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School Wi-Fi Scheme For Schools Scrapped Except for RISE Schools

 A new government scheme will offer certain schools £25m worth of support to boost connectivity in the classroom – Available only to RISE schools. 

The Regional Improvement in Standards and Excellence (RISE) initiative is a government program to support struggling schools, aiming to improve school standards through targeted interventions and universal support. 

Connect the Classroom Scheme

Under this new scheme, grants will be provided to schools eligible for RISE improvement support, helping to boost classroom connectivity. 

Previously, funding had been prioritised for all schools that were located in an Education Investment Area (EIA) as part of the Connect the Classroom Scheme

However, the new government axed the EIA and new eligibility criteria was drawn up. 

It has been recently confirmed by the Department for Education that schools receiving targeted intervention through the RISE initiative will be eligible for the Connect the Classroom scheme. 

Wi-Fi For Schools – Eligibility Criteria for Funding

Schools eligible will be contacted directly by the DfE to receive funding. Eligibility criteria for receiving funding includes falling below their Wi-Fi Connectivity Standards for schools and colleges which can be found here. This includes:

  • Using the latest wireless network standards
  • Having a full functional signal from your wireless network throughout the school or college buildings and externally when required
  • Have a solution that can centrally manage the wireless network
  • Installing security features to stop unauthorised access

Do you know what network standards your school or college should meet on wireless performance, coverage, management and security? You can check the DfE’s network standards for schools and colleges online.

£25m of Funding Available This Financial Year

Following the £215 million investment between 2021 and 2025, there is £25 million available this financial year 2025 – 2026. 

Schools Week, a weekly publication focused on education news and analysis primarily for school leaders and other education professionals, obtained figures showing how many schools were given Wi-Fi funding and support over the last few years:

  • 2021: 428 schools received support
  • 2022: 229 schools received £12.5 million in funding from the scheme
  • 2023: 1,303 schools received £94 million in funding from the scheme

The government confirmed that approximately 400 schools were due to get support and funding through the Connect the Classroom scheme. It added that despite the number of eligible schools being lower, the money will reach more secondary schools and thus benefit more pupils. 

Wi-Fi Fix for Schools

Quality Wi-Fi is crucial in schools – It’s vital that pupils have access to a strong, reliable network to access online learning resources, facilitate collaboration, and support various educational activities. 

A reliable and secure Wi-Fi network ensures students can access digital content, collaborate on projects, and participate in online learning platforms. 

But if you work in a school or college then you know all that already! If you’re concerned that your school or college Wi-Fi network is not performing optimally, but it perhaps doesn’t meet the eligibility criteria for funding via RISE and Connect the Classroom, then get in touch with one of our Wi-Fi experts for your school. 

Our dedicated Wi-Fi engineers can survey your London, Hampshire or Cardiff based school Wi-Fi network and identify any problems. We can then provide a network design and device recommendations to help make sure your students have access to the best performing Wi-Fi network possible. 

For more information on how our Wi-Fi experts here at Geekabit can help your school or college wireless network, get in touch. 

by admin
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Does Summer Heat Affect Your Wi-Fi? Your FAQ’s Answered

We’ve been enjoying much sunshine here in the South of the UK these last few weeks, complete with a mini heatwave back in April. Around that time some delightful media outlets were circulating articles, scaring internet users into thinking that the higher-than-usual temperatures were going to wipe out their Wi-Fi and block their broadband. So is this fact or fiction?

Despite the odd Spring rain shower here and there, we’re set for more warm weather over the next fortnight, so we thought it as good a time as any to set the record straight about Wi-Fi in hot weather and hopefully put your minds at rest by answering your frequently asked questions.  

“Will my broadband stop working in hot weather?”

The simplest answer is no. Hot weather is unlikely to disrupt your internet connection if you are exercising some common sense that you would extend to all electrical devices. In other words, if you keep your router out of direct sunlight then you’re not likely to run into heat-related problems. 

“Has a heatwave ever caused a Wi-Fi outage?”

Technically, the answer is still no. However due to an unprecedented and extreme (albeit brief) heatwave back in July 2022 where UK temperatures soared to 40 degrees for the first time, internet service providers did take measures to protect broadband cabinets. 

Over the course of 4 days, 2 of which recorded extreme temperatures, some ISP’s re-deployed engineers to monitor the cabinets and keep them as cool as possible. Hilariously, this included sheltering them from the sun with umbrellas and leaving the doors open to increase air flow. This novel approach in such unprecedented heat appeared to work, with no reported outages across various network providers.

“Can routers and other internet hardware overheat?” 

As we’re sure you are aware, most electronic devices emit at least a small amount of heat, and that includes your router. This means that theoretically, it is possible that your router could overheat in high temperatures. 

Thankfully, most manufacturers of said hardware take this into consideration when designing their devices, meaning that most are able to operate at temperatures of up to approximately 40 degrees (check with your manufacturer for specifics). 

There is a chance that devices and hardware could continue to function in temperatures exceeding their stated tolerance, but that is of course dependent on individual experience and will vary between manufacturers.

Let’s not forget that our broadband router isn’t the only device or piece of hardware that could struggle in high temperatures. Smartphones, tablets, laptops and other electronic devices could also experience problems if we were to experience a heatwave. 

“What happens if a router overheats?”

If a router becomes close to overheating or does indeed overheat, the first thing to happen will be an attempt to lower the heat output to protect itself from damage. This will likely lead to a degradation in performance instigated by the device’s processor and affect response times on the device’s user interface. This would likely then impact your LAN in terms of connection stability and Wi-Fi speed.

Most electronic devices, including routers, will restart themselves if they get too hot. Despite potentially causing your connection to drop, this should resolve itself quite quickly and cause minimal problems once it’s back online. 

Complete hardware failure due to overheating is rare, and certainly not something we would expect to see in temperatures sitting in the mid-twenties. We’ll check back in in July if we’re approaching 40 degrees again.  

Keep Your Connection Cool This Summer By Following These Warm Weather Wi-Fi Tips

Hopefully you are already in the Common Sense Club where you keep electricals out of direct sunlight and away from other sources of heat. Keep doing what you’re doing! 

Here are a few other tips to keep your Wi-Fi from wilting in the warmer weather.

  • Choose the coolest room possible to place your router. This is usually a room downstairs and with thick external walls. Of course, the coolest place in the house may not be the most conducive to a reliable, strong connection throughout your home so you will have to weigh up the pros and cons.
  • Locate your router on a surface that enables good air flow and the ability for heat to escape. Wall-mounted can be a great option, although do bear in mind whether the wall is south facing and radiating absorbed heat from outside.
  • If we were to experience a heatwave similar to the one in 2022, then purchasing a cooling mat for your router could be a useful option. An similar alternative would be to point a standard fan in the direction of the router to keep the air as cool as possible and improve air flow around the device.
  • Did you know that you can disable non-critical router services? If not then perhaps it’s best you don’t try. If yes and we’ve just reminded you, then you could try lessening the load, thus reducing heat output and hopefully increasing functionality in extreme hot weather.
  • If your router is overheating due to indoor temperatures and you don’t actually need it to be switched on, then consider turning it off for a while to cool down. We do not recommend doing this often (not more than once in a day) and especially not if you are on an DSL/ ADSL/ FTTC connection.
  • In general, older devices are less tolerant to heat and are more likely to overheat. It could be worth considering replacing an old router for a newer model if you encounter persistent connection problems in hotter weather. 

If the temperature outside is pushing 40 degrees like July 2022, then it’s likely you’ll be hanging out by the fridge door and/or dousing yourself in ice water. These might cool you down but are definitely not recommended for your router unfortunately. 

If your house is 40+ degrees and your router is struggling to function then it might be time to step away from the internet and go outside to find a shady spot with as much breeze as possible. 

But for the time being, let’s enjoy these comfortably warm mid-twenty days with a strong, steady Wi-Fi connection in one hand and a cold beer in the other.

by admin
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Can Wi-Fi Extenders Just Stop Working?

They can indeed. And it can be handy to know the signs if an extender is about to fail.

Disclaimer: Here at Geekabit, we don’t actually recommend Wi-Fi extenders as a solution to Wi-Fi problems. There are usually other more effective solutions that can be put into place with a little help from Wi-Fi experts like ourselves. However, we also know that people don’t always heed expert advice… So, here are some useful tips to keep in mind if you do go down the Wi-Fi extender route. And if that doesn’t work, you’ll know who to call. 

Just like other electronic devices, Wi-Fi extenders can fail. Whilst they do tend to last a decent amount of time and generally don’t need too much maintenance or repairing, they still won’t last forever. As with anything in the tech world, components will start to wear out and older extender models will become obsolete with the emergence of new technologies. Let’s take a look at some of the main issues that could stop a Wi-Fi extender from working.

Why has my Wi-Fi Extender stopped working? 

There could be a number of reasons why Wi-Fi extenders might stop working earlier than you would expect. The number one reason for a Wi-Fi extender to break down is heat. 

Overheating

Like other electronic devices, Wi-Fi extenders generate heat. However, they don’t have fans or anything else to keep the heta from building up, so rely on passive cooling. This can be a big problem when they are switched on all the time, never getting the chance to cool down. 

To prevent a Wi-Fi extender from failing too soon due to overheating, there are a couple of things you can keep in mind. 

  • Place the Wi-Fi extender in a place where there is plenty of air flow around it e.g. an open book shelf
  • Avoid places where there is less air flow like shelving units, cupboards, cabinets or enclosed spaces

Dust

How often do you clean your Wi-Fi devices and hardware? A simple, regular clean of your Wi-Fi extender can help extend its life. Whilst we wouldn’t recommend taking a Wi-Fi extender apart to clean inside it, it’s definitely worth the effort to check the vents on it and blow away any dust.

New Technologies

As with any kind of Wi-Fi hardware, things do become obsolete over time as new technologies are developed and introduced to the market. 

A popular reason for people to replace their Wi-Fi extenders is to make sure that their extended network is as fast and can handle as many devices as their primary network. 

When should I replace my Wi-Fi extender?

If everything is working to your satisfaction, then there’s no need to replace anything. However, if you’ve been googling ‘do I need to replace my Wi-Fi extender?’ then you’re probably already experiencing problems and looking for the solution! 

Preemptive replacement of Wi-Fi hardware would usually be for crucial network components, for example, your router. Wi-Fi extenders aren’t usually as important, so there’s usually no need to replace them until they break. 

However, if you are relying on your Wi-Fi extender to provide internet access to parts of your home or to devices that must be connected (for example, perhaps a garden office or CCTV cameras) then you may feel it’s more important to stay ahead of problems and replace them before issues arise. 

There isn’t really a set time frame for replacing a Wi-Fi extender – They can last for as long as ten years, maybe more. But there will come a time when internal components will start to fail as they naturally start to degrade. In scenarios like the above where your Wi-Fi extender is fulfilling a vital function, you might want to consider replacing it on a shorter timeframe e.g. every 5 years perhaps or when you notice any reduction in performance.  

Can I tell if my Wi-Fi extender is starting to fail? 

Unfortunately, there’s rarely obvious signs that a Wi-Fi extender is beginning to fail. They tend to work one day, and not work the next. There may be some clues that it’s starting to degrade, which we’ll outline below, but this may not always be the case. 

Possible signs that your Wi-Fi extender is starting to fail:

  • Having to regularly reset the Wi-Fi extender. Whilst doing a factory reset may fix the issue, if you’re having to do this a lot then it’s probably time to consider replacing it. 
  • Difficulty connecting to the Wi-Fi extender. If interference isn’t an issue, but your devices are having trouble connecting or staying connected then it might be time to replace the extender. 
  • Slow internet speeds. If your connection is suddenly slower one day, then there is likely a problem with the extender. Also bear in mind that if your extender is older than your router, then it likely won’t support the latest Wi-Fi technology available to your router, hence causing a slower connection in the extended area. 
  • Dropped connection. If you can connect a device to your primary network, but it drops out when connecting to the extender then there is likely a problem with the Wi-Fi extender. 
  • Error lights. If lights on the extender are the wrong colour, flashing or not on at all then there is likely an issue. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to find out what the lights mean and how to resolve the problem. 
  • Unable to turn the Wi-Fi extender on. It may have overheated, so let it cool down and then try again to turn it on. You could also try plugging it into an alternative outlet. Pressing the rest button may also help with this issue. If after trying these things it still won’t turn on then it’s probably time to replace it. 

How can I help my Wi-Fi extender last longer?

No hardware can last for ever, so eventually all Wi-Fi extenders are going to fill and need replacing. That being said, there are some things you can do to take good care of it and help it to last as long as possible. As we noted above, the most common problems are caused by heat, so the main solutions lie in keeping the gear cool. 

Help your Wi-Fi extender have a long life using these tips:

  • When you’re setting up, always place your Wi-Fi extender in a well-ventilated area. Never place it in an enclosed space like a closed shelf or cabinet. Not only will an enclosed space block the Wi-Fi signal, but it will also cause the extender to get hotter than necessary, which will shorten its life. 
  • Use a surge protector in the same location as the Wi-Fi extender if possible. This can help stop voltage spikes which can cause severe damage to a Wi-Fi extender. 
  • Regularly give the extender a clean and remove dust by dusting the outside of it and blow dust from the vents. Dust build-up can also contribute to overheating.
  • Sometimes firmware updates from manufacturers can help keep performance at its best. If you notice worsening performance then it’s worth trying to install a firmware update (if there is one) to help speed up an older Wi-Fi extender model. 

Is my Wi-Fi extender causing network issues?

Problems with Wi-Fi connectivity and speed are the first clues when it comes to identifying if a Wi-Fi extender is failing or starting to fail. 

Got a unique SSID for your extender? Then you’ll notice right away that you’re having problems connecting to it compared with your primary network. 

Using a mesh network? If you’re using the same SSID and password for your extended network as your primary network or using a mesh network then you might notice you have connection trouble or slow internet speeds when you’re in the extended network area. 

As you’ll remember from our disclaimer at the start of this article, here at Geekabit we don’t recommend Wi-Fi extenders. One of the reasons why we don’t is that they can cause problems for your network even when they’re working. 

One of the biggest problems with Wi-Fi extenders is that they can actually cause interference on your primary network if they’re running on the same channel. So by trying to extend your network to a further area of your house and garden, you could be jeopardising your main network connection. 

This issue is reduced when using a mesh network as they create one big network where devices are seamlessly passed from one extender to the next. However, your bog-standard Wi-Fi extenders can cause real issues with your main Wi-Fi router if they’re operating on the same or overlapping channels. 

If you’re trying to create a reliable network across a large space and finding a regular router isn’t quite cutting it, then it might be time to call in the experts rather than reaching for the extenders. Give our friendly Wi-Fi engineers a call and we can identify the best Wi-Fi solution for your premises.

by admin
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Could 40% of UK 5G Mobile Connections Actually be 4G?

A recent study seems to think so. Current research with foundations in monitoring and examining mobile phone reception, appears to show that despite your handset indicating a 5G signal, it actually only has a 4G connection. 

Samples taken from UK testing showed 38% of connections were 4G, even though the 5G icon was being shown. 11,000 tests were carried out over a period of 2 months at the start of this year. 

Why would a handset indicate it’s connected to 5G, if it’s actually using a 4G connection? 

It can differ from phone to phone, but for many if the phone is connected to a base station that has 5G equipment potentially available, then it will show the 5G icon. However, in real usage terms the connection may be using 4G or 5G. 

Some phones will change the distinction of the icon depending on whether an actual 5G connection is made. Others will show the same 5G icon whether the 5G connection is only available or actually connected.

The above image shows an area map of Central London where testing was carried out. The red shows actual 5G connections, and the blue indicates where a 5G icon is displayed but a 4G connection is made. 

As you can see for yourself, a 4G connection being used under the guise of a 5G connection is a common one. 

This issue isn’t anything new, but what is new is the research looking at how this is impacting our connections in the UK. 

With an average speed of 49 Mbps, this recent study found when testing that mobile broadband via actual 5G is approximately twice as fast as where it’s a 5G icon only (27 Mbps). 

Is 4G masquerading as 5G happening across all UK mobile networks? 

The results from this study were taken from a sample across all the UK mobile networks. However, it did find that it was more common with some operators than others to display the 5G icon despite being connected to 4G. 

Let’s have a little look at each mobile network. According to study tests, when the 5G icon is displayed, what percentage of the time are you actually getting a genuine 5G connection?

Three UK:  94% of the time 

Vodafone: 93%

O2: 66% 

EE: 32%

These findings are surprising, as other surveys and studies have found EE to do well in 5G performance in terms of data and coverage.

It’s important to bear in mind that getting a 5G connection everywhere is likely not possible, and people would largely accept a 4G connection in its place where 5G isn’t a possibility. The important bit, perhaps, is the visibility to consumers in terms of what they are actually getting moment to moment. Customers should know whether they are connected 4G or 5G and not just shown a blanket 5G icon where there is merely potential. 

We’re all for using 4G in places where that connection is going to be stronger and more reliable than a 5G connection. But let’s make sure customers are aware when this is happening. 

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Vodafone UK Named as London’s Best Mobile Network by Net Check Study

A recent network benchmarking study looking at 4G and 5G performance (for broadband and calls) across London has named Vodafone UK as the top performing network. 

Based in Berlin, NET CHECK completed their London study of mobile network performance and found that Vodafone achieved the highest number of ranking points – Scoring 932.83 out of 1,000 points.  

Who is NET CHECK?

NET CHECK was founded in 1999 to improve the quality of communication networks. Since then, NET CHECK has become one of the leading partners of network operators and infrastructure providers in the operation and optimisation of mobile and fixed communication networks of all technologies.

When and where was the network study conducted?

Between the 30th October and 7th November, a team from NET CHECK carried out a mix of performance based tests across all 32 London boroughs plus the City of London using Samsung S23+ smartphones. 

Covering 23 routes, the measurement technicians covered a distance of 1018km across Greater London whilst driving. The measuring equipment (SwissQual Benchmarker II (Rohde & Schwarz) and Samsung S23+) was placed in the roof boxes of two passenger cars collecting data on the performance of voice and data services during the tests. This approach allowed performance measurement for all the operators simultaneously and at the same locations. 

How did the network study allocate points?

As we said above, the maximum number of points a network provider can rank is 1,000. This is earned by a max of 350 points for voice services and a max of 650 points for data services. 

The testing involved a range of both voice and data services, with categories including:

  • Accessibility
  • Reliability
  • Speech quality  
  • Mobile broadband speed-tests using customer applications such as the browsing of popular web pages, video streaming and more. 

Sample wise, they collected approximately 15,700 data samples per operator to enable them to accurately analyse data services. For voice services, they made approximately 1,390 test calls. For each test call, they collected 12 speech samples which resulted in approximately 16,600 speech samples in total.

Which networks were close behind frontrunners Vodafone?

As we stated above, Vodafone ranked the highest in terms of points with 932.83 out of 1,000. 

Not far behind them was EE with 923.45 – Only about 9 points less than highest ranking Vodafone. 

In 3rd place it was O2 Virgin Media  with 834.16 points, with Three UK trailing behind its competitors with 757.82 points. 

You can see a summary of results from the study below. To have a read of the full report, head here.

With thanks to NET CHECK for all the tables and imagery, directly from their report.

by admin
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Business Wi-Fi Ubiquiti Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Advice Wi-Fi Help Wireless Network Wireless Technology WLAN
Ubiquiti is Skyrocketing – Here’s Why 

It’s no secret that our Wi-Fi experts here at Geekabit are big fans of Ubiquiti and their range of Wi-Fi devices and equipment. We love their kit and it would seem we’re definitely not the only ones. 

We’ve been chatting about the benefits of using Ubiquiti Wi-Fi equipment for your network for years. A blog from a few years back was one of our first on the topic and is a good place to start if you’re unfamiliar with the pros of using Ubiquiti for a business network. 

Over the past year in particular, Ubiquiti devices have really increased in popularity, with shares in Ubiquiti Inc (UI) surging up by 222.8% in the past year. Why? Their customer base has seen a gradual yet steady increase in growth, supported by a flexible business model. If you’re into stocks, shares and investments then you might like to research UI as an investment option. 

But here at Geekabit, investment advice isn’t really our forte – We’re all about the wireless equipment, and this manufacturer has our attention. 

What makes Ubiquiti so popular? 

There are many wireless internet device manufacturers on the market – Why are UI doing so well? 

In our fast moving world, the demand for the internet is constant. There is a continuous stream of data traffic with the need for round-the-clock access to video, audio, online gaming and social networking (not to mention work emails, online conference calls and file transfers). 

This means that we require fast, seamless connectivity that can support these bandwidth-intensive apps whilst simultaneously moving away from wired network connections. 

Our need for strong, wireless networks is met perfectly with Ubiquiti’s comprehensive range of products and solutions. From Ubiquiti you can find:

  • A range of networking devices
  • Network infrastructure for fixed wireless broadband
  • Wireless backhaul systems
  • Routing
  • Wireless LAN infrastructure
  • Video surveillance products
  • Machine-to-machine communication components
  • And much more


Our Wi-Fi experts and engineers here at Geekabit aren’t the only ones that rave about Ubiquitis products – They have a rapidly growing community that are highly engaged with their range, including:

  • Service providers
  • Distributors
  • Value-added resellers
  • Systems integrators
  • Corporate IT professionals

This community might be what sets UI apart. They leverage the strength of the Ubiquiti Community by providing rapid product support and dissemination of information, thus reducing operational costs whilst maintaining a proprietary network communication platform. Ubiquiti works from an extremely flexible business model which can therefore adapt to market demands. 


Will Ubiquiti continue to grow?

Continued growth is expected for Ubiquiti, with significant opportunities in developed as well as emerging economies. Emerging countries are relentless in their pursuit of staying connected with the world, and adopting wireless networking infrastructure is a big part of that. Developed economies are always looking to increase bandwidth further in order to bridge the gap between demand and supply. 

Ubiquiti are committed to research and development, and spend significantly on activities that help them develop innovative new products that use state-of-the-art technology – All helping them to stay on the cutting-edge of networking technology with their market offering. 

With products that offer both high performance and best value, they continue to beat their rivals. Ubiquiti product families such as UniFi and AmpliFi have both seen improvements and added features.


Invest in a reliable network

Whether you’re into investments, tech, wireless networking or a combination of all 3 – Ubiquiti has something to offer. 

Positive market gains remain diverse across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, energy and of course tech industries. 

Ubiquiti just so happens to be listed by quite a few investment analyst outlets as having skyrocketing stock with it reaching an all time high at the start of this year. Offering networking technology to service providers, enterprises and consumers, UI saw their stock surge by nearly 21% towards the end of January. Perhaps they have their supply chain improvements and product availability to thank for this? 

If stocks and shares aren’t your thing, but you’re ready to invest in a strong, reliable wireless network for your business, then get in touch with our Wi-Fi experts today. 

by admin
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Starlink Reach 4.6 Million Users Worldwide

Over the last 7 months, the Starlink satellite broadband service from SpaceX has amassed a whopping total of 4.6 million users globally. The recent rapid growth of an additional 1.6 million users in less than a year serves as a significant milestone for the company which now encompasses 118 countries and territories across the world. 

Why has Starlink seen such rapid growth recently? 

Starlink reported 3 million satellite broadband users back in May 2024. In the 7 months since, the company has supported its growth by focusing on expanding its services, with the introduction of 27 new markets activating Starlink connectivity. 

Back in April, we blogged about Starlink expanding their broadband capacity here in the UK by increasing the number of gateway antennas at multiple UK sites and by adopting additional bands. 

This was followed just a few months later with the launch of their mini dish and roaming service, also available here in the UK. 

With new markets and growing connectivity to support, Starlink needed to ensure they have the infrastructure to support this connectivity. So they launched 89 new satellites into their ever-increasing constellation. 

There are currently over 7000 active Starlink satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). These include 350 satellites that are designed to directly connect with LTE phones. 

Their commitment to the necessary infrastructure means that Starlink can provide reliable, high-speed internet access even in some of the most remote, hard to reach areas.  

What is Starlink planning next?

Next on the cards for Starlink is the SpaceX launch of its third generation (V3) Starlink satellites. These are due to be launched by SpaceX’s upcoming launch vehicle, Starship.  

Each launch of a new V3 satellite is estimated to add 60 terabits (Tbps) of capacity to the Starlink network. This would significantly outpace the 3 Tbps capacity provided by SpaceX Falcon 9 launches. 

Despite the Starship launch vehicle still undergoing tests in the development stages, it is widely expected to revolutionise satellite deployment. Starship will enable SpaceX to deploy more advanced satellites, providing a larger payload capacity. This in turn means a 10 fold increase in bandwidth and reduced latency for Starlink satellite broadband users. 

Why does it matter about Starlink?

Through the growth of Starlink, especially the rapid growth we’ve seen recently over the past 7 months, we see the potential to reshape internet connectivity on a global scale. Starlink achieved cash-flow breakeven by the end of 2023, showing the world the increasing profitability of satellite broadband. 

It is the belief of Gwynne Shotwell, COO at SpaceX, that the introduction of the new launch vehicle Starship will “position SpaceX as one of the world’s most valuable companies.”

Starlink appears to be going from strength to strength, providing a much needed digital bridge to those in remote, underserved locations and communities. Not only do they deliver a high-speed internet connection to those who otherwise struggle to access broadband, but they are also making it affordable.

The V3 satellites set to launch with the emergence of Starship will likely see Starlink become even more of a fundamental part of connectivity across the globe. 

Fast Wi-Fi Hire for Events with Starlink via Geekabit

If you’re looking to hire Starlink Internet for your next event, we can provide a managed expert service.

Have you been let down before by traditional internet suppliers? Our expertly managed Wi-Fi hire service will allow you to have a fast, stable and speedy Wi-Fi network in areas that other suppliers have previously struggled. 

Our Starlink event kit for Wi-Fi hire can be deployed very quickly for even the most last-minute of events, especially helpful in situations where you’ve been let down by another provider. 

Our fleet of Starlink routers and dishes are available to support any event where resilient and fast internet needs to be deployed at short notice. If your event is being held in London, Hampshire, Sussex, Dorset or Wiltshire and you’re interested in reliable event internet then get in touch with our Wi-Fi experts today.  You can find out more here. 

by admin
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Public Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Advice
Do You Use Public Wi-Fi? This Might Make You Reconsider

Did you know that connecting to an illegitimate Wi-Fi network could compromise your social media, or worse, your online banking accounts? Nearly half of internet users have admitted they connect to Wi-Fi networks without checking their legitimacy. 

We’ve all come to expect to stay connected while on-the-go. Wherever we are, whatever we’re doing, we want to stay connected. Public Wi-Fi is a convenient and free way to do just this – Ensuring we keep a strong network signal even when we’re not at home. But is it safe to use these public Wi-Fi networks?

A survey from last year by All About Cookies found that 1 in 4 internet users who are using public Wi-Fi networks regularly, encounter a security issue. 

Why do these security issues occur? Because unsecured networks leave themselves vulnerable to cyber criminals who can sneak in using free tools and technical know-how to steal sensitive information from users. 

Things like passwords, banking information and other personal data can all be used by cyber criminals for identity theft. 

Despite there being many security warnings out there for using this type of Wi-Fi network, many people deem the potential security risks to be outweighed by the convenience and habit of being connected. 

So what can you do to keep your information safe and secure while out and about and online? 

Is it safe to use public Wi-Fi?

Let’s look at a few of the security issues that come with Public Wi-Fi. 

Lack of Encryption

Public Wi-Fi networks often lack encryption. This means that if you send data from your device using the internet, it is in danger of being intercepted. You should avoid sending sensitive data like passwords, banking information, even personal messages using public Wi-Fi networks. 

At the point of connection, you might see a warning message stating that the Wi-Fi is unsecured, or that it uses deprecated encryption. This means that the network uses standards that are lower than industry standards. Using your device to send personal information and data on this type of weak Wi-Fi connection puts you at risk of having your online security compromised.

Fake Wi-Fi Networks

You’ve probably heard about encryption problems, but what about ‘Evil Twin’ networks? This is when an online attacker sets up a hotspot that mimics a genuine local network, luring people in so that it appears legitimate, thus tricking users into connecting. Think ‘Free Airport Wi-Fi” or something similar. 

Whilst this is not common, if your unprotected device connects to this fake network, the online attacker can steal the data being transmitted – Like passwords, login details, and banking information. 

While you’re unknowingly connected to this rogue network, you can be unwittingly tracked across your online journeys, with the hacker able to intercept session cookies. These are small pieces of information that websites use to remember you after you’ve visited. If a hacker or online attacker gets hold of these session cookies on an unsecured network like theirs, they can use them to impersonate you online on the websites you logged into – Like your social media accounts or online banking.

This leaves you susceptible to identity theft through having your emails or online banking being hacked. If you must connect to an unsecured public Wi-Fi network, avoid using any personal information. This means not accessing your bank account, transferring money, or buying things. All of these transactions use extremely sensitive information. Basically, avoid sending any data that you wouldn’t want to be intercepted. 

Can you spot a fake hotspot?

It’s tricky but there are a couple of red flags to look out for when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks which could signal that it’s not a legitimate network. 

Error messages or certificate warnings – These messages could alert you to ‘Evil Twin’ hotspots, but equally there may be no signs whatsoever. Unfortunately, anyone can set up a Wi-Fi hotspot or network, and if there are no error messages or certificate warnings to report then there’s not really a discernible way you can identify what is safe and what isn’t. 

If you are in a public place like a hotel or a cafe, then always ask a member of staff for the exact name of the Wi-Fi network. That way you will avoid any impersonating networks. 

Also try to use networks that are password protected. These do tend to be safe than open, unsecured networks. It’s not a fail-safe guarantee, but it does help reduce the chances of online attackers and hackers lurking on the network. 

Is There a Safe Way to Browse on Public Wi-Fi Networks?

Use a VPN

If you are insistent on using public Wi-Fi networks, then the best way to stay safe and minimise online security risks is to use a Virtual Private Network, or VPN.  Even if someone was to be monitoring your connection, the VPN stops your information being visible, acting as a secure tunnel which keeps your data private and encrypted when being sent and received. 

USing a VPN means that regardless of how trustworthy the Wi-Fi network that you’re connected to is, your data is on its own virtual private network within that, keeping it hidden and safe. 

When choosing a VPN, make sure you are choosing one that has good reviews and is trustworthy and safe. 

Limit Sharing of Personal Information

Many public Wi-Fi networks want to gather as much information on you as possible and will ask for items of personal information when you try to log on. Things like email address, full name and home address are all things you should try to avoid sharing. Networks don’t actually need this information in order to provide you with the Wi-Fi so try entering alternatives like ‘No Thanks’ as your name and [email protected]’ instead of your real email address. 

Hopefully you’ll still gain access to the network, without putting yourself and your personal details at risk. 

Does Your Business Provide a Public Wi-Fi Network?

If you run a business and provide a Wi-Fi network for your guests, then you may be concerned about the online safety of your customers and service users. If this blog has got you thinking about the potential risks your clients could be facing, then get in touch with our Wi-Fi experts here at Geekabit. 

Using our Geekabit managed Guest Portal Software for your business means you can run a Guest Wi-Fi network for your customers with a bit more security all round. 

Contact us today to find out more. 

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Connectivity Mobile COnnectivity Technology Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 7
US Data Consumption Via Wi-Fi Reaches Almost 90%

A recent report released by OpenSignal has revealed that the proportion of data traffic across Wi-Fi is almost at 90% overall for users in the US, and over 80% in almost all cases away from the home, confirming suspicions that Wi-Fi is carrying most smartphone traffic. 

You probably won’t be surprised to hear that here at Geekabit we’ve always thought that Wi-Fi is the most important technology when it comes to technology, as well as being the most successful. 

This fresh data from OpenSignal confirms what we’ve always thought, as Wi-Fi starts to take an even bigger share of smartphone traffic than originally expected. 

Across all US mobile providers, the share of data for Wi-Fi is pretty much uniform. 

With thanks to OpenSignal for the above graphic. 

What We Already Knew

Historically, the Wi-Fi data share among users was approximately 80%, as indicated recently by Spectrum Mobile (Charter). Whether this was a conservative estimate or that the proportion is growing remains to be seen.

Once 4G hit the scene, it was suspected that Wi-Fi carried about 60-70% of US data traffic, but here in the UK during that period of time the figure was above 80%. 

Wi-Fi Used More Than Mobile Connectivity, Even Outside the Home

Interestingly, perhaps the most surprising element of the report is that Wi-Fi connectivity outside the home is at more than 80% compared to mobile. 

The outlier seems to be T-Mobile, perhaps revealing that their coverage is considerably better than their competition.  

With thanks to OpenSignal for the above graphic. 

In Conclusion: Wi-Fi Used More Than Mobile? 

For everyone in the tech and telecoms industry, including regulators, this report gives us much to be interested and excited about. 

When looking at the data, it’s clear that Wi-Fi is continuing to grow its share of data traffic – Even when people are away from home. 

5G meanwhile seems to be falling rather short of expectations. Early on when 5G was just emerging, many were shouting about how it was going to give Wi-Fi a run for its money. The mobile industry might have thought this was the way it was going but the data seems to be saying otherwise. 

The fact that data consumption over Wi-Fi is only 10% less when people are outside of the home is pretty remarkable. It seems that wherever a smartphone user tends to be – home or out and about – the preference is to use Wi-Fi over 5G. 

What Will the Regulators Make of Wi-Fi Significantly Outdoing Mobile Connectivity?

Let’s remember that mobile operators spend billions of dollars for 5G spectrum licences, yet they’re losing out on their share of traffic to Wi-Fi, which doesn’t need a licence at all.

Obviously, we’re not saying that mobile connectivity isn’t necessary – Of course it still is. In order to have coverage wherever we go, we still need mobile connectivity. But are the large amounts of licensed spectrum still required? That’s the question. 

For those in the Wi-Fi industry – Like us here at Geekabit! – It’s very exciting and affirming to see how well Wi-Fi is doing out there. We love the work we do and it’s great to see how Wi-Fi is so needed out there in the world. 

We’re expecting Wi-Fi tech to go from strength to strength over the coming years as we welcome in Wi-Fi 7 and other future technologies. 

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Broadband Hardware Home Network Home Office Home WI-Fi Network Router Security Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Advice
Is Your Broadband Router Open to Hackers? Survey Says Yes 

Broadband Genie, the independent UK comparison service for telecoms and broadband, have published a new survey revealing some pretty shocking statistics when it comes to internet safety. 

3,045 internet users were surveyed between the 1st January and 26th April this year, revealing that:

  • 89% of respondents have never updated the firmware of their home router 
  • 86% have never changed the device’s administrator password 
  • 72% have never changed their Wi-Fi password
  • 75% have never checked to see what or who is linked to their router
  • 52% have never changed or updated their routers settings

Are you guilty of any of these? No shaming from us, but let’s take a little look at why ignoring these things when it comes to your router and security isn’t a great idea. 

Why should I change my router from the default password? 

If you leave your router set to the default password, it could allow hackers to identify which make and model of router you are using and work out the password.

Thankfully, many ISP’s supply long, randomised passwords with no real structure, making it harder to identify.  

Do I need to update firmware on my router? 

Many routers that come as part of a bundle directly from your ISP are thankfully set up to auto-update their firmware – Meaning you, the customer, don’t have to actually do any specific actions in order to keep your device up-to-date. 

However, it’s probably a good idea to check with your broadband provider to confirm this is the case.

And don’t forget, many security and firmware updates are done at night – So don’t switch your router off overnight. 

If you have purchased your router separately from an ISP bundle, then you may be required to carry out this action yourself to check for recent firmware updates. Remember that not all firmware updates are particularly accessible or easy to find, so you may need to seek support from the manufacturer. 

It’s vital not to leave security vulnerabilities unpatched – And even some relatively modern pieces of kit could be susceptible to security risks. 

What’s the reason behind people not changing their router password?

The survey respondents who had answered that they had never changed their router’s factory settings were then asked why they had not. The answer that 75% of those surveyed gave was that they didn’t know they needed to change it. 

Your router is the single most important security device in your home network

It’s often the case that the router is the most important device in your home network when it comes to internet security. 

Changing your router’s password from the default to a strong alternative protects your network, particularly if the password from your ISP is not properly randomised or ineffective. 

It’s a good rule of thumb to assume that your router does not come secure out of the box. And if consumers are unaware of the risks, then clearly more awareness needs to be raised surrounding these security risks. 

That’s where the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act comes in. 

The Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act

On the 29th April 2024, the Government brought in the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act. This includes their new Secure by Design policy, which means that device makers (retailers and manufacturers) that fail to comply can be hit with financial penalties. 

Changes include:

  • The banning of easily guessable default passwords (like ‘admin’ or ‘12345’) so that vulnerabilities and hacking are prevented
  • The prompting of users to change the default password
  • Improved support for security issues by supplying contact details of manufacturers so that bugs and issues can be dealt with 
  • The requirement to state how long related network products will be supported by security patches (firmware updates)

These changes don’t just apply to routers – They also cover smartphones, televisions, games consoles, internet-connected fridges and other smart home devices such as doorbells etc. 

Are you confident that your router is secure? 

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