How to stay better connected

Make the most of your connection

Nowadays, we rely on the internet more than ever before to work from home, keep in touch with family and friends, game online, and watch movies and TV shows via apps and websites. Here, we share some tips on how to make the most of your connection.

Keep your router clear of clutter

Did you know your toaster could be affecting your internet speed? Research shows that devices powered by electricity or connected to Wi-Fi could slow down your broadband if they’re placed close to your router.

That’s right – anything from your TV and stereo, to halogen lamps and even baby monitors could be sabotaging your Netflix stream. In fact, microwaves are thought to be the worst culprit… another reason to make the popcorn before you settle down to watch your favourite movie!

But where you position your router can help get around household items affecting your connection. Ofcom suggests placing your router on a table or shelf, rather than on the floor, and as far as possible from other devices that may interfere with the signal.

But when it comes to microwaves, the regulator’s advice is simply not to use them when “making video calls, watching HD videos or doing something important online”.

Go wired for a better connection

We’ve all been there… you’re catching up with family or friends over Skype or FaceTime, or in the middle of an important Teams meeting, then suddenly you’re faced with a freezing or lagging connection. Could there be anything more frustrating?!

But opting for a wired – rather than wireless – connection could give you better broadband speeds. It works by plugging an ethernet cable directly into your router, then attaching it to your device. The result? A faster, more reliable connection!

Try a wireless booster

Do you struggle to get a good Wi-Fi signal in some areas of your home? If so, you may be suffering from 'signal blackspots'. As well as repositioning your router and checking for obstructions (see ‘Keep your router clear of clutter’ above), you might find a wireless booster can help.

Boosters extend Wi-Fi network coverage space by boosting or amplifying existing signals. But this gadget will only repeat the signal it receives – so if your router gives out a weak signal, this will be repeated elsewhere around your home. In other words, a booster won’t give you better broadband speeds than you already have.

Other things to try

If you’ve tried out our tips and you’re still struggling with slow speeds, you could:

• Disconnect devices you’re not using. Even if they’re not actively being used, devices like tablets and smartphones often work in the background, so can slow down your speed. Disconnect them from Wi-Fi to free up your bandwidth for whatever you are using your internet for!
• Run a speed test using a third party speed checker website, such as: speedtest.btwholesale.com, www.broadbandspeedchecker.co.uk or www.broadbandspeedtest.org.uk. Repeat the speed test over a few days to get an accurate result.
• Check your current package to see what you are paying for. It may be that your home has been upgraded to superfast or ultrafast broadband, but you still need to switch to benefit from fibre.
• Contact your provider if you are paying for superfast or ultrafast speeds but not getting them.