Netflix logo exhibited during the Mobile World Congress, on February 28, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Joan Cros/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Netflix reduce streaming quality as everyone turns to binge-watching amid pandemic (Picture: Getty)

Netflix is going to reduce its streaming quality after subscribers have turned to binge-watching their favourite shows amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Because what else is there to do while you’re self-isolating?

Boris Johnson recently urged the public to stay indoors as much as they can while warning them away from pubs, bars and theatres.

But now, we might have encountered a slight problem as there’s extra broadband demand, seeing EU’s European Commissioner for internal market Thierry Breton, call for people to switch from high definition to standard.

To ease the pressure off the internet, the streaming platform said: ‘Following the discussions between Commissioner Thierry Breton and [Netflix chief executive] Reed Hastings, and given the extraordinary challenges raised by the coronavirus, Netflix has decided to begin reducing bitrates across all our streams in Europe for 30 days.

‘We estimate that this will reduce Netflix traffic on European networks by around 25% while also ensuring a good quality service for our members.’

Netflix
What else is there to do in self-isolation? (Picture: Netflix)

Breton has since praised the decision, adding: ‘Social distancing measures to fight the Coronavirus lead to increased demand for internet capacity be it for teleworking, e-learning or entertainment purposes.

‘I welcome the very prompt action that Netflix has taken to preserve the smooth functioning of the Internet during the Covid-19 crisis while maintaining a good experience for users.

‘Mr Hastings has demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility and solidarity.

‘We’ll keep closely in touch to follow the evolution of the situation together.’

O2 phone network
Even mobile networks have struggled (Picture: PA)

As people started to work from home, mobile networks including O2, EE, Vodafone and Three all began to struggle.

Many customers took to social media to complain they had not been able to make calls all morning, with some claiming business had already been dramatically slowed down.

At the time, an O2 spokesperson told Metro.co.uk: ‘Today the industry experienced an issue that meant some calls between different networks were unable to connect. Specifically, O2, Vodafone and Three were unable to connect to EE and EE customers were unable to connect to O2, Vodafone and Three.

‘At a time when the country needs connectivity most, it is important we work together rather than pointing fingers before facts have been determined.

‘As this was a problem for a multiple networks, there is a National Emergency Alert for Telecommunications and Ofcom call at 2:30pm this afternoon to determine the route of the issue to ensure this doesn’t happen again.’

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