The holidays are here! Across Middle Tennessee, the air is full of that exciting mix of festive joy and bustling energy. You’re stocking up on gifts, planning family gatherings, and finding ways to squeeze in your favorite holiday traditions.
At United Communications, we love this time of year. We also know it’s a season when your internet must meet higher demands. Whether you’re a residential customer hosting a houseful of family or a small business managing the holiday shopping season, your internet connection is working overtime.
That’s why I’ve gathered 12 of our favorite internet tips to help your holidays go off without a hitch. Think of it as a digital version of The 12 Days of Christmas, but with fewer partridges and more powerful Wi-Fi.
12 Ways to Optimize Your Home Internet During the Holidays
1. Hide the Presents, Not Your Router
Finding a new place to hide presents until they’re wrapped may be an annual tradition, but it’s important to keep your router (which connects devices and manages internet access) out in the open! Placing it behind the TV or under a pile of decorations can block your signal. For the best performance, set your router in a central, elevated spot. A clear space helps your Wi-Fi reach every corner, even the guest room where Uncle Joe is streaming football.
2. Don’t Let Buffering Issues Ruin Your Holiday Movie Marathon
We often get calls from customers during the holidays because they notice an increase in buffering issues with their Smart TV. This isn’t because your internet connection is slower. It’s because most Smart TVs only offer a small antenna that struggles to maintain that connection. You can easily solve the issue with an affordable streaming stick (Amazon Fire TV Stick/Roku Streaming Stick). These devices have dedicated, powerful Wi-Fi receivers that are far superior to the antennas built into most TVs.
3. Protect Your Network: Don’t Let Grinches Steal Your Bandwidth
Set a strong, unique password for your Wi-Fi network. This simple step prevents unauthorized users from sneaking in and stealing bandwidth. Strong password protection means the connection you pay for remains highly secure, even in a busy neighborhood.
4. Reduce Interference: Avoid the “Silent Night” Signal
Avoid placing your router near objects that can block signals, like microwaves, large metal appliances, or thick walls. Less interference equals more speed!
5. Spread Cheer (and Wi-Fi) to Every Corner
If you have rooms placed too far from the router, where Wi-Fi seems to vanish like Frosty in July, a mesh system can help. If you didn’t know, United offers technology to extend coverage across your home. These devices ensure your guests stay connected, whether they’re streaming, scrolling, or online shopping.
6. Manage Device Access: Prioritize the Nice List
With all the new holiday gadgets, your network can get crowded. Use the UControl App to prioritize device connections. You can make sure your work laptop or the 4K streaming TV gets the speed it needs while limiting bandwidth for unused devices.
7. Set Bedtime Rules for “A Wonderful Life”
United’s UControl App can also help you create access schedules for specific devices. Using the app can help manage screen time for children to make sure everyone actually disconnects and gets some sleep. It’s a great way to maintain structure even when school is out.
8. Know Common Troubleshooting Techniques: No “Humbug” Here
Don’t panic if your internet seems slow! The solution is often simple. United has an easy-to-follow online resource that walks you through common troubleshooting steps. Knowing these basic techniques can help you quickly reconnect.
9. Video Call with Grandma, Without a Reindeer or Glitches
Holiday video calls bring everyone together, no matter how far apart they are. For smooth, clear calls, close extra apps and pause large downloads during your chat. If Grandma needs a little tech help, share United’s guide on optimizing video calls—it’s perfect for every skill level.
10. Schedule Large Downloads for the Night Before Christmas
United’s fiber plans are all capable of handling large downloads. But if you’re on a 300 Mbps plan, you may need to update devices or download big files. Schedule large downloads during off-peak hours, like overnight. You’ll free up bandwidth during the day for streaming, gaming, and browsing.
11. Practice Cybersecurity
Protect your family and your data from online attacks. During the holidays, scammers often ramp up phishing techniques, sending emails about fake shipping updates, bogus charity requests, or urgent password alerts.
You can check out United’s Comprehensive Guide to Online Safety for more tips on protecting you and your family from cybersecurity threats.
12. Call in the Elves (That’s Us!)
If your internet still feels sluggish, don’t troubleshoot alone. United’s local customer support team is ready to help. From quick fixes to personalized recommendations, we’ll make sure your connection stays strong all season long.
Happy Holidays from Our United Family to Yours!
This season, we all hope you spend less time troubleshooting and more time connecting with the people who matter most. Whether you’re streaming, shopping, or FaceTiming loved ones, we’re here to make sure your internet keeps up with every magical moment—and if you want to give a gift that keeps on giving all year, learn more about our 8 Gig Premier internet.
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
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Author Bio:
Sam Montalvo
Residential Direct Sales Supervisor
Sam Montalvo brings over 15 years of experience in the telecommunications and television industry to his role at United Communications. After working for a large national provider, Sam joined United because he was drawn to its strong values and principles, which closely aligned with his own. He considers that decision the best career move he has ever made. In his current position, he helps lead the sales team and plays a vital part in solving problems to ensure every customer is satisfied. He truly enjoys both living and working in Middle Tennessee.