England’s victory over DR Congo drives biggest mobile traffic event ever recorded on O2’s network

• O2 records its highest-ever mobile traffic during England’s Round of 32 victory over DR Congo, with traffic peaking during the 5pm kick-off
• The new record was 20.38% higher than the previous peak set during the Arsenal vs PSG UEFA Champions League Final and 27.67% above a comparable pre-tournament week
• Huge spike reflects the growing demand placed on mobile networks as millions stream, follow and react to live sporting events on the move

O2 has recorded the biggest mobile traffic event in its history as millions of football fans tuned in to follow England’s Round of 32 victory over DR Congo yesterday evening.

The new record was 20.38% higher than the previous peak, set during the Arsenal vs PSG UEFA Champions League Final, underlining the huge demand major live sporting events now place on the UK’s mobile networks.

Overall mobile traffic was also 27.67% higher than a comparable pre-tournament week, as millions of supporters streamed, followed and reacted to the match during the evening commute.

The record-breaking traffic reflects how fans are increasingly following live sport on the move. With kick-off coinciding with the journey home from work for many, BBC iPlayer saw traffic surge up 380% compared to a typical weekday afternoon as supporters streamed the match on their phones.

O2’s network data also revealed an interesting behavioural shift during the match. After DR Congo took the early lead, activity across apps including TikTok, WhatsApp and Tinder increased, suggesting fans turned to their phones for a distraction as England went behind. Once the second half got underway and England grabbed an equaliser, usage across all three apps fell as supporters locked into the action.

Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “Live sport is one of the biggest drivers of mobile traffic in the UK and England’s victory over DR Congo set a new record on O2’s network. With millions of fans following the match during the evening commute, reliable mobile connectivity has never been more important.”

“As more people stream, second-screen and share the biggest sporting moments wherever they are, we’re investing £700m as part of our Mobile Transformation Plan to ensure customers stay connected when demand is at its highest.”

ENDS