16-05-2025
BT, Sky, Virgin Media customers issued Wi-Fi warning to check routers now
UK households have been issued a warning to check if their Wi-Fi routers are due an upgrade.
Requesting an upgrade from their Internet Service Provider (ISP) can lead to peace of mind by the knowledge that your internet is secure, as newer models offer the latest protection against hacking.
Broadband Savvy has issued new guidance, highlighting the leaps in Wi-Fi technology and the pitfalls of clinging to outdated equipment.
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The warning has been specifically issued to those that still use a Wi-Fi 5 router, as they are no longer supported by most ISPs.
They have been eclipsed by newer iterations such as Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and even Wi-Fi 7.
Tom Paton, founder of Broadband Savvy, said: "Compared to more modern standards, like WiFi 6, 6E, and 7, WiFi 5 has significant limitations for the end-user.
"WiFi 5 is fine for slower broadband connections, such as the 30-50 Mbps packages that were popular in 2010-2015, as long as you don't have lots of internet-connected devices.
"But certain providers are still shipping these routers to customers buying an ultrafast broadband plan, even though they're not designed for this."
He added: "Most broadband plans on the market at the moment come with a 24 month contract.
"In two years' time, WiFi 5 will be essentially obsolete, which is why we're urging broadband providers to at least offer the option of a better router on their fast fibre plans."
If you haven't checked for upgrades with you ISP in some time, it's important that you do, as if could signify that you're overdue an newer, safer, model.
Tom adds: "When buying, insist on at least a WiFi 6 router - but be aware that one or two major providers still don't offer this as an option," noted Paton.
"For example, as a cheaper, more basic provider, Plusnet is still shipping the Smart Hub 2 WiFi 5 router, even on their ultrafast 500 Mbps and 900 Mbps plans.
"On the other hand, EE offers the choice of a WiFi 6 or WiFi 7 router across all of their tariffs."
