Fluidata warns Olympics could strain fibre broadband networks

The Olympics could put a strain on business fibre optic broadband connections, Fluidata has warned.

Managing director of the business internet service provider Piers Daniell said network operators have been concerned about the expected increase in traffic during the international sporting event, as more fans than ever before will choose to watch the action online.

Issuing an example of the impact that sport can have on a broadband service, Mr Daniell revealed the Australian Open clash between Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray on Friday (January 27th 2012) caused traffic on the business-centric Fluidata network to rise by 25 per cent.

"As a large proportion of the UK will be in the office while the Olympics are on, this kind of increase in traffic will be excessive," he predicted.

Last July, Fluidata revealed it saw surges across its core network during the Wimbledon Championships, with traffic peaking during the afternoons as people tuned in to watch the tennis tournament via the BBC iPlayer.