Netflix and ill: Surging internet demand due to coronavirus self-isolation could force streaming services to be restricted – as a warning comes that the ‘inferior NBN won’t cope with demand’
- Companies are bracing for a spike in network traffic as thousands self-isolate
- Streaming services such as Netflix or Stan could be restricted to help cope
- Telsoc warned NBN won’t be able to cope with influx in data usage and demand
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
Internet providers and online streaming services are bracing for a surge in data usage as thousands of Australians confine themselves to their homes amid a looming coronavirus lockdown.
The National Broadband Network (NBN) revealed it is already experiencing a spike in traffic as more workers are being told to work from home to prevent further spread of COVID-19.
A potential lockdown, which can see as many hundreds of thousands of employees working remotely, has sparked concerns NBN will not be able to cope with the unprecedented level of pressure, The New Daily reported.
The National Broadband Network (NBN) revealed it is already experiencing a spike in traffic as more workers are being told to work from home to prevent further spread of COVID-19
The overload of data usage could even lead to restrictions on Netflix and other streaming services, which take up 70 to 80 per cent of the load in the country
‘These are unprecedented times and we are already seeing a steady increase in demand on the NBN, and this is set to continue,’ chief executive Stephen Rue said.
‘For many Australians, the NBN and other broadband and mobile networks will become the primary channel for work, study, entertainment, ordering food and maintaining contact with the outside world.’
However, Telsoc vice president Laurie Patton NBN wasn’t ready to face the spike in traffic.
‘Working from home requires the ability to send large amounts of data as well as receive data. The reality is fibre is symmetrical – it can deliver fast broadband in both directions. FTTN is slow going down but impossibly slower going up,’ she told the ABC.
‘Mathias Cormannn has predicted that businesses will go broke due to the coronavirus. Our inferior NBN won’t help.’
The overload of data usage could even lead to restrictions on Netflix and other streaming services, which take up 70 to 80 per cent of the load in the country, according to Telstra’s Michael Ackland.
Communications Minister Paul Fletcher on Monday held a teleconference with senior executives of NBN Co, Optus, Telstra, Vodafone, TPG and Vocus.
The companies have set up a working group to share information with each around issues emerging from the virus, such as engineering, security and operations.
‘Our telcos are quickly responding to the evolving challenges of COVID-19 and have in place business continuity plans to continue to deliver vital telecommunications services,’ Mr Fletcher said.
A growing list of companies have ordered their staff to work from home (stock image)
The companies are bracing from the increase in network traffic after Italy reported a 26 per cent increase in fixed line peak hour network traffic because of more people working from home.
The telcos are also awaiting advice from the government on how to protect technicians against customers that are self-isolating.
Some of Victoria’s biggest universities are moving classes online after a state of emergency was declared in Victoria to deal with the spread of COVID-19.
From Tuesday, La Trobe, Monash and Swinburne universities have suspended all classes until the end of the week so staff can prepare for online learning.
The state of emergency was declared to enforce the national 14-day isolation sanctions on all travellers coming into Australia, announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison at the weekend.
Anyone returning from overseas will have to self-isolate or risk fines of up to $20,000, while police officers will have the power to can detain people, restrict movement and prevent entry to premises.