Skip to main content Tech Radar Pro Tech Radar Gaming Tech Radar Pro TechRadar the business technology experts Search TechRadar View Profile België (Nederlands) Deutschland North America US (English) Australasia New Zealand Expert Insights Website builders Web hosting World Password Day Best website builder Best web hosting Best office chairs Expert Insights Every weekday, the internet in the UK registers a huge spike at 15:40: here's why and why it matters to millions Efosa Udinmwen Hybrid workers are losing productivity, thanks to a daily screen-time showdown in UK homes When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Shutterstock) Half of parents work after school, causing a broadband battle with streaming-addicted children One Wi-Fi, two needs: entertainment for kids, connectivity for remote staff - someone’s going to lose Virgin Media O2 is pouring £2 billion into fixing the UK’s growing digital traffic jam Across the UK, something curious happens at exactly 15:40 every weekday, as bBroadband networks feel the weight of millions of simultaneous logins as children return home and switch straight into digital mode. New Virgin Media O2 network analysis reveals a consistent afternoon surge in traffic, fueled largely by streaming services such as YouTube and on-demand TV platforms, as with parents often still working, this overlap is more than a coincidence. Nearly half of UK parents (46%) say they continue working after the school pickup, relying on screens to keep their kids occupied. The spikes extend to around 17:00, a direct result of dual demand: children seeking entertainment and adults trying to stay productive. You may like How the hybrid work boom reshapes corporate security UK workers are spending more than one day per week tracking down information 85% of UK employers admit to spying on their employees – and workers aren't happy Unexpected digital rush after school – not a harmless strain This surge in data usage may seem harmless, but it directly impacts Quality of Service (QoS). Broadband availability comes under pressure as resources are stretched, and businesses with remote staff may experience dips in connection quality, causing video call freezes, cloud sync delays, or lost productivity. It also highlights the need for businesses with hybrid teams to support staff with remote-ready solutions, whether by offering IT guidance, subsidising hardware upgrades, or providing mobile connectivity kits to ensure uninterrupted productivity during peak traffic windows. Virgin Media O2 says it is addressing these pressures with £2 billion in annual investments to enhance its networks. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. “Our data shows just how essential connectivity is to modern family life. With parents juggling busy schedules and children going online to learn, stay entertained, and chat with friends, our gigabit broadband ensures everyone stays connected - without the arguments,” said Jeanie York, CTO at Virgin Media O2. QoS isn’t just about broadband speed; it’s also about infrastructure and management. Businesses and families can ease pressure on their networks by upgrading to a better WiFi router for device prioritization or deploying a mobile hotspot as a backup during critical calls. Security, too, becomes a pressing concern. With so many young users online each afternoon, the risk of unsafe content or unwanted interactions increases. To tackle this, Virgin Media O2 is partnering with Internet Matters to provide helpful resources, including the “Find the Right Words” campaign and guidance on setting up the parental control tools. You might also like These are the best streaming VPNs around Take a look at the best VPN with antivirus available now Research claims the data center industry has a long way to go on sustainability Efosa Udinmwen Freelance Journalist Efosa has been writing about technology for over 7 years, initially driven by curiosity but now fueled by a strong passion for the field. He holds both a Master's and a PhD in sciences, which provided him with a solid foundation in analytical thinking. Efosa developed a keen interest in technology policy, specifically exploring the intersection of privacy, security, and politics. His research delves into how technological advancements influence regulatory frameworks and societal norms, particularly concerning data protection and cybersecurity. Upon joining TechRadar Pro, in addition to privacy and technology policy, he is also focused on B2B security products. 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