Demand for streaming media and services, like the BBC’s iPlayer, is expected to exert huge pressure on networks when the Games begin in a week’s time.
Peter Knapp, managing director of CCS Leeds, a independent premier leased line, web hosting and broadband provider, said some companies could be forced to ration internet access if they are to keep critical internet functions working.
Mr Knapp said: “A lot of businesses have still not prepared for the enormous risks presented by the Olympics. Some internet service providers (ISPs) are imposing caps and restrictions on customers’ internet use in an effort to reduce pressure and even encouraging them to buy more bandwidth.”
He added: “Our data centre in Leeds will be immune to any problems but companies need to check that their ISPs have sufficient capacity to deal with the upsurge and take action now to ensure they stay connected throughout the weeks that the Games are on.”
Mr Knapp’s warning echoes similar concerns from the Cabinet Office which has issued concerns in its official advice, Preparing your Business For The Games. It says: "It is possible that internet services may be slower during the Games or, in very severe cases, there may be dropouts due to an increased number of people accessing the internet."
CCS opened their data centre in Seacroft following a £150,000 investment in 2011. It can house 4,800 servers which are cooled by an eco-friendly air conditioning system, significantly reducing the company’s energy costs and carbon emissions. The company has recently announced plans to open a second data centre on the Headrow in Leeds, bringing cheaper connectivity to thousands of businesses in the city centre.