Bangkok April 2020

EMENT
BUSINESS SUPPLEMENT
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“Bits n Bytes”
STEVE DICKENS
USEFUL INTERNET HINTS & TIPS
DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS
As we spend more time
at home during the Covid-19
crisis, we will rely on our internet
connections more and
more.
Here are a few hints and
tips from around the internet
that hopefully will be useful.
Advice in the UK, which
is equally applicable here,
is that people should avoid
using the microwave at the
same time as their wi-fi, media
regulator Ofcom has said,
as part of advice to help improve
internet speeds.
It comes as millions of
people are working remotely
and relying on streaming services
after people are told to
"stay at home".
This has put pressure on
broadband providers, with the
UK’s BT's Openreach reporting
a 20% surge in internet
use.
Ofcom's advice ranges
from the seemingly obvious,
like downloading films in advance
rather than streaming
them when someone else may
be trying to make a video call,
to the less expected.
"Did you know that microwave
ovens can also reduce
wi-fi signals?" Ofcom asks.
"So don't use the microwave
when you're making
video calls, watching HD videos
or doing something important
online."
Other tips include:
• Position your internet
router as far as possible from
other devices that may interfere
with the signal, such as
on a table or shelf rather than
the floor
• Keep your router switched
on
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• If you're carrying out video
calls or meetings, turning the
video off and using audio will
require much less of your internet
connection
• Try starting those calls
at less common times, rather
than on the hour or half hour
• For the best broadband
speeds, use an ethernet cable
to connect your computer directly
to your router rather than
using wi-fi
• Where possible, try not to
use a telephone extension lead,
as these can cause interference
which could lower your speed.
Devices that can interfere
with router signals include:
cordless phones, baby monitors,
halogen lamps, dimmer
switches, stereos and computer
speakers, TVs and monitors.
It is also advised making
calls on a landline where possible,
citing an increase in the
demand on mobile networks.
"If you do need to use your
mobile, try using your settings
to turn on wi-fi calling," Ofcom
said.
"Similarly, you can make
voice calls over the internet using
apps like Facetime, Skype
or WhatsApp."
The regulator also suggested
disconnecting devices that
were not in use.
"The more devices attached
to your wi-fi, the lower the
speed you get," it said.
"Devices like tablets and
smartphones often work in
the background, so try switching
wi-fi reception off on these
when you're not using them."
Ofcom is not the only organisation
taking action to maximise
internet speeds during the
lockdown. Streaming platforms
including Facebook, Netflix,
Disney+ and YouTube have already
reduced the quality of
videos in an attempt to ease the
strain on internet service providers.
But the internet companies
say they can handle the pressure,
so use your connection
wisely and hang on in there!
Keep safe!
Steve Dickens
has worked in managerial and consultancy roles for over 40 years
with international technology companies, 15 of which have been here
in Thailand. He can be contacted at stevedickens@hotmail.com
Contact Ben
0846 77 43 60
ben.hightowerltd@gmail.com
Email: ben.hightowerltd@gmail.com
www.Thailand-Business-Supplement.com
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