Are Your Neighbours Slowing Down Your Internet?
Here’s Why It Happens and What You Can Do About It 
There are few things more frustrating than a slow internet connection especially when you’re paying for a high-speed service.
One of the lesser-known culprits behind sluggish speeds is your own neighbourhood and the houses around you. That’s right: your neighbours might be unintentionally affecting your internet performance, especially during peak times.
Why It Happens
The main reason for this lies in how internet infrastructure is often shared. In many areas, particularly those not yet upgraded to full fibre (FTTP), broadband services operate on a shared network model. This means that while your internet connection is separate from your neighbours in terms of data security, it may still be sharing the same physical line or local exchange infrastructure.
When multiple households in your area stream HD videos, game online, or work remotely at the same time, it can put significant demand on that shared infrastructure. This is especially noticeable during peak hours which are typically between 6 PM and 10 PM when internet usage across the UK surges as people return home from work and school.
In fact, Ofcom’s 2023 Connected Nations Report found that nearly 68% of UK households experienced a noticeable drop in broadband speed during peak times, primarily due to network congestion. 
Wi-Fi Interference in Dense Areas
Even if you’re on your own individual broadband line, Wi-Fi interference from neighbouring networks can also degrade your connection quality. This is common in flats, holiday park homes, or terraced homes where dozens of Wi-Fi routers might be broadcasting on similar frequencies.
Consumer routers often default to the same channels especially on the crowded 2.4GHz band which unfortunately results in signal overlap and slower performance. Think of it as multiple people trying to have different conversations in the same room: it’s harder to hear clearly when everyone’s talking over each other. 
What Can You Do?
If you suspect your internet is being affected by neighbouring usage or Wi-Fi congestion, there are several practical steps you can take.
Firstly, if you’re not already on a full-fibre broadband connection, check if one is available in your area. Full fibre provides a dedicated line to your property, eliminating the performance drops caused by shared infrastructure. Vfast, for instance, offers ultrafast full-fibre services to many parts of Kent and across the UK, with speeds that remain consistent no matter how many neighbours are online.
For Wi-Fi issues, consider upgrading to a dual-band or tri-band router that can intelligently switch devices to less congested frequencies. If you live in a large property or one with thick walls, using mesh Wi-Fi systems can vastly improve coverage and reduce interference from surrounding networks.
It’s also worth doing a speed test at different times of the day. If your speeds are consistently slower in the evening, it’s a strong indicator of congestion, and it may be time to upgrade your package or switch providers.
To summarise:
- Upgrade to full-fibre broadband: If available, switching to a full-fibre (FTTP) connection provides a dedicated line to your property, avoiding congestion caused by shared infrastructure.
- Use a dual-band or tri-band router: These routers can distribute devices across multiple frequency bands, helping to reduce Wi-Fi interference.
- Install a mesh Wi-Fi system: Ideal for large homes or properties with thick walls, mesh systems improve coverage and minimise dead zones by broadcasting a consistent signal throughout your home.
- Run speed tests at different times: Testing your internet speed during peak and off-peak hours can help determine whether your slowdown is caused by network congestion.
- Switch providers if necessary: If your current provider can’t meet your speed needs or offers inconsistent service, consider switching to a provider like Vfast that specialises in high-speed, reliable connectivity—even in more rural or crowded areas.
Don’t Settle for “Good Enough” Internet
A slow connection doesn’t have to be the norm. With the right provider and the right setup, you can enjoy fast, stable internet regardless of what your neighbours are doing and when they are online.
At Vfast, we specialise in delivering high-speed, future-proof broadband to both rural and urban homes. Whether you're in a city/town centre or a quiet coastal village, we’re here to keep you connected, without compromise.
Ready to boost your broadband and leave slow speeds behind? Get in touch with the Vfast team today to find out what’s available in your area.
Contact the Vfast team on 0330 324 0324 / sales@vfast.co.uk