Is your internet connection slower than usual at the moment? Blame Christmas.
In their latest report, British telecoms watchdog Ofcom warns that the electrical interference from Christmas lights could be slowing down your Wi-Fi internet connection. Other electronic devices, such as a microwave ovens, baby monitors, and lamps, aren’t helping, either.
Ofcom called a decent internet connection the “fourth essential service,” alongside gas, electricity and water. It said a poor Wi-Fi signal, often caused by the way it has been set up, affects up to six million homes and offices in the UK.
Ofcom has launched a new app that tests the quality of your internet signal, and if it finds a problem, will provide some troubleshooting tips to help improve your Wi-Fi connection. And if that doesn’t work, you can always try turning your router on and off again.