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With most people now working from home and families using the internet at the same time for work, study or play, broadband and mobile networks are experiencing a huge increase in voice and data usage.

While our networks can cope – as Scott Petty, Vodafone UK’s Chief Technology Officer explains here – we can all play a part to ease potential congestion by being a little smarter with how we use our bandwidth.

Here are Ofcom’s suggestions, with a few of our own top tips thrown in for good measure.

1. Use your landline or Wi-Fi calls if you can

If you live in a rural area with limited mobile coverage or live in a home with areas where the mobile signal isn’t very strong, try Wi-Fi Calling.

Wi-Fi Calling works on the same principle as voice calling except it uses the internet rather than the mobile network. It won’t cost you anything extra, and you’ll be able to make and receive calls from your existing number.

Click here to see if your smartphone supports Wi-Fi Calling and how to set it up on your phone.

Ofcom also suggests using free apps such as Facetime, Skype or Whatsapp for video calling. Zoom is another popular program.

2. Move your router clear of other devices

Having multiple connected devices sitting close to each other will affect your speeds. Try moving other connected devices away from where your router is to decrease interruption. Elevating your router can also help – if it’s currently on the floor, move it to a table top, for example.

Your cat may like lying on your warm Wi-Fi router but it’s no good for your signal