Internet ‘meltdown’ warning as experts predict surge of people logging on during the Olympics

By
Tara Brady

Last updated at 10:24 AM on 5th February 2012

Britain faces an internet meltdown during the London 2012 Olympic Games due to more people going online. 

In a Government document called Preparing your business for the Games, it warns companies they could lose their internet connection between July 27 and August 12.

Data caps could be introduced during peak times to help ease the pressure. 

Crash: Businesses could face an internet meltdown as more people log on at peak times during the London 2012 Olympic Games

Crash: Businesses could face an internet meltdown as more people log on at peak times during the London 2012 Olympic Games

The document reads: ‘It is possible
that internet services may be slower during the Games or, in very severe
cases, there may be drop-outs due to an increased number of people
accessing the internet.

‘In
addition, internet service providers may introduce data caps during
peak times to try and spread the loading and give a more equal service
to their entire customer base.

‘However, this has not yet been confirmed by these ISPs and we hope to have more information nearer to Games time.’

Mobile phone coverage could also be disrupted, the document warns.

‘Additional capacity and coverage for mobile phone networks is being put in around Games venues,’ it says.

Congestion: It is feared the London 2012 Olympics will cause not only transport disruption but also problems online

Congestion: It is feared the London 2012 Olympics will cause not only transport disruption but also problems online

‘This will overlay the existing coverage provision and existing customers can expect a ‘normal’ service during Games-time.

‘However, at times of peak demand it is unavoidable that mobile networks may be slowed down by higher volumes of traffic.

‘Voice,
email and low-data traffic are unlikely to be affected, but it may be
difficult to download larger content such as files or images.’

The government has encouraged London
businesses to let staff work from home or stagger their shifts to ease
congestion on the transport network during the Games.

But
more people working at home could lead to the risk of them being less
effective due to internet traffic problems, some experts have warned.

Meltdown: The government has encouraged London businesses to let staff work from home but this could add to internet traffic

Meltdown: The government has encouraged London businesses to let staff work from home but this could add to internet traffic

Here’s what other readers have said. Why not add your thoughts,
or debate this issue live on our message boards.

The comments below have not been moderated.

Sensationalistic rubbish.

The Olympics is more about making money from construction and media.The sports are a side show.In 200 years will anyone be able to name any winners.Of course not!

I really think people are getting sick of hearing about the Olympics, they are all struggling with there bills, cant afford a ticket anyway. Its going to cause so much congestion problems on the roads, this Countries population is going to soar with people sneaking in to the UK knowing the boarders and checks wont be that great.

The Olympics is one huge media farce.
We won’t be watching the Olympics on TV, let alone the internet.

What exactly ARE the benefits of this ludicrously expensive circus? The worthwhile ethos was totally debased once professionalism was allowed. We simply can’t afford this kind of junket for the extremely few and all sports should now concentrate on their own individual world championships, when supporters can follow their particular interests and favourite competitors.

I think you are over egging your own pudding on this one.

Increased traffic, road closures, told not to ride the Tube, insane building costs, landlord gouging tenants on rent, mobile phone and internet connection interruption/outages, and a myriad of other problems and negatives. Having the Olympics in England is a good idea – WHY? *shaking head*

do people really care about the olympics that much?

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