People can check whether their in-home Wi-Fi is giving them the best service using a simple, powerful ‘app’ launched by Ofcom today.
The Ofcom Wi-Fi Checker runs on smartphones and tablets, providing a single-stop for consumers and businesses to discover the quality of their wireless internet signal wherever they live or work as well as practical steps to help people get the best from their connection.
Ofcom’s Connected Nations report, published today, estimates that wireless broadband may not be working as well as it could in more than 160,000 Northern Ireland homes, according to Ofcom estimates. This is often caused by something in the house, which could be as simple as interference to the router from a lamp, stereo speakers or baby monitor.
Connected Nations is the most authoritative, in-depth look at the telecoms and wireless networks in Northern Ireland and across the UK.
This year’s report shows good progress in the roll-out and take-up of services that have become a crucial part of people’s personal and working lives. However, the report recognises there is still more to do; particularly in improving broadband and mobile availability and quality of service for consumers and businesses across the country.
More than one in three (37%) Northern Ireland broadband connections are now superfast - a connection of 30 Mbit/s or more. Superfast broadband is available to around 77% of premises in Northern Ireland.
However, Ofcom has identified challenges in improving coverage in Northern Ireland and across the UK. Around 13% of Northern Ireland premises are currently unable to receive broadband speeds of 10 Mbit/s or above. Around 6% of premises in Northern Ireland receive download speeds of less than 2Mbit/s.
There is also a big gap between urban and rural areas, with average download speeds almost twice as high in urban than rural areas, where speeds are often affected by premises being further away from their nearest fibre enabled cabinet.
Making services universal is a central priority for Ofcom, which is working closely with the Government and industry to improve coverage. Earlier this month the Government announced plans for every home and business to have a legal right to request a broadband connection of 10 Mbit/s by the end of the current parliament.
Ofcom has also enhanced its Mobile Coverage Checker to include new features for people to discover the quality of their mobile service. This lets users zoom to a specific location in the UK map, or simply enter a place name or postcode, to receive data on coverage for each mobile network - down to 100 square metres.
Helping to improve mobile coverage and quality of service are priority areas for Ofcom. The new map is designed to support consumers in choosing a service that best suits their needs, while promoting competition between mobile operators.
Sharon White, Ofcom Chief Executive, said: “We’ve seen a revolution in mobile and broadband services over recent years, with 4G mobile and superfast continuing to extend across the country. While that work continues, we want to ensure consumers have the tools they need to get the most out of their communications.
“Our challenge is to keep supporting competition and innovation, while also helping to improve coverage across the country - particularly in hard-to-reach areas, where mobile and home internet services need to improve.” The main Connected Nations report can be found here. The Northern Ireland Connected Nations report can be found here.
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