According to a recent report the demand for broadband access has become so great that there is now a risk of Internet log jams

Over recent years many people have become reliant on the Internet for many reasons, ranging from leisure use and recreational use, to study and education, and for business use. A recent report has claimed that the demand for broadband has now become so high that there is a risk of a drastic slowdown of the whole Internet because of a huge expansion in broadband use.

Officials state that the demand and rising use of broadband is putting increased strain on the system, and this could result in users experiencing log jams that could result in a complete slowdown of the whole system. Investigations have been launched by the communications regulator Ofcom.
One industry official stated: ‘This is a developing crisis. In fixed line there is still capacity, but it is dominated by BT. Mobile operators with very spread out networks of masts are finding life really tough as their links have traditionally only been used for voice.’
An official from Ofcom said: ‘Consumers understandably want access to fast and reliable broadband services and the market already offers many different packages. ‘Industry increasingly looks to upgrade from the traditional copper network to the new fibre connections to meet the demand for greater speed, to ensure it is competitive and, above all, can be developed to benefit Britain’s broadband consumers at the earliest possible opportunity.’
She continued: ‘Alongside this, BT and other providers are investing in new, more efficient ways of providing network connections by upgrading their middle mile infrastructure, which provides part of a broadband network, to handle increased traffic volumes. We are currently consulting on how to ensure competition in this market and expect to publish a statement in the autumn.’