Broadband tips

Make sure you have the right broadband package for your home

• Check you're on the best available fibre broadband package within your budget, with your internet service provider
• If you're out of contract, shop around for the best deals on Ofcom's impartial website
• Check to see if you service providers has removed your data usage cap (some providers have done this through a government deal)

Tips on staying connected

 Ofcom's website has tips of staying connected during COVID-19.

Tips include:

• use your landline or wifi calls if you can
• move your router clear of other devices, and keep it switched on
• lower the demands on your connection
• try wired rather than wireless connections
• plug your router directly into your main phone socket
• test the speed on your broadband line
• tackle interference on your phone line
• get advice from your broadband provider's website

Reducing bandwidth

• Download films in standard definition (SD) rather than high definition (HD).
• Try to do download overnight, when demand is low.
• If you’re making video calls, turning the video off and using audio only will need much less of your bandwidth.

Optimise your computer or laptop performance:

• run fewer programmes at the same time
• install only good quality apps
• disable apps running unnecessarily in the background
• uninstall non-essential apps
• reclaim hard drive space and delete unnecessary files
• check your computer for malware regularly
• install the latest updates for your operating platform

Mobile broadband – getting the best coverage

Read Ofcom's tips on improving indoor coverage and reception