Millions of internet users in the UK are familiar with a common issue that arises when trying to go online. The problem of online congestion is particularly troublesome during the evening hours when households are engaged in activities like streaming movies, downloading files, and video chatting with friends. This surge in online activity leads to network overload, causing a noticeable slowdown in internet speeds.
Comparatively, during working hours when fewer people are online, internet downloads typically remain fast and reliable. However, as households start to connect after work hours, local networks can become strained, resulting in a significant decrease in speed.
To illustrate, broadband functions similarly to a motorway where increased traffic leads to slower movement. This is why many users observe a drop in performance between 7pm and 11pm.
A recent study conducted by Broadband Genie has highlighted the UK regions most impacted by slowdowns during peak times, with Wigan (WN1) identified as the most affected area. According to the findings, average download speeds in Wigan decrease from 167Mbps during off-peak hours to just 75Mbps in the evening, representing a 55% decline.
Other areas experiencing notable congestion during evenings include Galashiels (TD1), Harrogate (HG1), Exeter (EX1), and Rochester (ME1).
In contrast, some regions in the UK actually see an improvement in internet speeds during peak times. Newport emerged as the top-performing location in the study, followed by Oxford, Glasgow, Blackburn, and Cambridge.
Broadband Genie explained, “Similar to our roads, internet networks can face congestion, resulting in slower speeds during peak times. Through the analysis of 144,509 broadband speed tests, we identified areas where broadband performance is most affected during busy hours.”
The report also pointed out regional disparities across the UK, with Scotland showing the highest overall improvement in broadband performance during evenings. Conversely, the South West experienced a decline of approximately 15% in average speeds during peak periods compared to daytime performance.
Broadband experts suggest various ways for households to enhance their home connections. Tips include keeping the router in an open, central position away from obstacles to improve signal quality, and periodically rebooting routers, as recommended by providers like Virgin Media, to resolve temporary network issues.