Slow Wi-Fi? One Quick Fix Can Boost Speed, Says TalkTalk Executive

Simple Fixes for Sluggish Wi-Fi Speeds

If you're experiencing slow download speeds at home, there might be a straightforward solution that you haven't considered. Steve Wallage, the Chief Product Officer at TalkTalk, has shared an easy tip to help improve your Wi-Fi performance.

As spring cleaning season approaches, it's worth taking a moment to focus on your Wi-Fi router, which is often overlooked in the process. This small device, usually tucked away in a corner, plays a crucial role in maintaining a stable internet connection. Dust can accumulate around its vents over time, causing it to overheat. While modern routers are equipped with thermal protection, prolonged exposure to heat can lead to slower performance and unexpected restarts.

Wallage emphasized the importance of keeping your router clean and well-ventilated. He advised: "Give your router a gentle wipe down with a dry cloth and ensure it isn’t buried under clutter and cables that might be restricting airflow. Keeping it in an open, central spot with room to breathe will help it stay cool and perform more reliably day-to-day."

This advice comes at a time when several major providers are updating their Wi-Fi offerings. BT has teased the launch of a new Smart Hub 3 Wi-Fi router with faster Wi-Fi 6 speeds, while Virgin Media has started upgrading some broadband users to newer Wi-Fi routers free of charge. TalkTalk, on the other hand, uses Amazon-owned eero Wi-Fi routers for customers on its next-generation full-fibre broadband plans. These routers can be paired with multiple nodes throughout your home to create a seamless network, eliminating dead zones and boosting coverage. The eero system also offers a simple dashboard that allows users to manage internet access, set content restrictions, and create a separate Wi-Fi network for guests. If you're not a TalkTalk customer, you can purchase an eero directly from Amazon to handle your Wi-Fi connection and enhance your home network security.

TalkTalk relies on BT-owned Openreach for its nationwide broadband infrastructure. Recently, Openreach confirmed that it has expanded its next-generation full-fibre speeds to 18.3 million homes and businesses across the UK as part of its goal to connect 25 million premises by December.

Additional Spring-Cleaning Tips

Cleaning your Wi-Fi router wasn't the only spring-cleaning tip offered by Steve Wallage. Here are four more recommendations to help you refresh your digital life:

• Clear out unused apps
  Consider deleting any apps you haven't used in the last three months. This not only frees up valuable storage space but also reduces the number of apps collecting your data in the background.

• Spring clean your passwords
  Many people use the same password across multiple accounts. Refreshing weak passwords is an essential part of a spring clean. If you're worried about creating complex passwords that are hard to remember, consider using a tool like TalkTalk’s Password Manager to store your passwords securely.

• Clean keyboards, remote controls and phone screens
  Studies suggest that the average keyboard harbours more bacteria than a toilet seat. Remote controls, phone screens, and laptop trackpads are touched hundreds of times a day but rarely cleaned. A quick wipe with a microfibre cloth or antibacterial wipe can make a surprising difference.

• Delete old photos and videos to free up storage
  Our camera rolls are often the biggest culprits for consuming device storage. Duplicate shots, blurry photos, and accidental screenshots add up. Take time to properly clear out your media, back up anything you want to keep, and delete the rest. You'll notice how quickly your device runs better.