Millions of internet users in the UK face a common challenge when trying to go online. The issue of online congestion is particularly troublesome during evening hours when many people are streaming movies, downloading files, and engaging in video calls.
During daytime hours, when fewer individuals are using the internet at home, download speeds typically remain fast and consistent. However, in the evenings, as households become more active online after work, local networks often become overwhelmed, leading to a noticeable slowdown in speeds.
To illustrate, broadband operates similarly to a motorway – the more users on it simultaneously, the slower the overall speed. This explains why many households experience a significant performance drop between 7 pm and 11 pm.
A recent study conducted by Broadband Genie has revealed the UK areas most impacted by slowdowns during peak hours, with Wigan (WN1) ranking at the top. The report indicates that broadband users in this area witness average download speeds plummeting from 167Mbps during off-peak times to just 75Mbps in the evening, representing a 55% decrease.
Other areas significantly affected by evening congestion include Galashiels (TD1), Harrogate (HG1), Exeter (EX1), and Rochester (ME1).
In contrast, some regions in the UK actually see an improvement in internet performance during peak hours. Newport emerged as the top-performing area in the study, followed by Oxford, Glasgow, Blackburn, and Cambridge.
According to Broadband Genie, internet networks, like roads, can experience congestion leading to speed variations during peak times. The study analyzed 144,509 broadband speed tests to pinpoint the locations where broadband performance fluctuates the most during peak hours.
The report also highlighted regional disparities across the UK, with Scotland ranking highest overall in improved broadband performance during the evenings. Conversely, the South West experienced a decrease of around 15% in average speeds during peak periods compared to daytime performance.
Broadband experts suggest several ways for households to enhance their internet connection, such as placing routers in open, central locations away from obstructions to improve signal quality. Additionally, providers like Virgin Media recommend periodically rebooting routers to address temporary network issues.