Slovakia’s Internet Reaches Record Speeds During Hockey Game
Slovakia’s internet infrastructure experienced a surge in traffic, hitting a peak of nearly 929 Gbit/s during a recent hockey match between Slovakia and Finland at the 2026 Winter Olympics. This surpassed a previous record of 899 Gbit/s. The peak continued to climb, reaching 946 Gbit/s shortly after, and ultimately exceeding 1,040 Gbit/s (specifically 1039.3 Gbit/s) before the game concluded.
The Role of the Slovak Peering Center (SIX)
These figures are based on data from the Slovak Peering Center (SIX), a key exchange point where internet service providers connect and share network traffic. The increased activity demonstrates the growing demand for high-bandwidth internet access, particularly during live sporting events.
Growing Demand for Online Content
The trend towards increased internet usage is fueled by several factors. STVR, a broadcasting organization, offers content online in Full HD (1080p) quality, free of charge, and accessible on mobile devices. The rise of internet-based TV services and streaming platforms like HBO Max and Eurosport also contribute to the overall demand.
Sporting Events as a Catalyst for Bandwidth Usage
Major sporting events consistently drive up internet traffic. The Winter Olympics, and events like the Ice Hockey World Championship, are particularly popular, attracting large online audiences. It is anticipated that further records may be broken during the remainder of the Winter Olympics.
FAQ
- What caused the record internet speeds? The hockey match between Slovakia and Finland at the Winter Olympics.
- What is the Slovak Peering Center (SIX)? It’s a central exchange point for internet service providers in Slovakia.
- What factors are driving up internet usage? Free HD content from STVR, the growth of internet-based TV services, and streaming platforms.
