Many households rely on a reliable internet connection for work, managing bills, streaming, gaming, or scrolling social media. Slow or dropping signals can be frustrating, especially when filling in forms or playing online games. The government aims for 99% of homes to have gigabit-capable broadband by 2032 under Project Gigabit, and data shows 88% of UK homes and businesses already have it.
However, experts warn that a fast connection to the property does not guarantee a strong Wi-Fi signal in every room. Catherine Hiley, managing editor for broadband, energy and mobile at Go.Compare, said: “For many users, the broadband itself is not always the issue. It could be the property layout or a poorly placed router that’s causing the signal to drop. Before spending money on a faster package, it’s worth ruling out other causes first.”
Rooms where Wi-Fi often fails
Hiley explained that certain rooms are more likely to have signal problems, and simple fixes can often help without extra cost. For a back bedroom or box room, if the router is at the opposite end of the property, moving it to a central location and placing it off the floor—rather than in a cupboard or behind a TV—can improve coverage.
In a loft conversion, placing an extender halfway between the router and the loft can help, but avoid positioning the router inside the dead zone. In the kitchen, keep the router away from electrical equipment and test moving it a few metres to see if coverage improves before buying new kit.
Solutions for larger layouts and fixed devices
For a garden room or outdoor home office, a mesh Wi-Fi system may be more effective than a basic extender, as connected units around the home create a broader network. For a garage, which is often separated by an exterior wall or metal door, try a mesh point in the nearest room first; for a detached garage, a wired Ethernet cable is the most reliable fix.
For regular streaming and gaming on a fixed TV, console, or desk, a wired Ethernet connection is the most effective solution, as it removes the need for Wi-Fi altogether and is usually more stable. If the connection works well beside the router but fails elsewhere, the problem is likely home coverage rather than the broadband itself.
Project Gigabit is only the start
Catherine added: “Project Gigabit is helping bring faster broadband to more homes, but a good connection at the front door is only the start. If Wi-Fi drops out in the back bedroom, loft, office or garage, upgrading to a faster deal may not always be the answer.”
She advised testing the signal room by room, starting with simple fixes like moving the router to an open, central position, then comparing options such as a better router, an extender, mesh Wi-Fi, or a new broadband package.
