Andy Pickett, chief technology officer at telecoms services provider Connection Technologies, explained why the hot temperatures can cause internet issues. He said: “Modern network equipment is designed to operate within specific temperature ranges, but prolonged periods of extreme temperatures can place additional strain on infastructure.”
He warned that when extreme heat impacts the UK, you may notice that either your internet or mobile signal becomes “less reliable”. If you work from home, this can cause frustration as sluggish speeds impact your ability to get your tasks done.
‘Biggest impact’
Mr Pickett said: “For remote workers, the biggest impact is usually on video calls, and large file transfers. You may notice slower connection speeds, lagging, frozen video meetings or intermittent disconnections.
“These issues tend to be most noticeable during the hottest parts of the day, typically mid-afternoon through early evening, or during periods of intense thunderstorm activity when network infrastructure is under additional pressure.”
Practical steps
If you have run into problems, there are several things you can try to improve your connection. The expert said: “Restarting your router is often worthwhile, particularly after storms. Ensure your router is well ventilated and not sitting in direct sunlight, as overheating can affect performance.”
He shared another tip if you are a remote worker, as you may want to consult your diary and plan ahead. Mr Pickett said: “If you’re working from home and have an important meeting scheduled, having a mobile hotspot available as a back-up can provide valuable resilience should your primary broadband connection become unstable.”
Which internet providers have the most connection issues?
Mr Pickett was asked if certain broadband providers are affected more than others during the hot weather, but he said there is no simple answer here. He explained: “In many cases, the quality of the local infrastructure is more important than the provider’s brand.
“Areas served by newer full-fibre networks will generally be more resilient than older copper-based infrastructure, while mobile performance often depends on the location, capacity and resilience of nearby masts.”
But he said this is a growing concern that the UK’s internet network is resilient during hot weather. Mr Pickett urged: “As the UK continues to experience more frequent periods of extreme weather, network resilience is becoming increasingly important.
“Reliable connectivity is now an essential tool for remote workers and businesses. Both providers and consumers need to consider how prepared they are for weather-related disruption as these events become more common.”
