Christmas lights 'could reduce domestic broadband speeds'

Interference caused by Christmas lights positioned near computers and laptops could result in lower broadband speeds over the holidays, says an internet service provider (ISP).

According to TalkTalk Broadband, interference from a range of electrical systems can affect broadband speeds and with many additional lights having been set up over Christmas, the problem could be amplified.

The ISP urged web users to make sure they buy their Christmas lights from reputable retailers and to keep them as far away from broadband routers as possible.

Sylvain Thevenot, senior director of products and alliances for TalkTalk, said on the ISP's blog: "Although it might sound silly, interference from domestic lighting and wiring is a major problem across the industry and at this time of year Christmas lights tend to aggravate it."

He added that having Christmas lights positioned near broadband routers and flashing could intensify the problem even more.

Fibre optic networks increase connection speeds and can be used to make VoIP solutions more efficient.