From laundry to laptops — can your WiFi handle the load?

We’re thrilled that popular radio presenter Chris Evans gave us a shout out on his Virgin Radio show this morning, calling Gigaclear full fibre broadband the best value! For us that’s huge, because we’ve always believed rural residents should have the access to premium connectivity without the premium price tag.
Give the show a listen, in it they talk in depth about the surprising number of household items that rely on your broadband, with the conversation first starting with a WiFi enabled washing machine!
That got us thinking…the festive season is upon us and with it comes family gatherings, new gadgets and devices under the tree - Christmas movie streaming, gaming (Red Dead Redemption), and video calls. But here’s something you might not have thought about: just how many devices in your home are connected to your WiFi? And can it handle the pressure?
It’s not just laptops and phones anymore. Today’s homes are packed with smart tech, from coffee machines that brew on command to washing machines you control from your phone (ask Chris Evans about this). Add in gaming consoles, smart TVs, voice assistants, and security systems, and suddenly your broadband is working harder than ever.
The Smart home checklist
Take a quick count of what’s connected in your home right now:
• Smart TV or streaming device (Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV)
• Voice assistants (Alexa, Google Home)
• Smart speakers
• Tablets and smartphones
• Gaming consoles
• Smart washing machine or dryer (plus other smart appliances)
• Coffee machine with app control
• Smart fridge or kitchen appliances
• Video doorbell or home security system
• Heating or lighting controlled by WiFi
• Baby monitors
• Smart fitness equipment
Now, think about what’s coming this Christmas - new tech gifts, extra guests, and more devices online all at the same time. That’s a lot of demand on your connection, and a lot of pressure on you.
Why It matters
When your broadband struggles, it’s not just annoying - it can disrupt everything from streaming your favourite Christmas movies to controlling your heating. A strong, reliable connection is essential for keeping your home running smoothly, your family and friends happy, and your festive plans stress-free.
If you’re on old part fibre broadband and not getting the speeds or reliability you deserve, it’s time to upgrade to 100% full fibre. Gigaclear broadband gives you:
• Speeds up to 15x faster for multiple devices all at the same time
• Rock-solid reliability, even when the house is full
• A future-proof connection for all the smart gadgets you’ll add next year
• Plus, we’re rated Excellent on Trustpilot - so you’re in safe hands
Give The Chris Evans Breakfast Show a listen here
