Demon warns over World Cup traffic spike

England-Slovenia game put pressure on SMEs' networks, according to ISP

Own goal: Demon has warned that SMEs could suffer downtime

ISP Demon registered a 55 per cent spike in internet traffic during the England-Slovenia game yesterday.

With a number of media channels streaming World Cup matches, Demon warned that SMEs could suffer a slowdown or even downtime in their network if they are not fully prepared.

According to Demon’s figures, internet usage peaked at 3pm when it was 55 per cent higher than the ordinary working Wednesday. It dropped back to 40 per cent above the average at 3.30pm before falling to two per cent below average at 5pm.

Matt Cantwell, head of Demon, said: “Customers see the internet as a utility and yet their networks might not be able to cope with the demands like electricity can. The surge in internet traffic could cause problems for SMEs, who are the lifeblood the UK’s economy.”

Demon said it will continue to publish internet usage stats on its web site following each England match.