40% SURGE IN INTERNET DATA USAGE – STUDY
During the UK’s Covid lockdown, which started on March 23, 2020, there was a 40 per cent surge in internet data usage, driven by schools shutting and adults moving to home-working.
And whereas the first major increase in internet traffic pre-pandemic would usually occur at 3.30pm when children returned from school, the first major increase in usage now starts from 10am.
Max Taylor, consumer director at Vodafone, which has launched its new Pro Broadband service, said: “Over the past year, the way we use our home broadband has changed significantly, with more use due to the demands of home and school working.
“In addition to that, the need for online entertainment has been at its highest ever – whether that’s tuning into box sets, Premier League matches, or gaming updates for the likes of the PS5 or Xbox Series X.
“Families now want guaranteed WiFi in every room, and pricing that isn’t eye-wateringly expensive, given the fact many are having to tighten their purse strings to cope with recent events.”