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NordVPN Releases Global Internet Connectivity Index 2026

NordVPN, a leading cybersecurity firm headquartered in Amsterdam, recently unveiled its 2026 Global Internet Connectivity Index. According to this index, Japan has secured the 32nd position out of 97 countries surveyed. While Japan has earned commendable rankings in terms of security, coming in at 21st globally, it has also been flagged for its high mobile data costs, which rank at a disappointing 83rd.

The report was compiled by the team behind Saily, NordVPN’s eSIM app designed for travelers. The index assesses each nation’s internet environment based on four criteria: cybersecurity, internet quality, pricing, and freedom of the internet. The top five ranked countries include Estonia, Lithuania, Denmark, Portugal, and France.

Japan's Strengths and Weaknesses

When we break down the rankings by categories, Japan shines brightest in cybersecurity, with a respectable 21st place. However, its performance in internet quality sits at 33rd, with a freedom ranking of 32nd, reflecting a middle-ground status. The area that poses the most challenges for Japan is pricing, where it ranks 83rd among the 97 countries assessed.

Based on international data sources used for the index, the cost of mobile data per gigabyte in Japan is approximately $18.80 USD (about 3,000 yen, assuming an exchange rate of around 164 yen per dollar), which is considerably high by global standards. This indicates a solid foundation in security and quality, yet pricing issues undeniably impact the overall ranking.

Interestingly, this year Japan has dropped from 18th place in the previous index to 32nd. It’s essential to understand that this ranking shift is influenced not only by Japan’s own circumstances but also by improvements in the conditions of other nations, as well as updates to the data used for the assessment. Therefore, this fluctuation doesn't necessarily imply a significant deterioration in Japan’s internet environment.

Global Ranking Trends

The majority of the top rankings are held by European nations, with 13 out of the top 15 being European countries. The leaders are Estonia, Lithuania, and Denmark, followed closely by Western and Northern European countries such as France, the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK. Notably, outside Europe, Moldova has made significant strides in internet freedom, ranking 8th overall, while Chile stands as South America’s sole representative at 15th position.

Insights from NordVPN's CTO Mariusz Błędowski

Mariusz Błędowski, the Chief Technology Officer at NordVPN, commented on Japan's performance, stating that while the internet infrastructure is robust and secure, there remains considerable room for improvement in mobile data costs. He stressed that for international travelers, the local connectivity fees significantly affect their travel experiences, which makes visualizing the pricing levels across countries crucial.

Tips for Safe Internet Use While Traveling

Travelers are advised to exercise caution when using public Wi-Fi. It is recommended to connect to hotel or airport Wi-Fi only after completing the sign-in page and turning on VPN. Avoiding prompts for app installations on connection pages is also advised.

For sensitive operations such as accessing banking details, travelers should prefer mobile data over public Wi-Fi to minimize the risk of data interception.

Before embarking on their journey, checking the communication environment of the destination is wise. For areas with unstable connectivity, download maps or essential files beforehand, and verify availability of necessary services.

About Saily: The Travel eSIM App

Saily is designed with unique security features for travelers. It allows users to manage mobile communication and internet access from anywhere in the world, offering 24/7 customer support and data services in over 200 countries and regions. This app has been developed by the expert team behind the NordVPN security and privacy application. For more details, visit saily.com.

About NordVPN

NordVPN serves millions of internet users worldwide, providing an all-in-one app for digital privacy and security. Its app integrates top-tier VPN services, next-gen antivirus, and Dark Web Monitor™, supporting users in achieving enhanced safety and privacy online. The platform also protects users from phishing, scams, malignant websites, trackers, spam ads, and malware threats. More information can be found at nordvpn.com.

Company Overview

Company Name: NordVPN
Headquarters: Fred. Roeskestraat 115, 1076 EE Amsterdam, Netherlands
Japan Representative: Takuo Ohara
NordVPN Website: https://nordvpn.com/ja/
About VPN: https://nordvpn.com/ja/what-is-a-vpn/