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Broadband and mobile operator VodafoneThree (Vodafone and Three UK) has today revealed that mobile data (mobile broadband) usage hit “unprecedented heights” across England’s various FIFA World Cup 2026 football matches so far, with the recent win against Mexico in the early hours of Monday morning causing significant usage.
Take note that communication providers use sophisticated Content Delivery Networks (CDN) and systems to help manage load from events like this, which caches popular content closer in their network to end-users (i.e. improves performance without adding much strain to external links). But major events can still impact the overall levels of data usage seen across networks.
Andrea Dona, Chief Network Officer at VodafoneThree, said: “Our network has been providing fast, strong and reliable coverage whatever time of the day the game is shown here in the UK. As fans prepare for the big match at the weekend, we continue to ensure our customers have the coverage they need to enjoy the occasion. Whether it’s streaming the match, sharing their thoughts on social or discussing the result with friends and family, it’s all part of our commitment to building the UK’s best network.”
- Vs Mexico (6 July): Broadband usage tripled between 3-4am, as fans watched with bated breath to see if England could hang on to the win. Later that morning, between 4-5am, mobile data usage doubled compared to the same time on a normal Monday morning, as supporters shared their delight online at the final whistle.
- Vs DR Congo (1 July): Mobile data usage reached an all-time high, with 4.6Tbps used – a 30% increase compared to an average Wednesday night commute in June. Meanwhile, broadband traffic reached a peak of 8.7Tbps, marking a 9% increase as customers watched at home, in the office or at their local.
- Vs Panama (27 June): Broadband peaked at 9.30pm as fans settled down for the match. Meanwhile, mobile data usage peaked at 10.30pm, with 3.8 Tbps used, as the network saw an increase of 19% compared to a normal Saturday night by 11pm.
- Vs Ghana (23 June): Mobile data usage peaked at 9.30pm with 4.3Tbps used, as the network saw a data increase of up to 34% later that night. For broadband traffic, the peak was slightly earlier at 8.30pm while, by 10pm, data increased by 20% compared to a normal Tuesday night.
- Vs Croatia (17 June): Mobile data peaked at 9.30pm at 4.1Tbps, although the highest uplift during the match vs. usual traffic was at 11pm, when the network saw an increase of more than 31%. Meanwhile, broadband peaked just before kick-off at 8.30pm off. However, the highest uplift was during the match, when usage rose by 11%.