Christmas Tree Fairy Lights Could Slow Down Your Wi-Fi

Lights on your Christmas tree could slow down the Wi-Fi in your home, it has been warned.

UK regulator Ofcom said up to six million homes and businesses could improve their broadband connection, which is often disrupted by interference from Christmas fairy lights.

Microwave ovens and baby monitors can also slow down broadband, Ofcom said, as it released an app that can check Wi-Fi speeds.

The app checks if broadband is interrupted as data passes from routers to phones and tablets and can pinpoint what is interfering with the Wi-Fi.

More than a quarter of UK homes have a “superfast” broadband connection of more than 30 megabits per second, according to Ofcom, up to 7.5 million households from six million last year.

But only 37% of homes in rural areas have access to high-speed broadband.

By 2017, 18% of small businesses will still be unable to access superfast broadband.

Sharon White, Ofcom chief executive, said: “Mobile and broadband have become the fourth essential service, alongside gas, electricity and water. There’s been a technological revolution over recent years, with 4G mobile and superfast continuing to extend across the country.

“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.

“It’s vital that consumers have the tools they need, such as the new Wi-Fi Checker, to get the most out of their communications.”

(Picture: Rex Features)