Zen Internet, the award-winning broadband provider, has revealed its busiest day for network traffic in 2024 occurred on 4th December. The surge, driven largely by live football streaming, saw usage reach a peak 17% higher than the previous year’s record and 10% above the December evening average.
The milestone coincided with Amazon Prime’s live Premier League broadcast of the Arsenal vs Manchester United match. Zen’s previous peak in September also aligned with live football on Amazon Prime, as AC Milan faced Liverpool in the Champions League. This period also saw increased activity linked to a Fortnite game update.
In October, another significant spike in network usage was recorded on a Champions League night, driven by Arsenal’s match against Paris St. Germain. Traffic rose 11.95% over the preceding day, reinforcing the connection between live football streaming and surges in internet demand.
Zen’s CEO, Richard Tang, explained the trend: “Amazon’s live football broadcasts are clearly a major draw for audiences. Offering these matches at no additional cost to Prime subscribers makes them far more accessible than traditional pay-per-view options. Live sports are a growing driver of network demand.”
However, Tang noted that England’s European Championship final this summer, available on terrestrial television, had little impact on Zen’s traffic. “It seems that when people can watch on traditional channels, they still prefer to do so, even if streaming is an option,” he added.
Key Events Driving Traffic Spikes
Beyond football, major news events also contributed to notable increases in network activity throughout the year. On 2nd November, daytime traffic spiked by over 20% as reports of severe flooding in Valencia and Kemi Badenoch’s election as Conservative Party leader captured public attention.
Similarly, 9th July saw a sharp rise in usage following distressing developments in the Gaza conflict. This reflected increased engagement with news platforms and social media during global crises.
Interestingly, Zen’s data revealed a shift away from video games as dominant traffic drivers. Unlike previous years, no significant peaks were linked to gaming launches, a trend attributed to staggered release strategies that prioritise pre-orders and phased rollouts.
Steady Growth in Internet Usage
Zen’s annual review also highlighted sustained growth in overall internet usage. The company surpassed 200,000 broadband subscribers in April, while December’s average usage was 6.4% higher than November’s, reflecting the seasonal impact of longer nights and colder weather. Even in summer, internet traffic remained robust, with usage on 13th June surpassing 2023’s highest peak by 5.4%.
Tang commented: “While live football and major news events have driven traffic spikes, the broader picture is one of steady growth. Our reliance on internet-connected devices and services continues to rise. Zen’s investments in next-generation infrastructure ensure we’re ready for whatever 2025 may bring.”
Zen’s commitment to a resilient, future-proof network positions the provider as a trusted partner for customers navigating the digital landscape.
