New research reveals that 60% of UK households already own up to 20 connected devices and a further fifth of us (19%) own up to 40. With smart tech topping the wish lists of six in 10 (67%) Brits this Christmas, that number looks set to grow.
But despite the nation’s enthusiasm for all things tech, the study, conducted by Vodafone, reveals 34% of Brits are worried about the additional strain on their WiFi over the festive season and almost a third admit they don’t use certain rooms around the house due to slow WiFi.
The research also identified a number of risks to seasonal serenity, with WiFi woes like losing signal in different areas of the home (46%), entertaining the kids (45%) and streaming debates (22%) topping the list of reasons for festive family feuds. This was closely followed by having too many people using WiFi at the same time (19%), cooking Christmas dinner (16%) and cleaning up after the seasonal feast (16%).
Despite 46% planning to have the whole family under one roof this Christmas, nearly half (48%) the nation say having friends and family over significantly slows their internet speed, with six in 10 (58%) believing a strong internet connection is ‘imperative’ to a successful Christmas Day.
Over a quarter (28%) worry their WiFi won’t be able to cope with festive demand, while 37% admit to experiencing frustration when they have trouble connecting in all areas of their home.
To help Brits put an end to their broadband battles, Vodafone offers Pro II broadband, bringing the UK’s fastest WiFi technology throughout the home supported by unbreakable 4G back up. More than 150 devices can be connected to the Vodafone Ultra Hub and Super WiFi 6E Booster, making it easier to keep everyone content and connected in every room this Christmas.
Last night, singing sensation Sophie Ellis-Bextor opened Vodafone’s Ultra Connected Christmas House in partnership with Vodafone – a connected festive home packed full of smart technology designed to put Vodafone’s Pro II broadband to the test.
From using connected kitchen appliances to serve up Quickmas cocktails, to managing multi-player gaming battles and learning how to wrap presents as fast as Pro II’s broadband speeds, the house offers fast, reliable top tips to help keep Christmas running smoothly across all corners of the home – all powered by Pro II Broadband. What’s more, Sophie Ellis-Bextor performed a one-off Christmas kitchen party, complete with smart lighting, disco balls and WiFi powered projections.
“Whether I’m listening to my favourite Christmas playlists, streaming festive films or purchasing last minute gifts, the family and I rely on having super speedy WiFi in all corners of the home. Thanks to Vodafone’s Pro II broadband that offers the UK’s fastest WiFi technology throughout the home, I am safe in the knowledge that connectivity won’t be an issue for us this Christmas”
Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Vodafone’s Ultra Connected Christmas House will be open exclusively today only. Members of the public can book a place to put Pro II broadband to the test and sign up to sessions led by influencers including Scott Can Eats (Quickmas Cocktails), Tomi Adebayo (Gaming) and Adam Ali (Fast Festive Make Up) who will share their most reliable tips for a smooth, stress-free Christmas.
The top 10 tech gifts this Christmas are:
1. Mobile phone
2. Tablets
3. Games console
4. Smart watch
5. Wireless headphones
6. Educational toys
7. Wireless speakers
8. Smart lighting
9. Voice assistant devices e.g. Alexa
10. Children’s music players e.g. Tonie Box