Football fans facing 'slow and inadequate' broadband during Euro 2016

Football fans following the Euro 2016 online could face a struggle to watch their nation this summer, thanks to slow and inadequate broadband connections.

That's according to a review carried out by Mobile News. It found that nearly one in four homes in the UK feel their internet is slow and in particular, is unreliable during the evenings and at peak hours. As a consequence, many of the people who will be following the European Championships during these times could struggle to keep up with the matches.

Over recent years, more people have been using their mobile devices such as tablets and phones to watch sports. Statistics from the World Cup held in Brazil two years ago found that over 280 million people relied on the internet to watch games.

It's not just Euro 2016 that will be affected but also potentially Wimbledon and the Olympic Games.

Mr Evans, chief executive of Boosty, commented on the findings: “Almost 40 per cent of households now have five or more connected devices competing for internet access at any given time, but dodgy broadband connections mean football fans streaming the Euros could be left sweating.

"Imagine the rage fans will feel if they miss a crucial Rooney penalty due to a frozen screen, or they get the dreaded spinning wheel of death just as Vardy is through on goal."

To solve the issue, Mr Evans has urged football and sports fans alike to assess whether their broadband is fit for purpose or not, to make friends “with your neighbour” or worst case, “buy a ticket to France”.

The Euro 2016 Championship is currently being held in France and lasts until 10th July with England, Wales, Northern Ireland the home nations to have qualified.

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(Image: glennharper)