- 64% of people in the Scotland are more dependent on their broadband and internet connection than ever before, as a result of the Covid-19 isolation.
- Half (51%) of Scots are using the internet to keep in touch with loved ones, to entertain themselves (58%), and to keep up with the ever-changing news (62%).
- Biggest broadband frustrations for the millions of people now working from home include inconsistent connection (8%), slower downloads (14%), and the internet cutting out for no reason at all (12%)
Banished Brits are more dependent on their internet and broadband provider than ever before. In Scotland, 58% are increasing their internet use due to the restrictions of Covid-19, a new study reveals.
As of Monday 23rd March 2020, UK residents were put under strict guidelines to stay at home.
The study, from leading price comparison website, Moneyexpert.com, found that 35% of people in Scotland are using the internet for different means because of Covid-19, and that more than a quarter (27%) are finding it a lot more challenging to use the internet for things such as video calls or shopping for food online.
However, a huge 90% of people in the Scotland are using the internet in ways they never have before. While 62% are using the internet to keep up with the news and Government changes, 58% are relying on strong connection to keep themselves entertained, and to keep in touch with loved ones (51%).
15% are checking in on the elderly or an ‘at risk’ friend or family member, and some are even holding out hope for a summer holiday abroad by planning their next getaway!
With millions of Brits now working from home, the reliance on a strong connection is more necessary than ever.
However, for many, the change from professional office to home office isn’t quite as smooth and simple as hoped for. Almost one in ten (8%) people in Scotland say the speed of their connection is completely inconsistent, and for some (12%) the internet is cutting out for no reason at all.
Virtual video meetings are causing Brits to look completely unprofessional, with a third of those in the Scotland (33%) missing meetings due to poor internet connection – on average, people have missed around four meetings since the pandemic began.
Unfortunately, broadband problems are not a new discovery in isolation.
More than two thirds (71%) of Scots have considered changing their broadband and consider cost as a factor they’d think about heavily (89%) when preparing to switch. Almost half (44%) would like expert advice when doing so.
Jason Smith, CEO of Moneyexpert.com, said: “With a significant proportion of the UK now working in a new way from home, many are coming up against new problems with their broadband and internet connection.
“45% of Brits are finding it difficult to connect to video meetings when more than one person in the house is using the internet, so consider creating a shared calendar to schedule meetings, and keep one room in the house free for those important calls.
“With weeks and months of uncertainty ahead, optimising our home spaces to be entirely fit for our changed needs will help us reduce stress and keep our sanity. A suitable broadband connection with a minimum guaranteed speed is a key part of that.”
Yesterday, broadband providers joined together to announce new measures to keep vulnerable broadband customers connected.
Natalie Hitchins, Head of Home Products and Services at Which?, said: “It is positive to see the industry working together to ensure vulnerable customers can stay connected during these unprecedented times, when more people than ever will be relying on a good broadband connection.
“Customer support is also vital to keep people connected, and a good provider will not only deliver decent connection but also good value for money and customer service when needed. Anyone with concerns on paying their bills should contact their provider immediately.”
Go to www.moneyexpert.com/
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