Brits are increasingly finding themselves saying “sorry” because of their internet connection, with research from Sky revealing that people apologise for broadband issues on work calls almost twice a ...
Brits are increasingly finding themselves saying “sorry” because of their internet connection, with research from Sky revealing that people apologise for broadband issues on work calls almost twice a week on average.
The research shows that unreliable connections have become a common frustration for millions of people across the country, with slow speeds disrupting everything from team meetings and client presentations to personal video calls and streaming.
For many remote and hybrid workers, the awkward phrase “Sorry, my Wi-Fi is playing up” has become a routine part of working life, with 42 per cent agreeing that it has become a regular saying in their work week.
The impact of unreliable connections goes beyond awkward apologies. Nearly half (46per cent) of workers say they have had to turn off their camera during a virtual work call to help their connection stay stable, while those affected report missing important parts of conversations – including something shared on screen (34per cent), important instructions (27per cent) and decisions being made (20per cent).
The findings come as Sky Broadband adds Full Fibre 1.6Gbps to its range, its fastest speed available to homes on the Openreach network, giving more households across the UK access to faster, future-ready broadband for busy, connected homes.
To mark the launch, Sky Broadband has shared research showing how Full Fibre performance supports the online activities people do most – from streaming in the living room to downloading the latest game, to backing up all-important photos. As well as getting to enjoy stress-free streaming, Sky Broadband’s research explores the impact faster speeds have on downloads. The Speed League includes a new 0-4k speed test that has been dubbed the 0-60 for broadband providers, with other factors such as video game downloads and the time it takes to upload videos from the family holiday.
Real-world download and upload times on Sky’s Full Fibre 5Gbps Gigafast+
The research also shows the wider impact of broadband issues at work. Four in 10 say team meetings have been affected by slow or unreliable broadband, while over half (52per cent) admit they have had to ask colleagues to repeat information or send follow-up notes because of a poor connection.
And it’s not just work calls being affected. With more Brits relying on video calls to stay in touch with friends and family, slow broadband is increasingly disrupting everyday life too.
The research found 63per cent have experienced freezing screens or dropped connections while catching up with loved ones, while 34per cent say they have had to apologise for their internet during a personal video call in the past month alone.
When it comes to those that have the least patience when connections lag, Gen Z were the quickest to switch off, with 90per cent saying they have given up on content altogether when buffering, freezing or dropped connections get in the way.
According to the findings, over half (53 per cent) of households regularly have five or more devices connected to their broadband at the same time, with the average home running over six connected devices.
Ben Case, Managing Director of Connectivity at Sky, commented: “Our research shows how unreliable broadband can disrupt everything from work meetings to calls with loved ones, which is why Sky Broadband is now bringing lightning-fast Full Fibre 1.6Gbps speeds to nearly 80per cent of homes in the UK – helping customers stay connected to what matters most.”
Categories: Articles, Broadband, Equipment, Research
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