Thanks to high-speed internet and cloud-based business phone systems, many businesses have been able to transition their employees to work remotely during the COVID-19 crisis. However, this puts considerable strain on home internet systems, which may have trouble handling the extra traffic. Unfortunately, Netflix® and other bulk traffic can interfere with important phone calls and virtual meetings. Here’s what you should know.

Broadband Usage During Lockdown

Under normal circumstances, the average household’s internet usage might spike for a few hours in the evening. With schools closed and a substantial portion of Americans working from home, broadband traffic has increased by double digits in some areas. This means that workers have to share internet connections with family members who are playing games, streaming movies, or binging their favorite shows on Netflix.

Common Issues Caused by Overworked Broadband

Unless you have a dedicated business phone system or internet line at home, someone else using data-intensive services might make your connection spotty. Your Zoom® calls may lag or, even worse, drop entirely, and files can take longer than normal to download. If several people are using Netflix or other bulk data services, you may have trouble logging on at all.

How Service Providers Are Coping With Increased Demand

While high-speed internet providers have the capacity to meet increased demand, many platforms are throttling speeds to make room for home business usage. Netflix and YouTube, for example, are lowering image quality, and gaming services may institute speed limits on their connections. The shutdowns also make it more difficult for providers to expand and maintain their networks, which could leave the internet struggling to keep up with future demand.

If your home network isn’t offering the performance you need, a dedicated business phone system can eliminate frustration and unnecessary downtime. From their offices in Keene, NH, Menadena offers high-quality services from over 100 leading national providers. Visit their website to learn more about their business phone systems and internet options, or call (603) 499-4590 to discuss your needs with a member of their team.