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UK’s ‘worst’ broadband confirmed and these postcodes come top of the bad list

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Worst UK broadband

Worst UK broadband (Image: GETTY)

It’s probably one of the most annoying things about UK broadband speeds. When everyone is out during the day, downloads remain rapid due to low usage, but in the evenings, things then grind to a halt due to online congestion. Broadband is a bit like a motorway as the more traffic that runs along it the slower it gets. So, when everyone is at home after work, speeds can suddenly drop.

Now a new report from the team at Broadband Genie reveals the areas where users suffer the worst slowdowns at peak times and it’s bad news for anyone living in Wigan (WN1).

According to Broadband Genie, users in this area can see download performance drop by a whopping 55 percent between 7pm and 11pm.

Next on the list is Galashiels (TD1), in Scotland, followed by Harrogate (HG1), Exeter (EX1) and Rochester (ME1).

SEE THE PERFORMANCE CHART BELOW

Wigan • Off peak 167Mbps – Peak (7pm to 11pm) 75Mbps – 55% change

Galashiels • Off peak 135Mbps – Peak 77Mbps – 43% change

Harrogate • Off peak 133Mbps – Peak 81Mbps – 39% change

Exeter • Off peak 55Mbps – Peak 34Mbps – 37% change

Rochester • Off peak 195 Mbps – Peak 127Mbps – 35% change

So what about the best towns for not dropping speeds?

At the other end of the table is Newport, where speeds actually increase in the evening. Oxford, Glasgow, Blackburn and Cambridge also performed well, with users getting improved performance at night.

Download speed chart

Download speed chart (Image: EXPRESS)

“Have you ever noticed your broadband slowing down in the evening? Just like our roads, our internet network can experience congestion,” Broadband Genie explained.

“We have analysed 144,509 broadband speed tests to find the best and worst locations where your broadband speed drops at peak times.

“Broadband customers in Wigan experience the biggest drop off at peak times. On average, users see their broadband speed drop by 55%.”

“Surprisingly, not all areas were affected as badly at peak times. Broadband customers in Newport typically see a speed boost at peak times.”

Along with towns, Broadband Genie also says that different parts of the country perform better than others.

Scotland comes out on top, with speeds improving at peak times. Wales and the East of England also perform well.

Coming bottom of the league is the South West, with things dropping by around 15 per cent in the evening compared to daytime speeds.

Of course, there are some things UK homes can do to help improve downloads, including making sure their router is in a prime position and keeping it clear from obstacles. Virgin Media has also issued recent advice, recommending that routers be rebooted to clear any issues.



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Critical alert issued to all Windows users and you must restart your PC now

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If you use a PC powered by Windows, you definitely need to head straight to your settings and download the very latest update from Microsoft. The US technology giant has just released its Patch Tuesday security updates, and it’s one of the biggest ever. In fact, this upgrade fixes a total of 206 flaws, with 32 of them being given a “critical” rating. If that wasn’t bad enough, a further three of these bugs are thought to be “zero-day” flaws, which means hackers already know about them and could attack PC owners in the future.

One of these issues is so serious that it could even allow cybercriminals to gain full control of a compromised system, putting personal data at risk. Another could allow an attacker with physical access to bypass BitLocker Device Encryption and gain access to encrypted data.

By installing the latest updates, devices will be protected from any attacks, which is why it’s vital to check settings without delay.

“This month’s Patch Tuesday fixes 206 security flaws in Microsoft software, making it the biggest Patch Tuesday release ever,” the security experts at Malwarebytes explained.

“The update includes 32 critical vulnerabilities, as well as three publicly disclosed zero-days. “Microsoft classifies these as zero-days because information about the vulnerabilities became public before patches were available.

“None are known to have been actively exploited by attackers.”

To check if your PC is ready for this vital upgrade, simply head to your settings and go to Windows Update.

Then check for any impending updates from Microsoft. If updates are found, they’ll start downloading automatically. Once complete, you’ll see a button that says Install or Restart now.

It’s then vital to follow that command and let your device reboot, as once things are fully updated, you’ll be protected from future issues.

“The huge number of fixed vulnerabilities makes this the largest Patch Tuesday since Microsoft launched the program in October 2003,” Malwarebytes added.

“The company introduced the monthly update schedule after the Blaster worm caused disruption in the early days of Windows.”



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Impressive Samsung Galaxy rival finally comes to the UK with one big advantage

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After months of waiting, UK Android fans will finally be able to get their hands on a new foldable phone next month. The hugely impressive Honor Magic V6 was first announced all the way back in March. Now it’s finally ready to be unleashed in Britain, and it gets one big advantage over its Galaxy Z Fold rival. Those who buy one on launch day will be treated to a whopping £500 discount, which means this device can be bagged for £1499.99. Yes, that’s still ludicrously expensive, but it’s £300 cheaper than Samsung’s bendable phone.

So, what do you get for your money?

The Honor Magic V6 features a 6.52-inch cover screen and a design that opens like a book to reveal a massive 7.95-inch main display that feels a little like a tablet. Both panels feature a speedy 120Hz refresh rate for fast scrolling and advanced eye-comfort technologies to help reduce strain during long periods of use.

The phone is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and features a massive 6660mAh Silicon-Carbon battery.

Despite being ultra-thin, Honor is promising that its premium design should help this device survive life in pockets. There’s even a Super Steel Hinge, featuring an industry-leading tensile strength, for improved durability. The V6 is also the first ever folding phone to come with IP68 and IP69 water and dust resistance certifications

The device also supports impressive 80W Wired and 66W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge technology, alongside Wireless Reverse Charging.

On the rear case is a triple-lens camera system that features a main 50MP lens flanked by a 50MP ultrawide and a 64MP 3x optical telephoto lens. There’s plenty of AI baked in to help every snap look like it’s been shot by a pro.

The HONOR Magic V6 is usually priced at a whopping £1999.99.

As we mentioned earlier, stores such as Argos, Amazon, Very, Currys will automatically include a £500 discount at purchase in addition to a gift with purchase bundle valued at £549.97

This includes an Honor Choice Projector Air Pro (£249.99), Honor Choice Headphones Max – (£149.99) and Honor Choice Watch 2 Epic (£149.99).

“The industry needs the courage to evolve. Foldable users should never have to compromise between design, reliability, and performance,” said Roger Li, CEO of HONOR UK. “With the HONOR Magic V6, we focused on what truly matters: a natural form factor, trustworthy durability, and seamless cross-ecosystem productivity. HONOR Magic V6 reflects our commitment to building AI devices that empower people to realise their fullest potential, as we set out to do with our HONOR ALPHA PLAN.”



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Amazon confirms free Fire TV Stick upgrade and you can get it today

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A nice free upgrade is arriving today on Fire TV devices that should help boost the experience when tuning in to the World Cup. This global football tournament kicks off today, June 11, and there’s a smart way to make sure you don’t miss any of the on-pitch action. Amazon says Fire TV customers can easily watch live FIFA World Cup content via their preferred service provider such as BBC or ITV.

That’s not all. Free content, including highlights and expert commentary, will also be available throughout the tournament for Fire TV customers in the UK and Germany. That means it will be quick and easy to catch up with any moments that might have been missed.

Along with instant access to winning goals and penalty shootouts, Amazon is also making it easier to find fixtures, news and updates via simple Alexa voice commands.

“Customers can ask Alexa+ at any time to get player and team updates—such as goal tallies, match locations, kickoff times, or teams performance stats—access highlights or help them get in the tournament spirit,” Amazon explained.

Here are some things to try. Just ask…

“Alexa, when is Argentina’s first FIFA World Cup match?”

“Alexa, which team has scored the most FIFA World Cup goals ever?”

“Alexa, what are the chances the U.S. is going to make it to the knockout round?”

“Alexa, show me soccer movies to get me ready for the FIFA World Cup.”

“Fire TV is bringing soccer fans around the world unique viewing experiences to their screens at home,” Amazon’s Isaac Schultz explained.

“With 48 teams, 104 matches, and three host nations, this is the biggest FIFA World Cup™ ever—and Fire TV is making sure customers don’t miss a single goal.”

It’s not just Amazon releasing updates in time for the World Cup.

Sky has confirmed the release of a blockbuster free upgrade, with the firm bringing a new feature to some customers called “Real Time”. This basically reduces the latency when streaming live sports, that’s something that has been a major frustration of watching things such as football in the past. For those not aware, most live streams – via services such as BBC iPlayer and ITVX – are often up to 40 seconds behind terrestrial and satellite feeds.

“Sky is launching Real Time, a new feature for Sky Glass and Stream, powered by Sky OS,” Sky said in an email sent to Express.co.uk.

“It brings live sport closer to the moment by reducing latency between the live action and what viewers see on screen.

“Available on select live sports, including the World Cup on BBC and ITV, Real Time helps fans follow matches with less lag and fewer spoilers”

Here’s how to switch it on

Select the Real Time option on screen during supported live sports to adjust the stream. Real Time is available on Sky Glass and Sky Stream via the opt-in button or via the dedicated channels:

BBC One HD RT – EPG number 926-944 (depending on region)

ITV1 HD RT – EPG channel 945

ITV4 HD RT – EPG channel 946



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