Virgin Media warns UK households about common Wi-Fi mistakes
- Almost 1 in 5 Virgin Media broadband users are turning off their Wi-Fi routers overnight, which disrupts essential updates.
- Keeping routers powered on is crucial for maintaining performance and avoiding misinterpretation of connection issues by ISPs.
- Virgin Media recommends proper router placement and regular speed checks to ensure optimal Wi-Fi performance.
Virgin Media has issued a warning to its broadband users in the UK, highlighting that nearly 18% of full-fibre broadband customers are turning off their Wi-Fi routers overnight. This practice, while intended to save energy, disrupts the router's ability to receive essential software updates that enhance security and performance. The company emphasizes the importance of keeping routers powered on continuously to avoid connection instability, which can be misinterpreted by Internet Service Providers as a line fault, potentially leading to speed restrictions. Virgin Media's Director of Connectivity, Gareth Lister, has outlined three critical rules for maintaining a solid broadband connection: keeping the router on at all times, ensuring it is placed in an open area, and regularly checking internet speeds using the Connect App. Proper router placement is crucial, as interference from household items can degrade Wi-Fi signals. Users are advised to conduct both wired and wireless speed tests to diagnose connection issues effectively, rather than resorting to turning off the router as a first step.