Home expert reveals the worst places to put your broadband router

Bank Holiday weekends often put a strain on your broadband, as families stay home and friends visit to enjoy the extra day off. And that means your internet may feel slower than usual. 

But there are some tips you can follow to ensure it performs at its peak potential over the long weekends.

Great tips to get great wifi coverage at home 

The quality of your Wi-Fi signal depends on several factors, including router placement, obstacles, and the number of devices connected at any one time. 

Keeping routers away from kitchen appliances and not positioning them next to objects like fish tanks will help maintain a strong signal.

But you can do more to keep your connection running super smooth over the bank holidays. 

Home expert and Feng Shui master Cliff Tan recently shared his five best pieces of advice for speeding up your connection.

Let’s check them out.

5 ways to instantly speed up your wifi

Location, location, location!

Position your router centrally in your home, particularly in rooms where you rely on it for browsing, streaming, and gaming, advises Tan. Place it high up and facing forward to ensure signal coverage throughout the room. The Wi-Fi signal radiates outward in a circular pattern, so a central location will help maximise range.

Don’t hide your router, keep it visible!

“Energy is best felt when it can be seen, even for Wi-Fi signals,” says Tan. Place the router where it’s visible from the locations where you use it most, such as an office or living room. This provides a direct signal path for your devices. Walls, floors, and other solid objects can absorb or weaken the signal, so keeping clear lines of sight between the router and devices is crucial.

Avoid clutter around your broadband router

Clutter can obstruct the natural flow of energy in a room, according to Tan. Apply this Feng Shui principle to broadband connectivity by keeping items that might interfere with your signal, like baby monitors, speakers, and TVs, away from the router. These devices can create electromagnetic interference, reducing the signal quality and causing connectivity issues.

Be mindful of mirrors!

Large wall mirrors can interfere with connectivity due to their thin metallic coating, which can reflect Wi-Fi signals, confusing your devices. Tan suggests keeping your router at least a few metres away from any sizable mirrors.

Focus on five elements

Feng Shui focuses on the five elements—earth, wood, fire, metal, and water—to describe our surroundings. Pay close attention to metal devices or surfaces when moving your router, as they can often interfere with Wi-Fi signals. For example, a metal TV cabinet could affect your router’s signal.

Try these tips out and see how they work for you. It’s important to note that they won’t increase the actual speeds. However, they can help you maximise your internet connection by optimising Wi-Fi signal quality and strength. 

And that means everyone in the house can enjoy perfect internet, at the same time, all the time.

“Customers face frustrating hurdles during calls with broadband providers to reduce soaring bills.”

A consumer champion journalist has revealed the painstaking process of haggling for a better broadband deal with one of the UK’s biggest providers.

Chris Harper, who writes money-saving advice for leading online news outlets, knocked £13 off his broadband bill. But it wasn’t a smooth or pleasant experience.

Here’s his story:

“I’ve been a loyal customer with this company for years, but with the inflation-linked increase, I’d be paying a staggering £43 a month.”

So Chris contacted the provider, which is one of the biggest names in the UK broadband industry.

“I spoke to a lovely Scottish man,” continued Chris. “I told him about the competitor’s prices and asked if they could offer me a cheaper rate.”

The lovely Scottish man said no; Chris was locked into a deal. There was nothing he could do

“I’d been warned about this sneaky tactic on Twitter,” said Chris. “So I told the advisor my only option was to walk away.”

That did the trick. 

“All of a sudden, there was another way I could get a cheaper bill…!” said Chris. 

Chris spent the rest of the hour-long call being transferred between departments, waiting on hold, and explaining his situation all over again. But he eventually got the better deal he was looking for, cutting his bill from £43 per month to just £29.99 per month.

Brilliant, thought Chris.

Then this happened

“They said I’d have to send back my old router, only for them to send me the same one back!” said Chris. “Then I’d have to change my WiFi password and set up all my devices again.”

For Chris, reducing his bill was a minor inconvenience. But the experience made him realise that many others might be reluctant to negotiate with broadband providers.

“People could be either too scared or not confident enough to ring up these companies and ask for a better deal,” wrote Chris. “There were lots of ridiculous hoops I had to jump through. Elderly people or those who aren’t tech-savvy could find it intimidating, resulting in them not even bothering and being forced to pay hundreds more on their bills.”

Things like this don’t happen when you’re a 6G Internet customer. Our customers never have to call up and haggle over mid-contract price rises, because we never raise their bills mid-contract.

And when you do make the 6G Internet switch, we visit your home, set up a brand-new router, and make sure all your devices are connected and running smoothly.

6G Internet: fair prices, no mid-contract surprises, and real customer service.

What happens at the end of your broadband contract?

Are you coming to the end of your broadband contract and wondering what your options are? You’re not alone! In fact, millions of people in the UK are currently paying more than they need to for their broadband package after their contract has expired. But don’t worry; there are plenty of ways to find a better deal and save yourself some cash.

What does out of contract mean?

When your contract ends, you’re out of contract. This means you’re no longer bound to your original contract and are free to either stay with your current provider or switch to a new one.

Unfortunately, many people don’t realise they’re out of contract and continue to pay the same amount they did during the contract period. This often results in paying more than necessary and missing out on great deals from other providers.

Will my broadband provider tell me when I’m out of contract?

Yes! In February 2020, Ofcom introduced new rules that meant providers are now legally obligated to inform customers when their contract term is almost up. At 6G Internet we send you an e-mail 40 days before the end of your broadband contract with us.

The end-of-contract notification for your broadband contract should include the following information.

  • The date your current contract will finish
  • How much you’re currently paying each month
  • What services you’re currently paying for
  • How much you’ll pay once your contract expires if you stay with your current provider
  • The best new deals available to both new and existing customers

When will you receive your End of Contract Notification? 

Your broadband provider must contact you 10-40 days before your contract is up, giving you an opportunity to shop around for a better or cheaper broadband deal.

How Long Before My Broadband Contract Ends Can I switch?

If you can access our fixed wireless fibre speed 6G Internet network you can arrange installation instantly. We can install and be ready to switch as soon as your contract ends. This means you will have no delay in switching broadband supplier.

We are building our fixed wireless fibre speed network, if we have not quite got to your address you can still sign up with us whilst we expand.

So what are my options if I’m out of contract with my broadband supplier?

Now you know what to expect from your provider when your contract ends, it’s time to consider your options.

Stay with your current broadband provider

You can let the contract roll on and carry on with your current provider.

This is the easy option, but it’s also the most expensive – at least in the long run. Research by Which? found that loyalty to broadband companies doesn’t pay. Customers who stick with the same service provider end up paying significantly more than new customers for the same download speeds.

Switch broadband suppliers

The second option is to switch providers. Here are a few things you need to consider when browsing for a better deal.

Speed

Broadband speed is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a new provider. An internet speed of 25Mbps is considered good, although larger households where multiple people are online simultaneously may require 75Mbps.

Data Allowance

Consider how much data you need each month and whether the provider offers unlimited data. If you stream lots of movies and TV shows, you may need an unlimited data plan to avoid going over your limit and incurring extra charges.

Price

Price is always a key consideration. Check the monthly cost of the package and whether there are any setup fees or hidden charges to be aware of.

Customer service

Lastly, check the provider’s customer service reputation. Look for reviews and ratings from other customers to ensure that the provider offers good customer support and responds promptly to any issues or concerns.

6G Internet: the smart choice for out-of-contract broadband customers

If you’re an out-of-contract customer looking for a new broadband provider, 6G Internet is a great option. Check to find out which broadband packages are available in your home.

(Tell us your postcode & house number so we can tell you which deals are available!)

We offer fast and affordable broadband with speeds up to 75 Mbps, unlimited data, and guaranteed speeds to the router.

Deals start from under £20 p/m.

There are no zero set-up or line rental costs, and our customer service centre is locally based, so you can always speak to a ‘real’ person when you need help or advice.

Fixed contract price promise

And we never increase prices mid-contract.

Sign up with 6G Internet today.

Popular Money Saving Expert Reveals Insider Tips for Finding the Cheapest Broadband Deals

Popular money-saving expert Martin Lewis is advising broadband customers to haggle for better deals when their bills go up this spring.

Money Saving Expert Warns Consumers About Broadband Price Increases

The consumer champion has previously warned people to expect a  15% increase in their broadband bills from April, explaining how big providers keep their tariffs in line with the consumer price index (CPI) rate of inflation. Inflation is currently around 11%, and Lewis believes firms will add an extra 4% on top.

April Broadband Price Increases

“This usually happens in April for most of the major broadband providers, which will be another hit for many people,” said Lewis. “If you’re paying £40, you should get ready to see another £6 on your bill from April.”

Lewis urges consumers to call their provider and haggle for a better deal. A poll on the MoneySavingExpert site found that 8 out of 10 customers can reduce their bill by calling their provider and suggesting they might go elsewhere.

“As a loyal customer, the first thing I would do is get on the phone and say: I’ve seen what you’re charging new customers; what can you do for me?” said Lewis.

“I’d make sure you’ve seen what other providers are charging in your area, because it’s postcode dependent… and say, ‘I’m not willing to pay that amount; can you offer me a better deal?’

If the provider isn’t willing to budge on price, then Lewis advises people to switch.

“Switching isn’t complicated, so don’t worry about it too much,” said Lewis. “It’s your new firm who sorts it out for you, and they’ll cancel your old provider.”

If you’re one of those people ready for something better, then contact  6G Internet today. We’ll make sure the switchover is as smooth as possible.

And with our no-price rise promise, your broadband bill will never go up during the contract.

6G Internet: a broadband company that keeps its promises.

New report highlights the best way to save money on broadband bills in 2023

Switching to a provider with a no-price promise is one of the best ways to avoid higher broadband bills during 2023, according to a leading consumer watchdog.

 

In its annual report on how to save money on broadband bills, Which? advises consumers to stay away from new deals with mainstream broadband firms, as they are far more likely to raise prices this year.

 

“When we looked at the average amounts affected customers could pay, we found that this year’s price increase would add as much as £55 to the average customer’s annual broadband bill,” writes Which? “Switching away or picking a provider with a fixed price will mean you get to swerve that extra cost.”

 

Which? looked at several more ways customers can reduce their broadband bills this year.

 

They include ditching the landline, which could save up to £20 a month and taking advantage of any refer-a-friend offers, which may equal an annual saving of £50 or more.

 

Which? also told consumers to look for special introductory and New Year deals.

 

“Given that many household budgets are already being squeezed, it’s become even more important to ensure that consumers get the most out of any broadband deal,” reads the Which? report. “Reducing the cost of your connection doesn’t have to be tricky: there are simple actions anyone can take to ensure they’re not paying over the odds.”

 

6G Internet provides everything customers need to keep bills affordable during the next 12 months. We never raise bills mid-contract, have loads of great offers and our customers are not forced to pay for a landline or line rental.

Check the best broadband offers in your area right now.

Can Surfing the Web Make You a Smarter Senior?

Cognitive function improved by internet useWho knew that using the internet during your retirement years can boost your cognitive function!

Researchers examined the cognitive function of more than 2,000 retired people from across Europe and found that post-retirement internet usage is associated with substantially higher scores on tests. The Lancaster University research paper is available to read in full here: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/lums/news/using-internet-in-retirement-boosts-cognitive-function.

If you’re thinking of retirement and need fast, affordable broadband, please get in touch.

Our internet is fully installed by our own team of installers, making it hassle-free for you, so you can enjoy retirement the way it should be!

You can view our pricing options here: https://www.6ginternet.com/6g-pricing

Wi-Fi Jargon Buster – Part 2

We’ve already busted the jargon around Wi-Fi inside your home but sadly the jargon doesn’t stop there! Here, we explain the technical terms for Wi-Fi outside of your home:

What does ADSL mean?

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. The most basic broadband connection available today. It is faster than older dial-up technologies but less reliable than fibre. It operates purely over copper telephone lines and sends data along these at speeds up to 24Mbps, though often much slower.

ADSL

What is FTTC?

Fibre To The Cabinet is a technology using a combination of fast fibre-optic cables and slower copper wires. Typically, the maximum download speed is up to 80Mbps and often much less.

Fibre to the cabinet FTTC

What does Cabinet mean?

These are the green boxes sited along our streets and roads. Our internet and phone connections come from there. Data is sent along copper or wire cables before being routed to our homes.

Cabinet

What is FTTP?

Fibre To The Premises does without the copper wires used in FTTC and delivers fast fibre-optic internet speeds of up to 1Gbps directly to the modem/router in your home. However, availability is currently limited and restricted to highly populated business and residential areas.

Fibre to the premises - FTTP

What is Air Fibre?

Air Fibre uses a combination or fibre-optic and wireless technologies to deliver ultrafast internet speeds. The technology is more future proof with speeds of up to 6Gbps expected within 5 years.

Air fibre

Wi-Fi Jargon Buster

Jargon busterBaffled by technical jargon when browsing for broadband? We can help you know your bits from your bytes…

What does Bit mean?

A bit is the smallest amount of data (0 or 1) used when describing the transfer speed of data. Not to be confused with bytes!

What does Bandwidth mean?

You will usually hear this referred to in bits per second (bps), megabits per second (Mbps), or even Gigabits per second (Gbps). It refers to the maximum amount of data transmitted during a specific amount of time – one second.

What does Ethernet mean?

This connects routers and internet enabled devices by wire within your home. The connection is more reliable than Wi-Fi and often preferred by
competitive gamers.

What does Byte mean?

A byte is a unit of data that contains 8 bits. Data storage and file size is usually described in terms of bytes whereas speed of internet is described in bits.

What does Download speed mean?

Like bandwidth, this is the speed at which your connection can receive data FROM the internet. You will see these referred to in Megabits
per second (Mbps) and Gigabits per second (Gbps).

What is Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is a wireless network technology that uses radio signals to connect internet capable devices to a router which in turn connects to the internet.

Top Tips to Keep Kids Safe Online

Keeping Kids Safe OnlineFor Kids:

  • Use trusted websites and ask a responsible adult if in any doubt.
  • Talk to an adult before sharing any personal information such as your phone number or e-mail address.

For Parents:

  • Check your parental controls to help keep kids safe.
  • Talk to your child about which apps and sites they are using, then check the relevant privacy settings.

For more tips and advice on keeping kids safe online, visit www.gov.uk and search for “child safety online for parents”

What can affect Wi-Fi signal strengths & speeds in your home?

What can affect Wi-Fi signal speed and strength

If you’ve experienced the frustration of slow or non-existent Wi-Fi in certain areas of your home, here are some of the most common causes:

Location of your router: How close you are to the router will determine how strong the signal to your device is. Moving your router to a central part of your house or where Wi-Fi is most used, will help with your signal strength.

Number of devices connected: Even if you usually have a great signal but suddenly experience intermittent speeds or buffering, the cause of this can be the number of devices connected using up the bandwidth. Disconnecting devices that aren’t in use will free up bandwidth, allowing you to stream buffer-free.

Wi-Fi devices speed and signal strength

Your house: Brick walls, steel, wooden doors etc. can all cause an obstruction as ultimately, your Wi-Fi signal has to transmit through these different materials. Unfortunately, this one is out of your control

Wi-Fi devices and signal strength through materials

Top Tip: Using an ethernet cable gives you a faster, more reliable and secure connection to the internet, when compared to a wireless connection.