- A new report by Uswitch has revealed the festive items that can stall your signal
- It claims that fairy lights, tinsel, and even the tree itself can impact speeds
With just over two weeks to go until Christmas Day is finally here, many excited Britons will be decking their houses out with festive decorations.
But while these may look pretty, they could wreak havoc on your broadband.
A new report by Uswitch has revealed the festive items that can stall your signal.
‘It’s surely not the festive season without streaming your favourite Christmas film,’ said Richard Dowden, broadband expert at Uswitch.com.
‘So it’s good to be aware of the impact a piece of tinsel or fairy lights can have on your broadband.’
With just over two weeks to go until Christmas Day is finally here, many excited Britons will be decking their houses out with festive decorations. But while these may look pretty, they could wreak havoc on your broadband (stock image)
According to Uswitch, classic Christmas decorations including fairy lights, tinsel, and even the tree itself can impact broadband speeds.
‘Pretty as they may be, the lights and tinsel could potentially slow down your connection speeds,’ Mr Dowden explained.
‘You should keep them and other electronics such as lamps, speakers, TVs and monitors as far away from the router as possible.’
While you might think Uswitch is being a bit of a Scrooge about the situation, the firm reassures that you don’t need to sacrifice Christmas style for Wi-Fi.
‘Don’t cover your router in fairy lights and tinsel – try to blend it in amongst paper decorations or elf-sized cuteness,’ said Tara Slinger, an interior design expert working with Uswitch.
‘Secondly, make sure the tree itself isn’t blocking your router.
According to Uswitch, classic Christmas decorations including fairy lights, tinsel, and even the tree itself can impact broadband speeds (stock image)
‘It’s easier to move a router than a tree – so no problem if you’ve already placed your tree in the way!
‘Finally, no matter how you choose to decorate, remember to inject a bit of personality – whether that’s going all out maximalist style like me, or a more minimalist approach.
‘Enjoy your home this festive season AND don’t miss out on good WiFi signal!’
It’s not just festive items that can cause issues with your broadband connection.
Uswitch says the positioning of your furniture and other electrical devices in your home can also have an effect.
‘Be strategic when moving furniture around, as putting large items by your router can block your Wi-Fi signal and slow down your broadband speed,’ Mr Dowden added.
‘If you do need to make room for your tree, try moving it away from your router.
‘Other electrical devices in your home can interfere with your Wi-Fi connection.
‘You should keep them, and other electronics such as lamps, speakers, TVs and monitors, as far away from the router as possible.’