The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has called on telecom customers to cut their internet usage during peak hours.  

The authority urged customers to avoid the use of internet for entertainment or recreational purposes between 9am and 6pm. 

Cutting down on internet usage during peak hours will help meet the needs of the sectors at the frontline of fighting COVID-19. ‘It will help meet the needs of important sectors such as healthcare, relief sector, distance learning and offices,’ TRA stated. 

The authority also advised customers to avoid unnecessary video calls not only during rush hours but rather all the time.  

‘Also avoid sending large number of files via social media applications to avoid pressure on the network,’ it said. 
Users are also urged to use fixed internet and voice services as much as possible. ‘To make a call, use the landline instead of using a mobile phone to reduce the pressure on mobile networks.’ 
‘Encourage your children to do creative tasks away from the (mobile or TV) screens and do not leave them to spend long time watching videos,’ it added.