fastest available connection depends on your address. Fiber delivers highest speeds where available at 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps. In areas without fiber, 4G mobile provides 25-40 Mbps as alternative.
Is 5G available in Moldova?
5G operates in limited trial phase in Moldova as of 2026. Moldcell launched the first 5G trials in April 2024, followed by Orange Moldova in June 2024. Orange's 5G trial in Chisinau delivers speeds up to 2 Gbps in select locations using non-standalone technology. All three operators now have isolated 5G coverage pockets in the capital. In January 2025, ANRCETI awarded 5G spectrum licenses in 700 MHz, 900 MHz, 1500 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, 3600 MHz, and 26 GHz bands to Orange, Moldcell, and Moldtelecom. This enables nationwide 5G expansion planned for 2026-2027. Full commercial 5G service will launch after infrastructure deployment completes. Until then, 4G LTE covers 98% of Moldova's population with average speeds of 35 Mbps. Most users rely on fiber for home internet and 4G for mobile connectivity.