The Network Management Division of Ipswitch Inc., using the results from its World Cup Network Traffic Calculator survey, has predicted that broadband internet bandwidth usage by UK businesses could jump by 30.79% to 71.85% of total capacity during England matches.

In Europe the figure is expected to double, from 40.25% current average bandwidth use, to 78.67% during key match times. The trend does differ somewhat depending on where you are in the world. Despite not usually being thought of as a "football" watching nation, the US is expecting bandwidth use to rise to over 80% during some key matches.


In the UK, matters are further complicated by the majority of games taking place during normal office working hours. As a result, ISPs and employers are bracing themselves for potential network disruption and pressure on internet connectivity as consumers and staff turn to streaming video as a way to keep tabs on the sporting action.

Business ISP Timico UK recently reported that video traffic had grown by around 30% when England were playing one of their pre tournament “friendly” football matches in South Africa. It should also be noted that video traffic on consumer providers often spikes significantly higher than that of business ISPs.

Those fearing an internet crash need not be too concerned. At its height the internet experience for everybody would simply be slower than usual. However now would be a good time to read the fine print of your broadband ISP package, especially if you're planning to watch an abnormally large amount of online video this month.

Some ISPs could charge you extra for such usage, while others may penalise your connection with even slower broadband speeds and a small number might even threaten you with complete disconnection.