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How to Optimise Your WiFi Speed
Ofcom provides tips on how to improve internet speed during the coronavirus lockdown.
06:09 03 June 2020
The demand for broadband and mobile services has increased exponentially as Brits are forced to stay indoors during the coronavirus pandemic. The majority of the country's population now works from home causing connections to perform at slower speeds.
However, Ofcom says that there are easy ways to ensure everyone in the household gets the bandwidth they need. The media regulator published a list of ways as part of its Stay Connected campaign launched alongside 02, Virgin, BT and Sky.
Melanie Dawes, chief executive of Ofcom, said: "Families across the country are going online together this week, often juggling work and keeping children busy at the same time."
"So we're encouraging people to read our advice on getting the most from their broadband, home phones and mobiles."
In a document, Ofcom advises the use of landline or WiFi calls whenever possible. It says: "Some smartphones and mobile packages allow your phone to make calls over your broadband network, which often provides the best sound quality and also helps reduce demand on the mobile network."
Another way to help boost the internet speed is placing the router as far as possible from other devices including televisions, computer speakers, dimmer switches, halogen lamps, baby monitors and cordless phones.
Ofcom also recommends switching WiFi reception off on tablets and smartphones when not in use. "The more devices attached to your WiFi, the lower the speeds you get", the document explains.
"You might also want to manage your family's online activity so that different people aren't carrying out data-heavy tasks (like HD streaming, gaming or video calls) all at the same time. It is also a good idea to download any video content in advance instead of streaming it," it adds.