Top tips to keep you better connected to the internet and your mobile phone
What’s in this top tips guide?
• How to raise your internet speed
• How to Stay Safe online
• What the Telecommunications companies have agreed
• Available networks and internet speeds in your area
✓ Tips to raise your internet speed
The position of your router can make a difference to the speeds. When using Wi-Fi, the nearer you are to the router, the better your signal, and therefore the faster your broadband
Where possible, try to:
o Choose a central location in your home.
o Position the router high up with no obstacles around it.
o Don't place router in a cupboard, drawer or surround with objects.
o Try other phone sockets to see if you can get better speeds, plugging your router directly into your main phone socket. The distance between your router and devices should be kept to a minimum where possible.
o Use an Ethernet cable into the router, if your Wi-Fi is not working.
o Keep your router away from other devices. For example, electrical equipment including TV’s and microwave ovens.
o Turn off Wi-Fi on devices you're not using – the more being used, the lower the speed you'll get. Especially if someone is streaming a movie in another room.
o Makes sure your device is updated, for example, latest browser and security.
✓ Stay safe online (gov.uk)
The UK Safer Internet Centre gives advice on how to stay safe online and can be found at www.saferinternet.org.uk
Also, at www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-staying-safe-online
1. Checking your security and privacy settings.
2. Updating your devices to improve your security.
3. Blocking unsuitable content.Protect yourself against Scams
4. Criminals will use every opportunity to scam innocent people. Beware of fraud and scams online including Covid-19 related phishing emails and text messages. There is guidance on how to recognise these emails.
5. Do not give out your personal information to websites or in response to emails/text messages you do not recognise or trust.Cyber Crime
6. There is also information on how you can protect yourself from fraud and cyber crime.
7. If you think you have been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber crime the UK’s national reporting centre and can be found at: www.actionfraud.police.uk
Check the facts
Not all information online is reliable. Use the SHARE checklist to make sure:
• Source - make sure information comes from a trusted source
• Headline - always read beyond the headline
• Analyse - check the facts
• Retouched - does the image or video look as if it has been doctored?
• Error - look out for bad grammar and spelling
✓ Telecom Companies Agreement
The UK’s major telecommunications providers have committed to support and protect, vulnerable consumers and those who may become vulnerable due to circumstances arising from Covid-19. These companies have all committed to:
• Working with customers finding it difficult to pay their bill as a result of Covid-19.
• Removing all data allowance caps on all current fixed broadband services.
• Offering some new, generous mobile and landline packages to make sure people are connected and the most vulnerable continue to be supported, including extra data at low prices and free calls from their landline or mobile.
• Making sure vulnerable customers or those self-isolating receive alternative methods of communication wherever possible if priority repairs to fixed broadband and landlines cannot be carried out.
For details of mobile phone deals try www.moneysavingexpert.com/phones/cut-mobile-tariff/
✓ Available networks and internet speeds in your area
Try the following links in your browser – add your postcode and see the results!
o www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/advice/ofcom-checker
o www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk/speed-checker/
Visit the Somerset EBP Covid-19 Resource hub for more information
Somerset County Council links
• www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus/
• www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus/covid-19-mental-health-information/
• www.supportservicesforeducation.co.uk/Search/Somerset
• choices.somerset.gov.uk/025/health/coronavirus-covid-19/
Released On 19th Jun 2020