Over half of Brits say patchy Wi-Fi is disrupting their lives
The survey highlights just how disruptive unreliable broadband has become. People reported missing out on once-in-a-lifetime concert tickets, losing job opportunities, and even being unable to watch a loved one’s funeral online because of poor connections.
Top frustrations with bad Wi-Fi
The biggest complaints from households included frozen work calls (17%), lost shopping orders (13%) and films or TV shows cutting out mid-stream (12%). On average, people experience issues at least twice a month.
Some say the impact has gone even further – with one respondent admitting their relationship ended due to constant broadband failures.
Desperate measures to stay connected
The survey also revealed the lengths people will go to in order to stay online. Over a third (36%) said they had left the house to hunt for signal, heading to cafés, libraries, friends’ homes and even supermarket car parks. Six per cent admitted to parking outside an ex-partner’s home just to use their Wi-Fi.
At home, coping tactics are equally desperate. Thirty-eight per cent of people said they wander around the house trying to find a stronger signal, 17% admitted to shouting at their router, while others lean out of windows or drain their mobile data by tethering to their phones.
Stuck with poor service
Despite all the frustration, many households still avoid switching provider. Almost a third (31%) say it’s too much hassle to move, while a quarter believe another provider wouldn’t be any better. On average, households are losing nearly 50 hours a year – the equivalent of more than a full working week – trying to fix broadband problems themselves.
Giffgaff says
The research coincides with the launch of giffgaff’s new full fibre broadband, which aims to address these issues. The service has already rolled out to parts of the North West, Yorkshire and the East Midlands, with more areas to follow later this year.
Ash Schofield, CEO of giffgaff, said:
“Our research shows just how frustrating and disruptive unreliable broadband has become in people’s everyday lives. Many feel stuck with a service they’re not happy with. That’s why we invited over 500 people to help shape our offering – ensuring we deliver a service built around what people actually want.”
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