Opinium x Uswitch: why your Wi-Fi might feel slower this week
As families head into the half‑term break, new Opinium Research insights highlight why many households may experience slower Wi‑Fi speeds — and it’s not just because more people are online.
- 77% of parents say their family’s online time increases during school holidays.
- The average UK household now has 16 devices connected to Wi‑Fi.
- 1 in 10 households runs 30+ devices competing for bandwidth.
- 60% of Britons report frustration with their Wi‑Fi speeds in the past three months.
The Hidden Culprit: “Phantom Devices”
Our research shows that many homes unknowingly overload their networks with inactive but still‑connected gadgets. These devices quietly drain bandwidth even when untouched.
Common culprits include smart TVs, video doorbells, smart speakers, thermostats, plugs, washing machines, smoke alarms, fridges, robot vacuums, and baby monitors.
Why This Happens
These devices continuously “talk” to your router in the background, creating digital congestion that slows down streaming, browsing, and gaming — especially during peak holiday usage.
