Brits typically waste 35 hours a year - waiting for slow internet to load

23 February 2024 , 17:24

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Brits waste 35 hours a year, on average, waiting for slow internet to load or buffer (Image: Getty Images)

Brits waste an average of 35 hours each year – waiting for slow internet to load or buffer, a study has found. And those in the capital city have it worst, as Londoners typically lose 42 hours each year waiting to view web pages or videos.

Lagging broadband speeds eat into around 23 minutes of their personal time each week – rising even further to 25 minutes, when they are using the internet for work.

Those in the North West of England are also above the national average, spending 39 hours annually waiting for slow broadband, both at home and at work.

Meanwhile, web surfers in the West Midlands lose around 35 hours a year – the same amount of time wasted across the UK as a whole.

The research was commissioned by G.Network, to launch its initiative covering up to £150 of early termination fees for new customers.

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And those in London have it worst - with one in three wanting to ditch their current internet provider at the next opportunity (SWNS)

Kevin Murphy, CEO of the London-only internet provider, said: “There are a number of obstacles that mean Londoners are struggling with poor internet, despite good infrastructure being available in the city.

“Part of the issue is that it can be daunting to switch suppliers when you’re tied into a contract – and often, people will just decide to see it through to the end.”

It comes after a separate survey, of 2,560 Londoners, found one in three are actively looking to ditch their internet provider at the next opportunity. For 36% of these, their biggest cause for concern is the high prices they are facing.

However, 22% are worried their contracts are too long for them to shop around and get better value for their money. And early exit fees are holding back 23% from switching providers, the OnePoll data revealed.

Kevin Murphy, who is also warning broadband customers they face price hikes of 8% this April due to inflation rises, added: “We know from research that one of the major driving forces behind switching is because of high monthly costs, and regular price increases. And the bad news for many is that this is going to continue – at quite an alarming rate.

“When you sign up for a contract, you should know exactly what you’ll be paying for the duration, and not be lumbered with above inflation increases – customers deserve transparency when it comes to cost.”

Martin Winter