Lockdown: Ofcom says internet speeds functioning as normal despite major Virgin Media and other broadband outages

Internet speeds are still running largely as normal despite the increased pressure of lockdown, according to research from regulator Ofcom. Download speeds have only dropped by an average of 2 per cent, according to the research, even with the extra load. That is despite some high-profile outages, including Virgin Media problems that took the internet offline for users across the country. Networks have been under increased strain with more people across the country working from home, children using online platforms to carry on school work, and greater gaming and streaming as a source of entertainment. The communications regulator measured broadband performance for 3,481 users at the beginning and end of March, to compare results before and after lockdown started.