Brits told not to use the microwave to conserve Wi-Fi

It’s slightly strange tech advice, but Brits are being told not to use the microwave at the same time as their Wi-Fi to improve connection speeds.

The message comes from media regulator Ofcom, which is issuing the advice to help Brits cope amid the coronavirus lockdown. At a time when our internet signal is the connection to the outside world, it’s crucial to keep it running as speedily as possible.

‘Did you know that microwave ovens can also reduce wi-fi signals?’ Ofcom writes.

‘So don’t use the microwave when you’re making video calls, watching HD videos or doing something important online.’

The warning comes as broadband providers like BT’s Openreach are reporting a 20% surge in usage as millions of people are now working and learning from home.

With everyone working from home, Ofcom has told British households to not turn on the microwave when using their wifi to help keep internet speeds up… pic.twitter.com/IJ2rZhRdO0

— Tom Knowles (@tkbeynon) March 25, 2020

Other tips from Ofcom to secure the most reliable Wi-Fi connection possible include:

• Position your internet router as far as possible from other devices that may interfere with the signal, such as on a table or shelf rather than the floor.
• Keep your router switched on.
• If you’re carrying out video calls or meetings, turning the video off and using audio will require much less of your internet connection.
• Try starting those calls at less common times, rather than on the hour or half hour.
• For the best broadband speeds, use an ethernet cable to connect your computer directly to your router rather than using Wi-Fi.
• Where possible, try not to use a telephone extension lead, as these can cause interference which could lower your speed.

BT-owned Openreach – which maintains the telephone cables and cabinets across the country used by most broadband providers – said that, despite the jump, usage is still lower than the usual peaks it experiences in the evening.

‘We’re not seeing any significant issues across our broadband or phone network,’ an Openreach spokesman said. ‘We’ve seen a circa 20% increase in daytime usage over our fibre network, but that’s in line with what we expected and not as high as the usage levels we see during evening peak times.’

Meanwhile, Virgin Media has reported similar rise in demand, but said its network is ‘built to withstand this daily evening peak, and right now is comfortably accommodating this daytime increase’.

‘Despite increased data use on our network, we’re not at capacity and are continuing to provide our customers with the ultrafast and reliable services they expect,’ said Jeanie York, Virgin Media’s chief technology and information officer.

‘The coronavirus pandemic has still not pushed up demand to the levels seen during recent computer game releases or when multiple premier league games were streamed simultaneously.

‘While we don’t know exactly what lies ahead, it’s clear that our network is performing a more critical role and we’re committed to playing our part in keeping the country connected.’

Source: Metro News UK