Streaming Video is Killing Home WiFi

Findings from the Consumer Entertainment Index (CEI) produced by IP, video and broadband technology specialist ARRIS, suggest that binge-viewing has ‘gone solo’ in 2015. According to ARRIS, this gives service providers an opportunity to personalise content and services to the individual, for a more tailored customer experience.

In addition, nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of global consumers have issues with WiFi at home – a likely consequence of the growing number of connected video devices and a tremendous opportunity for service providers to improve connectivity issues, says ARRIS.

The CEI tracks the evolution of entertainment through the lens of consumer engagement with content, connected devices, and each other.

Worldwide, the average home now has six video devices connected to its WiFi network, and the average household spends almost 6.5 hours each week streaming a subscription service. Moreover, four out of five (81 per cent) of those who stream now do so at least weekly, up from 72 per cent just last year. There is a clear connection between WiFi and mobile TV too, with nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) of people who watch mobile TV at least once a week, using WiFi to do so.

These trends are a likely culprit of the Internet issues that nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of global consumers experience, as well as their renewed interest in high-speed Internet in every room of the house – a service that 72 per cent indicated was either very important or vitally important.