Virgin Media users have been experiencing issues with their broadband and have been struggling to get connected to the internet on April 27, leaving thousands of people without an internet connection.
This may not sound too serious, but our current lockdown means we are all working and studying from home, so an internet connection is essential.
Being connected to the internet is also how most people are staying linked to their family and friends during this pandemic.
At Nottingham Trent University, just like all the others in the UK, students are studying from home. This means watching lectures and attending seminars online, as well as submitting assessments and coursework online.
Mel Chilekwa, a second-year Business Management and Accounting and Finance student, 21, said she had noticed issues a few days ago but “today and yesterday were particularly bad as I couldn’t access it throughout most of the day”.
Mel added: “I was trying to finish and submit coursework, but I couldn’t.
“I had to buy data and then share it with my laptop in order to do so.”
Alex J Cummins-D’Souza, a final year French and Philosophy student, 23, said: “I started noticing problems somewhere between 8 and 8:30 pm.
“The internet simply cut out initially, then was very slow to load any kind of webpage.”
Yesterday was an important day for all NTU students due to the NTSU elections, so there was an additional need for students being able to get online.
Alex himself was running for VP Community and Welfare and has been using Facebook adverts to spread information about his campaign.
He said: “As the internet cuts out it’s taken me twice as long.
“This could easily have an impact on the adverts impact, several people may not see my ads in time and vote for someone else as a result.”
However, some Virgin Media customers are managing to stay online with the company.
English Literature Reasearch Masters student Emily Binks, 31, said: “I have Virgin Media, but other than a bit of slow buffering today it’s been ok.”
Virgin Media are still working on what they have said is a broadband connectivity issue and are encouraging people to use their hotspots in the meantime.
By Laycie Beck
Featured photo credit: Pixabay.