Christmas tree lights blamed for broadband connection faults

In the run-up to Christmas, as folks start to add a bit of sparkle to their homes with decorations broadband users are being warned of the effect their tree lights could have on their internet connection.

It’s a topic that tends to raise its head every year around this time as more customers than usual complain of dropping connections and sluggish browsing. Plusnet is the first internet service provider in 2009 to get on its soap box to warn its subscribers of the problems twinkling lights can pose.

Research suggests Christmas tree lights (especially flashing ones) can cause intermittent connection faults by generating RF interference that can potentially affect broadband ADSL.

Because of this, Plusnet is advising all of its customers to keep Christmas tree lights and wiring away from telephone cables and, if problems are occurring with the connection, to try switching lights off before calling into its customer service line.

Plusnet’s blog post included a practical tip for all those who suspect their Christmas lights are causing havoc with their broadband connection. By tuning an analogue radio to Medium Wave 612 through to 693 it’s possible to hear interference from problematic tree lights, although it warned customers may have “more than one source (RF band) of interference.”

"We’ve not yet heard from customers having ‘tree lights’ trouble but if you know of someone with dropping connections this Christmas do pass the word about this not uncommon problem," advised Plusnet.