- Seven in ten people in the East of England are more dependent on their broadband and internet connection than ever before, as a result of the Covid-19 isolation.
- Over six in 10 (61%) of people in the East are using the internet to keep in touch with loved ones, to entertain themselves (58%), and to keep up with the ever-changing news (63%).
- Biggest broadband frustrations for the millions of people now working from home include inconsistent connection (24%), slower downloads (10%), and the internet cutting out for no reason at all (31%)
As of last Monday (23rd March 2020), UK residents were put under strict guidelines to stay at home. The study, from leading price comparison website, Moneyexpert.com, found that 36% of people in the East are using the internet for different means because of Covid-19, and that almost a quarter (22%) are finding it a lot more challenging to use the internet for things such as video calls or shopping for food online.
However, a huge 91% of people in the region are using the internet in ways they never have before. While almost two thirds (63%) are using the internet to keep up with the news and Government changes, 58% are relying on strong connection to keep themselves entertained, and to keep in touch with loved ones (63%). 16% are checking in on the elderly or an ‘at risk’ friend or family member, and some are even holding out hope for a summer holiday abroad by planning their next getaway (3%)!
With millions of Brits now working from home, the reliance on a strong connection is more necessary than ever. However, for many, the change from professional office to home office isn’t quite as smooth and simple as hoped for. Over a fifth (24%) of people in the region say the speed of their connection is completely inconsistent, and for some (31%) the internet is cutting out for no reason at all. Virtual video meetings are causing Brits to look completely unprofessional, with a quarter (24%) missing meetings due to poor internet connection – on average, people have missed around three meetings since the pandemic began.
Unfortunately, broadband problems are not a new discovery in isolation. More than three in five (64%) people in the region have considered changing their broadband and consider cost as a factor they’d think about heavily (89%) when preparing to switch. Half (51%) would like expert advice when doing so.
Jason Smith, CEO of Moneyexpert.com, said: “With a significant proportion of the UK now working in a new way from home, many are coming up against new problems with their broadband and internet connection. 45% of Brits are finding it difficult to connect to video meetings when more than one person in the house is using the internet, so consider creating a shared calendar to schedule meetings, and keep one room in the house free for those important calls.
“With weeks and months of uncertainty ahead, optimising our home spaces to be entirely fit for our changed needs will help us reduce stress and keep our sanity. A suitable broadband connection with a minimum guaranteed speed is a key part of that.”