Internet use has more than doubled since the start of the pandemic

As 2021 drew to a close, we took a look back at how our internet usage habits have changed. Brand-new data reveals that the biggest peak in internet bandwidth consumption on our network last year was in December, 27% higher than 2020's peak, which was also in December. What's more, data shows that average internet usage has increased by 113% since March 2020

A newsworthy year

With numerous news events dominating the media landscape throughout the year, the BBC’s highest peak in 2021 on the Zen network was 74% higher than the 2020 peak, evidence that the UK public turns to this key platform for news coverage on critical issues. The 2021 peak coincided with the Prime Minister’s address to the nation on 12th December, and in 2020, the peak was on 13th December at a time when the Brexit trade deal between the UK and the EU was being finalised.

Some of the top news moments of 2021 (Zen's BBC traffic)

1. Prime Minister’s address to the nation 12th December – peak in usage (+74% on 2020’s peak)
2. COP26 final commitments, 13th November – 23% higher traffic than average
3. Capitol Riots in the US, 6th January – 11% higher traffic than average

Entertainment escapism

With UK consumers balancing lighter relief against the backdrop of more serious news events, online entertainment also continued to drive surges in internet bandwidth consumption. Sporting events such as the UEFA Euros in the summer as well as big game launches and TV moments have impacted internet usage with individual spikes of up to 15% against running average consumption.

At the close of 2021, Zen CEO Paul Stobart commented: “As we reach the end of the year, it is instructive to review where peaks and troughs in internet traffic have taken place through what has been another turbulent 12 months for consumers. What is apparent is that demand for reliable connectivity in the UK has not only remained high but has continued to grow beyond 2020’s unprecedented levels.

“With the internet being a fundamental enabler of work and play, we don’t expect this demand to drop anytime soon. Looking to 2022 and beyond, there will be an increasing demand for reliable and resilient broadband connectivity.”